Leadership

John “JD” and Heather Tayloe

President & Founders

John “JD” and Heather Tayloe are the Founders and President of Strategic Communications Group and its new community Country radio station, 99.1 The Ranch.

John and Heather founded Strategic Communications Group in 1998 and own and operate three international Christian radio stations called VOICE OF HOPE reaching populations of over 2-billion people throughout Africa, Latin America, and their newest station in Israel, reaching the Middle East. Visit www.voiceofhope.com for more information and how you can help.

In 2013, John received a broadcast license for a new community radio station in Simi Valley, California with the ability to serve a population of over 1-million people in East Ventura County and the San Fernando Valley. John invited Michael Raffety, Mark Pallock, and Thomas Herdering to join Strategic Communications Group at that time. This dream team of talent and experience built, shaped and programmed what has become the most listened to Country radio station in Ventura County. In our second year, John invited Strategic board member, Steve Todd to give daily leadership over the stations' operations as its General Manager.

Our cast of “Ranch Hands” supply the on-air talent made up of professional broadcasters from top radio careers in Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Dallas. The real secret to the success of 99.1 The Ranch are its Listeners and Sponsors. From ages spanning from 9 to 90, Ranch listeners love the hometown feel with the professional sound. The support that we have given to our local businesses has made us a real part of the community of Simi Valley and has made a difference. We are honored and blessed to be so trusted and loved by our community. We love them too!

John and Heather are considering a few more radio stations in the future. We always think of The Ranch as an example of excellence and a radio station that truly connects with its listeners. That’s not easy! Its intentional and birthed out of our passion to serve.

Steve Todd

CFO

Steve was born a Hoosier in Indianapolis but grew up in the suburbs of Chicago where much of his family still reside. He is the second of three brothers and one sister. He earned his BA from Rollins College and an MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management. He has lived for the last 20 years in SoCal with his wife, Robin, and their son, Christopher.

In January 2016, Steve joined The Ranch as General Manager, where his main function is to stay off the air…highly encouraged by his fellow Ranch Hands. Before joining the team here at The Ranch, he worked for 18 years at Amgen. After being downsized with 2400 of his best friends in 2007, Steve launched Sales and Marketing Training and Development (www.SMTDbiz.com), where he helps organizations with…well…sales and marketing, training, and development. He is an Adjunct Professor at Graziadio teaching marketing and business operations in the entrepreneurial curriculum.

“It has been fun watching The Ranch grow and become an integral part of the Greater Simi Valley Community, and now The San Fernando Valley. We love our listeners and value your feedback. Keep listening…and tell others!”

Michael Raffety

Program Director

Michael was born in Oklahoma and lived in the Washington D.C. area and Eastern Tennessee before moving to Texas where he and his two sisters grew up. He still has family living in the Dallas area. Michael attended Texas State University where he earned his degree in Mass Communication. He also earned his MPA in Public Administration at CSU Northridge. Since then, he has lived and worked in Los Angeles for over 18 years.

Michael is proud to have been with The Ranch since the beginning. He helped with its development and launch in 2014. Previously, he worked at various radio stations in Dallas, Austin, and Los Angeles, primarily producing morning and talk radio shows. He also runs his own business, Smilecom Media (http://www.smilecommedia.com), which produces, syndicates and distributes radio programming and production to affiliate radio stations. He has successfully launched The Dr. Claudia Show and Parenting Pointers with Dr. Claudia that originated at The Ranch. He also co-founder of Skid Trax Voice Tracking Service which syndicates The Ashley & Brad Show originating from Simi Valley, hosted by The Ranch’s Ashley Paige & Brad Abrell.

“When I’m not working, I enjoy surfing and golfing, neither of which I’ve come close to mastering. I’m the guy you’re asking to ‘play through.’ I’m also a big Dallas Cowboys fan, which leaves me frustrated much of the fall season.”

Mark Pallock

Chief Engineer

Mark was born and raised in the Los Angeles suburb of North Hollywood and is currently a resident of Newbury Park.

Mark has 53 years of experience as a radio and television broadcast engineer starting with radio station KVFM San Fernando in 1966. Outside of his duties at The Ranch, he is currently director of engineering for 4 Los Angeles radio stations. He was also transmitter supervisor at KCET Ch-28 for 11 years. He holds an AA in drama from Los Angeles Valley College and a BA in electronics. Outside of radio Mark is a big band drummer, restores classic 50’s cars and holds a double black belt in martial arts.

Mark considers it an honor and a privilege to work with the radio professionals at The Ranch and to maintain the highest technical standards possible with no budget.