Forty Under 40 2010 Winner
James “Storm” Bennett, 39 is the president of Killerspots.com, a production house and ad agency he founded in 1997. Back when he was 19, a professor told him he’d never make it in the world of broadcast – but Bennett has spent more than 20 years as a radio host, DJ, television personality and national voiceover artist.
Q: Where do you go for advice?
I get advice all the time. It’s great, sound advice that’s hard to come by. I get my advice from very successful business people and seasoned professional who have been through it all. I get a lot of advice from my dad, who is a senior sales and marketing account executive for 3M, as well as my longtime mentor Joe Blackmon, CEO of ChillsThrills.com
Q: How are you tackling the current economic challenges in your business life?
A day at a time like most business owners. I might be weird, but I seem to get more motivated because of the challenges. It seems to keep me on my toes and (make me) strive even harder.
Q: What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
Our morning meetings. I am a sucker for camaraderie and creative ideas bouncing around a room.
Q: if you could do something dangerous one time with no risk, what would you do?
I would love to be the president of the United States. Republican, of course. I would help small business sowers with tax cuts and other incentives so we could afford to do more hiring and help this economic downward spiral. You did say, “with no risk,” right?
Q: What professional accomplishment do you hope to achieve by the age of 40?
Improve my golf game!
Q: What personal accomplishment do you hope to achieve by the age of 40?
I would like to finish my private pilot’s license. We are close.
Q: What reality show would you go on, and why?
I would like to go on a reality show that has a beach.
Q: Talk briefly about your most life-changing experience
My most life-changing experience was when I was 19 and my first boss told me I would never be on the radio, TV, or be a cuccess in this industry. HE was a director and professor at a college in Maryland and I volunteered for: The director even wrote me a letter; which I have framed and put on my wall as inspiration.
Q: What’s your pet peeve?
I loathe when I hold a door for someone, and they don’t say thank you! Hate that!
Q: Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
I certainly do. One door closes, another one opens
