Rick’s career began as a musician, playing professionally in high school.  He performed at venues in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and on live television, live radio, and in recording studios.  Through the years, Rick has worked with many bands in a variety of musical genre and continues to perform with a variety of local bands in country, pop, and polka music.  His experiences as a musician led to an interest in audio recording and broadcasting.  Rick has received voice training from Tyne Turner a nationally recognized voice and speech coach. 

Rick McKay’s broadcasting career began in 1978 at WTKM Hartford, Wisconsin where Rick served as staff announcer and board operator for local remote broadcasts. His next job was as program director at WMCW Harvard, Illinois, and a community involved station, where Rick coordinated and produced all of its local public affairs and sports programming.   

Rick McKay was part of the successful team at WMIL Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  During his tenure Rick served in a variety of capacities including audio production.  It was at that time Rick gained extensive knowledge and valuable experience with multi-track recording, audio effects, and processing equipment.  He also wrote and produced two local programs that were top revenue earners and consistently held #1 ratings in their prospective day parts. 

Rick Mckay moved to WBWI West Bend, Wisconsin to become program director/chief operator.  Rick ‘s diverse programming style helped WBWI surpass all sales and audience goals.  

In 2000, Rick decided to venture into free-lance audio/video production.  He currently owns and operates McKay Studio.  Studio projects include radio and commercial production, audio sweetening and sound design for television commercials, long form videos, and recording live bands.

His video editing has included television campaigns for George Webb Restaurants, Guaranty Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Project Safe Neighborhood.  The video production of Project Safe Neighborhood, a youth music talent contest on anti-gun crime was one of Rick’s most rewarding video projects. 

Rick has used his knowledge and experience in music and broadcasting to add stage management and talent buying as a non-traditional source of revenue for his production studio. Clients include Washington County Fair in West Bend, Wisconsin, The Lakewood Country Music Fest, and the Colgate Country Showdown. 

Rick currently produces and hosts “Music City Memories” a two-hour syndicated classic country radio program.  The show includes interviews with artists.