We were lucky to catch up with Ronald Gordon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ronald, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

WSAN Radio was created to be the voice of the underserved community in San Antonio, Texas, and beyond. Our station serves as a bridge to amplify stories, concerns, and celebrations of those whose voices often go unheard.

One compelling story comes from our annual Thanksgiving turkey distribution. In one instance, a mother of four arrived at the event, sharing that this act of kindness would ensure her family had their first Thanksgiving dinner in years. This moment encapsulates the struggles of many in our community families grappling with food insecurity and limited resources. These challenges often go unnoticed, yet they are the reality for thousands of our neighbors.

We also serve the African American community through programs highlighting cultural heritage, including our Black History Month music, and messaging initiatives. Our station organizes events like toy drives and roundtable discussions, providing both tangible support and platforms for dialogue on systemic issues.

Our brand is committed to being a beacon of support by offering resources, creating inclusive spaces, and highlighting local talent. By partnering with organizations like Ball Hoogs Barbecue, run by youth, we invest in the next generation, fostering leadership and opportunities.

WSAN Radio is not just a station; it is a community hub, ensuring everyone, regardless of their challenges, feels seen, heard, and valued.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Ronald Gordon, the founder and owner of WSAN Radio, an internet-based radio station rooted in service to the community and elevating underrepresented voices. My journey into broadcasting began as a blend of personal growth, professional ambition, and a genuine passion for making a difference.
How I Got into Broadcasting
I grew up in Chicago in a family of nine, where hard work and resilience were everyday necessities. Moving to Texas was a transformative experience, teaching me self-reliance and igniting a desire to create something meaningful. I returned to school, earned Microsoft certifications, and eventually established WSAN Radio. The birth of my son was a pivotal moment—it deepened my resolve to build a legacy that would impact lives.
What WSAN Radio Provides
WSAN Radio offers a diverse range of programs designed to inform, inspire, and entertain. From The Morning Show with Ron G, which explores community issues and features engaging guest interviews, to segments on financial literacy, health, and cultural empowerment, we tackle topics that matter to our listeners. We also spotlight local businesses and organizations that are driving change, such as MAAT Bookstore and Wanna Go Fit LLC.
MAAT Bookstore is a vital cultural hub promoting education, self-awareness, and a connection to African heritage. By featuring them on WSAN Radio, we emphasize the importance of their work in fostering intellectual growth and social consciousness.
Wanna Go Fit LLC, led by Keyuna Milam, inspires wellness through inclusive fitness programs. Their “valley-shrinking” workouts make health achievable for everyone, and we have collaborated with them to share their philosophy of accessibility and empowerment.
What Sets Us Apart
What distinguishes WSAN Radio is our unwavering commitment to the community. We do not just broadcast; we engage. From organizing events like our Thanksgiving turkey distribution (over 2,500 turkeys handed out) and Christmas toy drives ($300,000 worth of toys distributed last year) to hosting discussions on local issues, we are deeply intertwined with the community we serve. Our partnerships with local businesses, such as Ball Hoogs Barbecue and community-centric programs like karaoke nights, amplify this connection.
What I am Most Proud Of
I am most proud of WSAN Radio’s role as a platform for change and hope. We provide a voice for those often overlooked, celebrate cultural heritage, and empower individuals to improve their lives. Our collaborations with businesses like Maat Bookstore and Wanna Go Fit LLC highlight the power of collective action in creating a stronger, more connected community.
What I Want You to Know
WSAN Radio is not just a station, it is a movement. It is a space where voices matter, stories inspire, and community thrives. We aim to uplift, inform, and create opportunities for everyone we serve. Whether you are tuning in for insightful discussions, local events, or simply great music, WSAN Radio is here to keep you connected and inspired.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey has been transitioning WSAN Radio into a home studio during the pandemic a move that, while challenging, became a testament to adaptability and perseverance.
Before the pandemic, having a dedicated office space symbolized the growth and stability of WSAN Radio. It was a place where creativity thrived, ideas flowed, and community connections were built. Losing that space felt like a major setback, but we knew the mission could not stop. The community depended on us for vital information, inspiration, and a sense of togetherness during such an isolating time.
With limited resources, I transformed part of my home into a functional studio. It was not glamorous, but it allowed us to keep broadcasting. Every piece of equipment, every wire and microphone, reminded me of the determination it took to stay operational. From that space, we continued hosting shows, interviewing guests, and engaging with our audience as if nothing had changed.
The home studio became more than a workaround. It became a symbol of what WSAN Radio represents: resilience, innovation, and commitment to serving the community. It allowed us to reach people in new and creative ways, proving that it is not about where you broadcast from but the impact you make.
Even now, operating from our home studio, we remain dedicated to growth. We have adapted and thrived, using this time to strengthen our connections with the community and innovate our content. This chapter of our journey shows that setbacks can be steppingstones, and that passion and purpose will always find a way.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Funding WSAN Radio has truly been a personal journey, and one that has been filled with dedication, sacrifice, and a deep belief in the mission of the station. When I first set out to create WSAN, I did not have investors or significant external funding; instead, I relied solely on my own resources to get things off the ground.
In the beginning, I dipped into my savings, which had been built through years of challenging work, including side gigs like air conditioning repair, photography, and videography. These were not just jobs I took on to generate income to fund my dream. Every penny earned went back into the station to purchase equipment, pay for hosting services, and maintain the day-to-day costs associated with running a radio station. It was not glamorous, but it was necessary to make sure WSAN could remain operational.
As the station grew, I was constantly faced with the challenge of balancing the station’s needs with my own financial stability. Some months were harder than others, and there were times when I felt the weight of self-financing pressing down on me. I did not want to burden the community or any potential partners with the responsibility of the station’s upkeep when I knew it was my dream and my passion that had brought it to life. But that meant taking on the financial strain personally whether it was through my savings or finding additional freelance work to cover unexpected expenses.
Over time, I began to see that there was more than just a need for the station’s existence and there was a genuine connection being built with the community. WSAN became a place where voices could be heard, where people could feel supported, and where local businesses could find a platform. This sense of purpose kept me going, even when the financial aspects were overwhelming.
Even though we are still operating out of our home studio today, I remain hopeful and focused on the future. My goal for 2025 is to attract sponsors who believe in our mission and the work we do. We have been in conversations with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders, and I believe that once they see the value of WSAN Radio’s community impact, they will be willing to partner with us. Additionally, I am actively seeking grants to help sustain and grow the station. These sponsorships and grants will not only help relieve the financial burden but also allow us to invest in better equipment, expand our programming, and create more opportunities for engagement with our audience.
I am confident that with this external support, WSAN Radio will be able to grow into the next phase of its journey, where we can reinvest in the station’s future and make an even greater impact. While I have taken on the economic responsibility so far, it has always been with the hope that the community and the value we provide will help bring the sponsorships and partnerships we need to thrive. 2025 feels like the turning point where we can finally achieve that, and I am ready to take WSAN to the next level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wsanradio.com
• Instagram: wsanradio210
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsanradio/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ ronald-gordon-532b18183
• Twitter: https://x.com/RonaldG80896644
• Youtube: wsanardiosa