Brian McMath: Consumer Protection & Data Privacy Attorney
How did you start the road to your success?
My success started with my parents, who valued education and always pushed my brothers and I to do our best. I got to grow up in a stable home, went to good schools, and had a lot of things going for me right from the start that a lot of folks may not have. I randomly decided to take an advertising copywriting class at UNM during undergrad which launched me into my first career in radio, where I worked as a DJ, producer, and account executive for nearly a decade. As that industry changed and consolidated, I started looking for a new challenge. My wife suggested law school, so I talked with a few folks, took the LSAT, and applied to UNM a second time. I told one of my professors I wanted to work on “big things” and feel like I was making a difference for the people of New Mexico, so he suggested I clerk at the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General my first summer. I did, I loved it, and when there was an opportunity to join the office in 2017 as a consumer protection attorney, I jumped at the chance.
What is the best advice you have received?
I’ve had the good fortune of getting a lot of really good advice in my life. One of the best was, the best way to get what you want is to help other people get what they want. It sounds kind of simple, but it has served me really well and has helped me become a good team member. At the end of the day, if you’re in it just for yourself I don’t think you get as far.
How do you give back to the community? Or what do you do to give back?
I really enjoy sitting on boards of non-profits and helping them navigate various issues. I’m currently on the board of directors of Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, and I love it. Turning unwanted household items into good-paying jobs, support, and innovative programs for some of New Mexico’s most vulnerable is a great way to volunteer.
How else do you make an impact out of the state? Or how does what you do make an impact?
I’m lucky that I get to say that my job makes an impact here in New Mexico. I lead the State’s opioid litigation team, and so far, our team has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars to fund opioid addiction treatment programs in communities all over the State. Our teams are involved in everything from securing water for our farmers in the Rio Grande valley and combating climate change to making the internet safer for kids and protecting elderly New Mexicans from deceptive sales tactics. It’s not an easy job, but it’s an important one and I’m honored that I get to do it every day for a State I love to call home.
Robert “Buck D” Gipson: Albuquerque Comedian
How did you start the road to your success?
I honestly have to say it began simply with me entertaining people and cracking jokes on social media.
What is the best advice you have received?
Never be afraid to try something you never saw yourself doing.
What advice do you have for someone pursuing your career?
No 2 paths are the same. Just because people do it one way, doesn't mean your journey has to go down the exact same road. Also, the most specific advice I've ever received in comedy was from Def Comedy Jam host Joe Torry. At the time I had been doing comedy for 5 years, he told me has been doing it for 32 years, and that he is a 32-year-old when it comes to stand-up and I was a 5 year old. That resonated so much with me because it let me know I had so much to learn when it comes to the art of stand-up and that I had a long road ahead of me if I wanted to.
How do you give back to the community? Or what do you do to give back?
As a part of Two Men On on 95.9FM AM610 The Sports Animal, I've been a part of initiatives with Locker #505 Students Clothing Bank, and just recently participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central NM Bowl For Kids' Sake 2022 as a part of Team Cumulus Media.
Check out a performance at:
- Host of the monthly Comedy Gong Show and the Comedy Roast Battles at Revel ABQ
- Co-Host of the Midday Mayhem on 101.3 The Hustle Monday - Friday from 12-3pm
- Co-Host of Two Men on of 95.9FM AM610 The Sports Animal Monday - Friday from 4-7pm
- Co-Host of The BS Show Podcast (which you can find on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, and everywhere else you listen and view podcasts) every Tuesday at 8pm
Nick Baron/Dyaus Winters: Albuquerque MC and Actor
How did you start the road to your success?
Well, I think success is subjective. In my eyes I haven't achieved any kind of success yet. Someone else may see the things I've done and consider me successful, but my idea of success is something I haven't reached yet. So I'd say my success, is a work in progress and that may be how I feel forever because the more I achieve the higher and higher I strive to climb.
What advice do you have for someone pursuing your career?
Keep quiet and let the work do the talking.
What do you love most about New Mexico?
I love EVERYTHING about New Mexico, from the rich culture, to the food, and the communities of great people. But if I had to pick one, I can’t go without some good ol' New Mexican food! Hahaha Green and Red chili are two things I could never go without for too long.
How else do you make an impact out of the state? Or how does what you do make an impact?
To be honest I can't say if I have, or haven't, or ever will make an impact on the community. But I do know that every interaction you have is an opportunity to make a positive impact on others. So, I always try to lead every interaction I have with positivity in mind, in hopes of impacting everyone I meet positively.
Seth Rochefort: Associate Broker/Realtor
What is the best advice you have received?
The only way to grow is to get out of your comfort zone.
What advice do you have for someone pursuing your career?
Study hard for the exam, take the exam prep course before testing, save as much money as possible, get a mentor or someone who can nurture you.
What do you love most about New Mexico?
The sunsets, The scenery, The people, the energy.
How else do you make an impact out of the state? Or how does what you do make an impact?
I want to help as many people as possible. This state has so many amazing qualities and it is a great place for healing. I know New Mexico is about to thrive and I am excited to be a part of it.
