Amy Dillon, a stalwart of Wayne County’s business community and current leader at Brewer Broadcasting, recently shared her remarkable journey on the Diamond Podcast with host Alfredo Diamond. Her story is one of relationship building, community service, and adapting to change while staying true to core values.
Starting her career at a local donut shop in Centreville, Dillon’s path led her to McDonald’s where she worked under the mentorship of Dana Weigel. It was here that she learned one of her most enduring business philosophies: “Work hard, play hard, and give all your heart.” Weigel’s example of hands-on leadership and community involvement would shape Dillon’s approach to business and service for years to come.
When changes at McDonald’s led to a career transition, Dillon found her way to Brewer Broadcasting, where she worked with Dave Stricker. This move marked the beginning of her journey in radio, where she discovered her passion for helping businesses grow through thoughtful marketing campaigns. Rather than selling cookie-cutter advertising packages, Dillon focused on developing meaningful marketing strategies tailored to each client’s needs.
Her career took her to larger markets, including Indianapolis and Terre Haute, before eventually bringing her back home to Richmond. Throughout these transitions, Dillon maintained her commitment to building genuine relationships and doing “the right things right.” Her success stories include helping a young entrepreneur achieve his goal of becoming a millionaire by 30 and seeing numerous local businesses thrive through strategic marketing partnerships.
Despite predictions that new technologies would spell the end of radio, Dillon has helped lead the industry’s evolution into the digital age. “When TV was invented, people said that would kill radio. Then MTV came, then satellite radio and Pandora – but radio has always adapted,” she notes. Today, radio commands 78% of time spent with ad-supported media, staying relevant through smart speakers, apps, and digital platforms.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dillon remains deeply committed to community service. She has served on numerous boards, including the Boys and Girls Club, and recently joined the marketing committee for Civic Theater. Her approach to community involvement mirrors her business philosophy – choosing causes she’s passionate about and working alongside people who share her commitment to making a difference.
What stands out most about Dillon’s story is her emphasis on the power of small acts of kindness and recognition. She actively acknowledges those who inspire her and believes in the ripple effect of positive interactions. As she puts it, “There’s so many people doing even the little things that they have no idea that is making a difference.”
Amy Dillon’s journey from local business to broadcasting leadership demonstrates how maintaining core values while embracing change can lead to lasting success – not just in business, but in building stronger communities. Her story reminds us that at the heart of any successful enterprise are the relationships we build and the lives we touch along the way.