Dan Riggs is still amazed that the radio internship at KDWB he landed shortly after graduating from St. Paul’s North High School turned into a 17-year career as an on-air host for popular local stations also including Cities 97, KOOL 108 and WLOL.
“The goal was to take a year off between high school and college and have fun,” Riggs says.
Three years ago, Riggs wanted to spend more time with his two kids, Aiden, 6, and Haley, 10, so he retired from full-time radio to start Summit Hill Studios, offering DJ and videography services for weddings and events. He can still be heard on the air part-time on Cities 97 and KDWB.
“The entertainment industry is 24 hours a day,” Riggs says. “You can be a rock star entertainer or a rock star dad, but you can’t be both.”
In his new role, Riggs draws on his broad music knowledge when consulting with clients, customizing the perfect playlist based on their musical tastes. He is also the company’s lead videographer, utilizing the skills he acquired while filming and editing artist interviews for radio station websites to capture the magic of a couple’s wedding day. Recently, Summit Hill Studios moved into a space in the Rossmor Building in Lowertown.
“This is a passion for me,” Riggs says. “I don’t want to have the biggest company, I just want to make a living and give the personal service and attention that a day of that magnitude deserves.”
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