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Her father, Richard "Dick" Paul Komando served in the Army during the Korean War and was a management employee for [[United Airlines]].{{fact|date=December 2013}} Her mother, Virginia Dorthy (Williams) Komando was a Senior Systems Analyst with [[Bell Laboratories]].<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-komando-29757813 Virginia Komando Profile]. LinkedIn.</ref>{{fact|date=December 2013}} She is the youngest of four, a brother Richard and two sisters, Christine and Kathleen.{{fact|date=May 2016}}
Her father, Richard "Dick" Paul Komando served in the Army during the Korean War and was a management employee for [[United Airlines]].{{fact|date=December 2013}} Her mother, Virginia Dorthy (Williams) Komando was a Senior Systems Analyst with [[Bell Laboratories]].<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-komando-29757813 Virginia Komando Profile]. LinkedIn.</ref>{{fact|date=December 2013}} She is the youngest of four, a brother Richard and two sisters, Christine and Kathleen.{{fact|date=May 2016}}


Kim Komando "was 9 years old when she first sat at a computer".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Life And Times of Kim Komando (A Professional Profile)|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961018000745/http://komando.com/abtkk/staff/kom.htm|date=18 October 1996}}</ref> She graduated eighth grade from Watchung's Valley View School in 1978.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ninety-Two Graduate From Valley View|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/95580141/|accessdate=30 May 2016|work=Echoes-Sentinel from Warren Township, New Jersey|date=June 29, 1978}}</ref> She attended the nearby private high school for girls, [[Mount St. Mary Academy]], where she was elected to the McAuley Chapter of the National Honor Society in 1981.<ref>{{cite news|title="Campus Corner"|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/97103831/|accessdate=30 May 2016|work=Echoes-Sentinel from Warren Township, New Jersey|date=January 22, 1981}}</ref><ref>[http://www.e-yearbook.com/yearbooks/Mount_Saint_Mary_Academy_Mountain_Chimes_Yearbook/1981/Page_179.html Mount Saint Mary Academy Mountain Chimes Yearbook 1981]. E-Yearbook.com.</ref><ref>[http://www.reunion.com/nj/watchung/mount+st+mary+academy/ Mount St. Mary Academy]. Reunion.com.</ref> After graduating from high school in 1982, she went on to attend [[Arizona State University]]. While in school, she trained people to use their computers. Kim graduated from Arizona State University [[W. P. Carey School of Business | School of Business]] in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems.<ref name="ASU2001"/>
Kim Komando "was 9 years old when she first sat at a computer".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Life And Times of Kim Komando (A Professional Profile) |url=http://komando.com/abtkk/staff/kom.htm |date=18 October 1996 |deadurl=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19961018000745/http://komando.com/abtkk/staff/kom.htm |archivedate=October 18, 1996 }}</ref> She graduated eighth grade from Watchung's Valley View School in 1978.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ninety-Two Graduate From Valley View|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/95580141/|accessdate=30 May 2016|work=Echoes-Sentinel from Warren Township, New Jersey|date=June 29, 1978}}</ref> She attended the nearby private high school for girls, [[Mount St. Mary Academy]], where she was elected to the McAuley Chapter of the National Honor Society in 1981.<ref>{{cite news|title="Campus Corner"|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/97103831/|accessdate=30 May 2016|work=Echoes-Sentinel from Warren Township, New Jersey|date=January 22, 1981}}</ref><ref>[http://www.e-yearbook.com/yearbooks/Mount_Saint_Mary_Academy_Mountain_Chimes_Yearbook/1981/Page_179.html Mount Saint Mary Academy Mountain Chimes Yearbook 1981]. E-Yearbook.com.</ref><ref>[http://www.reunion.com/nj/watchung/mount+st+mary+academy/ Mount St. Mary Academy]. Reunion.com.</ref> After graduating from high school in 1982, she went on to attend [[Arizona State University]]. While in school, she trained people to use their computers. Kim graduated from Arizona State University [[W. P. Carey School of Business | School of Business]] in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems.<ref name="ASU2001"/>


She is frequently asked if "Kim Komando" is her real name, which it is. The name "Komando" is [[Russians|Russian]]-[[Ukrainians|Ukrainian]].<ref>"[http://www.komando.com/faqs#is-kim-komando-her-real-name Frequently Asked Questions-Is Kim Komando her real name?]. Komando.com.</ref>
She is frequently asked if "Kim Komando" is her real name, which it is. The name "Komando" is [[Russians|Russian]]-[[Ukrainians|Ukrainian]].<ref>"[http://www.komando.com/faqs#is-kim-komando-her-real-name Frequently Asked Questions-Is Kim Komando her real name?]. Komando.com.</ref>
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Komando started out in sales, working for [[IBM]], [[Old AT&T|AT&T]] and [[Unisys]]. At Unisys, she sold [[Mainframe computer|mainframe]] systems. She sold [[Honeywell]] a Unisys system for $11 million. Komando wrote a column about computers for the ''Arizona Business Gazette''. This led to a call-in talk show on computers. It aired late at night on [[KFYI]] in [[Phoenix, Arizona]].
Komando started out in sales, working for [[IBM]], [[Old AT&T|AT&T]] and [[Unisys]]. At Unisys, she sold [[Mainframe computer|mainframe]] systems. She sold [[Honeywell]] a Unisys system for $11 million. Komando wrote a column about computers for the ''Arizona Business Gazette''. This led to a call-in talk show on computers. It aired late at night on [[KFYI]] in [[Phoenix, Arizona]].


In 1992, she formed "The Komando Corporation" with her as President/CEO and her mother as Secretary.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Komando Corporation|url=http://ecorp.azcc.gov/Details/Corp?corpId=02388629|website=ecorp.azcc.gov|publisher=Arizona Corporation Commission eCorp|accessdate=31 May 2016}}</ref> She quit sales to focus on her column and radio show, though she was only earning $60 a week from the column and show combined. Komando developed computer training tapes like ''Komputer Tutor'', which she sold via an infomercial.<ref>{{cite web|title=How to Avoid the 29 Biggest Computer Mistakes (1993)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt1b6gz6sYc|date=1 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Early '90s Kim Komando Infomercial|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkBgN47wXgI|date=25 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Komputer Tutor Infomercial Part 1|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CliX-Gr0wwM|date=12 September 2007}}</ref> Over 150,000 tapes were sold for $80 to $120 each.{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}} The second generation of tapes included Prodigy. America Online was included with the third generation of tapes. Komando negotiated a role running the info section on AOL’s site. The domain KOMANDO.COM was registered in November 1994.<ref>{{cite web|title={{!}} ICANN WHOIS|url=https://whois.icann.org/en/lookup?name=komando.com|website=whois.icann.org}}</ref> It hosted "Kim Komando's Komputer Klinic" for several years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kim Komando's Komputer Klinic|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961018000536/http://komando.com/|date=18 October 1996}}</ref>
In 1992, she formed "The Komando Corporation" with her as President/CEO and her mother as Secretary.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Komando Corporation|url=http://ecorp.azcc.gov/Details/Corp?corpId=02388629|website=ecorp.azcc.gov|publisher=Arizona Corporation Commission eCorp|accessdate=31 May 2016}}</ref> She quit sales to focus on her column and radio show, though she was only earning $60 a week from the column and show combined. Komando developed computer training tapes like ''Komputer Tutor'', which she sold via an infomercial.<ref>{{cite web|title=How to Avoid the 29 Biggest Computer Mistakes (1993)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt1b6gz6sYc|date=1 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Early '90s Kim Komando Infomercial|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkBgN47wXgI|date=25 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Komputer Tutor Infomercial Part 1|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CliX-Gr0wwM|date=12 September 2007}}</ref> Over 150,000 tapes were sold for $80 to $120 each.{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}} The second generation of tapes included Prodigy. America Online was included with the third generation of tapes. Komando negotiated a role running the info section on AOL’s site. The domain KOMANDO.COM was registered in November 1994.<ref>{{cite web|title={{!}} ICANN WHOIS|url=https://whois.icann.org/en/lookup?name=komando.com|website=whois.icann.org}}</ref> It hosted "Kim Komando's Komputer Klinic" for several years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kim Komando's Komputer Klinic |url=http://komando.com/ |date=18 October 1996 |deadurl=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19961018000536/http://komando.com/ |archivedate=October 18, 1996 }}</ref>


Komando has written 12 books on computers and technology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amazon.com: Books|url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_adv_b/?search-alias=stripbooks&unfiltered=1&field-author=Kim+Komando|accessdate=30 May 2016}}</ref>
Komando has written 12 books on computers and technology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Amazon.com: Books|url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_adv_b/?search-alias=stripbooks&unfiltered=1&field-author=Kim+Komando|accessdate=30 May 2016}}</ref>

Revision as of 02:43, 1 June 2016

Kim Komando
Born (1967-07-01) July 1, 1967 (age 57)
Watchung, New Jersey
NationalityUSA
Alma materArizona State University (B.S., Computer Information Systems, 1985) [1][2]
Occupation(s)radio host, author, columnist
Known forcomputer radio show
SpouseBarry Young
ChildrenIan
Websitekomando.com

Kim Komando (born July 1, 1967) is the host of a popular American talk radio program about consumer technology. On the weekly call-in show, Komando provides advice about technology gadgets, websites, smartphone apps, and Internet security.

The Kim Komando Show is broadcast and syndicated on 435 radio stations in the United States and two stations in Ontario, Canada to an estimated 1.5+ million listeners.[3][citation needed] Her Digital Minute airs on more than 390 stations five days a week. Her shows are also heard internationally on the Armed Forces Radio Network covering 177 different countries. In 2016, she ranked 29th in Talkers Magazine's "Heavy Hundred", their ranking of the 100 most important radio hosts.[4]

Komando refers to herself as "America's Digital Goddess."[5] Her website, Komando.com, reaches 2.5 million unique readers each month and her tech-focused newsletters are distributed to more than 42 million subscribers each month.[citation needed]

Komando and her husband, Barry Young, own Phoenix, Arizona-based WestStar TalkRadio Network, which distributes the Komando radio program. Also, through the publishing arm of WestStar, Komando publishes daily and weekly email newsletters/advertisements addressing issues topical to her radio program. Over 42 million newsletters are sent each month.[citation needed]

Komando has appeared on CNN, CBS, MSNBC, ABC, BBC and Fox News, and her syndicated columns appear in USA Today and other newspapers. She won the Gracie Award for Outstanding Program Host in 2007[6] and in April 2016 was the keynote speaker at the NAB Show Radio Luncheon to an audience of industry leaders.[7][8]

Early life

Kimberly Ann Komando was born and raised in New Jersey.[citation needed]

Her father, Richard "Dick" Paul Komando served in the Army during the Korean War and was a management employee for United Airlines.[citation needed] Her mother, Virginia Dorthy (Williams) Komando was a Senior Systems Analyst with Bell Laboratories.[9][citation needed] She is the youngest of four, a brother Richard and two sisters, Christine and Kathleen.[citation needed]

Kim Komando "was 9 years old when she first sat at a computer".[10] She graduated eighth grade from Watchung's Valley View School in 1978.[11] She attended the nearby private high school for girls, Mount St. Mary Academy, where she was elected to the McAuley Chapter of the National Honor Society in 1981.[12][13][14] After graduating from high school in 1982, she went on to attend Arizona State University. While in school, she trained people to use their computers. Kim graduated from Arizona State University School of Business in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems.[2]

She is frequently asked if "Kim Komando" is her real name, which it is. The name "Komando" is Russian-Ukrainian.[15]

Career

Komando started out in sales, working for IBM, AT&T and Unisys. At Unisys, she sold mainframe systems. She sold Honeywell a Unisys system for $11 million. Komando wrote a column about computers for the Arizona Business Gazette. This led to a call-in talk show on computers. It aired late at night on KFYI in Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1992, she formed "The Komando Corporation" with her as President/CEO and her mother as Secretary.[16] She quit sales to focus on her column and radio show, though she was only earning $60 a week from the column and show combined. Komando developed computer training tapes like Komputer Tutor, which she sold via an infomercial.[17][18][19] Over 150,000 tapes were sold for $80 to $120 each.[citation needed] The second generation of tapes included Prodigy. America Online was included with the third generation of tapes. Komando negotiated a role running the info section on AOL’s site. The domain KOMANDO.COM was registered in November 1994.[20] It hosted "Kim Komando's Komputer Klinic" for several years.[21]

Komando has written 12 books on computers and technology.[22]

Radio broadcasting

In the mid-1990s, she started the WestStar TalkRadio Network with her husband Barry Young. They built their first studio in 1994. In 1994, ABC and CBS Radio passed on the show, saying a national radio show on the subject would be unsuccessful, as computers and the Internet were a fad.[23]

In 2015, the staff of WestStar moved into a $7.5 million, 24,000 square-foot multimedia facility with radio studios and production facilities for TV shows and podcasts.[citation needed]

The Kim Komando radio show airs on more than 435 radio stations in the United States and in 177 different countries on Armed Forces Radio. As of 2016, Compass Media Networks handles some sales for the Kim Komando podcasts in conjunction with WestStar.[24]

WestStar's radio offerings diversified into a number of other radio formats. The shows Komando and WestStar syndicated included; Your Weekend, an adult contemporary music program hosted by pianist Jim Brickman; Quiet Music, a smooth jazz program hosted by Nick Francis; Goddard's Gold and The '70s, classic hits/oldies programs hosted by Phoenix-area disc jockey Steve Goddard; The Other Side with Steve Godfrey, a call-in talk show in which the title host attempted to communicate with spirits; and An American Christmas, an annual Christmas special produced by Mannheim Steamroller.

Personal life

Kim is a certified scuba diver, runs marathons and loves to cook.[citation needed] She is married to Barry Young, host of The Nearly Famous Barry Young Show, a local radio show on KFYI in Phoenix. Their son Ian was born on December 28, 2000.[25]

Awards

  • 2001 Arizona State University College of Business and SRP Spirit of the Enterprise Award [2]
  • 2006 Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Woman to Talk Radio, also known as “Woman of the Year” by Talker’s Magazine.[26]
  • 2007 Gracie Individual Achievement Award for Outstanding Program Host.[6]
  • 2009 speaker at Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women Summit.[27]

References

  1. ^ "Profile: Kim Komando", Society of Women Engineers, Keynote address, 1999 Annual Conference
  2. ^ a b c Ku, Tony, "Radio host's enterprise recognized by ASU, SRP", ASU archive, Monday, September 24, 2001
  3. ^ "List of most-listened-to radio programs". Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 28 May 2016.
  4. ^ "2016 Talkers Heavy Hundred 26-50". TALKERS.COM. 7 April 2016.
  5. ^ "Kim Komando." FamilyFirst.com. 2007-03-09[dead link]
  6. ^ a b The Gracies: 2007 Gracie Awards Winners. thegracies.org
  7. ^ "Kim Komando to Address NAB Show Radio Luncheon | NAB Show". www.nabshow.com.
  8. ^ "Kim Komando offers keynote speech at NAB 2016". 28 April 2016.
  9. ^ Virginia Komando Profile. LinkedIn.
  10. ^ "The Life And Times of Kim Komando (A Professional Profile)". 18 October 1996. Archived from the original on October 18, 1996. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ "Ninety-Two Graduate From Valley View". Echoes-Sentinel from Warren Township, New Jersey. June 29, 1978. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  12. ^ ""Campus Corner"". Echoes-Sentinel from Warren Township, New Jersey. January 22, 1981. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  13. ^ Mount Saint Mary Academy Mountain Chimes Yearbook 1981. E-Yearbook.com.
  14. ^ Mount St. Mary Academy. Reunion.com.
  15. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions-Is Kim Komando her real name?. Komando.com.
  16. ^ "The Komando Corporation". ecorp.azcc.gov. Arizona Corporation Commission eCorp. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  17. ^ "How to Avoid the 29 Biggest Computer Mistakes (1993)". 1 January 2013.
  18. ^ "Early '90s Kim Komando Infomercial". 25 April 2013.
  19. ^ "Komputer Tutor Infomercial Part 1". 12 September 2007.
  20. ^ "| ICANN WHOIS". whois.icann.org.
  21. ^ "Kim Komando's Komputer Klinic". 18 October 1996. Archived from the original on October 18, 1996. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ "Amazon.com: Books". Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  23. ^ "About Kim-Setting sights on national radio. Komando.com[dead link]
  24. ^ Kim Komando Show at Compass Media Networks.
  25. ^ "About Kim" page on official website
  26. ^ "Talkers Magazine.talkers.com. 2007-05-26
  27. ^ "FORTUNE Most Powerful Women Summit 2009 - Speakers". www.fortuneconferences.com.
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