Up Close with Jeff Cassell, Group Production Director

My education: University of Central Florida, Communications

First job: Sports producer at WKIS-AM radio in Orlando

A day in the life of Winter Park’s group production director: I get here early and try to get my day organized before it gets busy. Attend various meetings, assist my staff with questions and issues, work on plans, schedules and initiatives. No two days ever seem alike.

What I want to accomplish at work this year: Helping Bonnier continue to move into and be successful in our digital platforms such as the iPad, while maintaining excellence with our printed product.

Favorite part of my job: Facing a challenge and conquering it.

Jeff Cassell hanging out with his hounds in North Carolina.

Greatest challenge on the job: Having enough time to get everything accomplished that needs to be, on a daily basis.

My strongest assests: Determination and the desire to learn new things.

On my office walls: Blowups of magazine covers, my pets and one huge Dallas Cowboys banner!

Best day on the job to date: When Bonnier’s growth exploded into a major multimedia company.

Greatest advice for success: You have to have a great team. I am blessed with a talented and dedicated staff and a supportive boss. That teamwork also has to extend out to the various magazine teams and departments that you interact with.

Fast Facts

Where I was born: Orlando, Florida

About my family: Married with two dogs and four cats.

What I do in my spare time: Watch sports, take care of the pets, watch sports and enjoy a cold beer.

Cassell in Atlanta for a Braves game.

My personal bucket list (goals) includes: Visit all the great baseball stadiums.

Favorite sports teams: Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Braves, Orlando Magic and UCF Knights

TV shows recorded on my DVR: A lot, but to name a few: Psych, Big Bang Theory, Rules of Engagement, How I Met Your Mother, The Middle, The Closer, and the usual assortment of cop and law shows.

Where I would like to visit: Australia

Favorite food: Chicken wings

Who I would most like to trade places with for a day and why: Any superstar athlete in any sport. Would love to have been a pro basketball player but lack of height and great athletic skill were my drawbacks. It would be interesting to make millions to play a game and wonder why they gripe about it.

Which day on my calendar I am most looking forward to this year: July 23. Training camp starts, which means football is coming back and none too soon!