Meet Bob: Giving Back to His Community

You may not know his face, but chances are you know his voice.

Bob Heck has graced Berkshire County's airwaves for more than 10 years. A DJ, entertainer, businessman and entrepreneur — he recently added another title to his roster of work —Berkshire Community College student.

The Boston-Area Native began his career as a board operator and weekend air talent for Vox Communications in Pittsfield after earning a certificate from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. He later worked his way up to the morning show host, a position he held for seven years. While his main job was being an on-air personality, he also handled traffic and billing, accounts receivable for three stations, and worked with clients and sales staff to produce commercials.

He later worked briefly in online advertising sales at iBerkshires and took over the reins of WBRK's morning program, "Bob Heck in the Morning." The popular show featured music, contests and trivia questions that sometimes stumped callers. In 2014, he was named general manager of WNAW in North Adams, where he was responsible for sales and programming.

Bob is also a successful entrepreneur. Since 2009, he has run Bob Heck Entertainment, an entertainment business and DJ company that services Berkshire County and Western Massachusetts. He and his team have worked hundreds of area weddings and events. Despite his success, Heck has long thought about earning a college degree. "I've worked hard to get where I am," he explained.

"Earning a degree is a professional aspiration and it's important for me to show my daughters the value of a college education." Like many non-traditional students at BCC Bob was able to earn college credits through his life experience. After he first started with Saturday and night classes, he eventually was able to move into being a full-time student until he graduated in 2017 with his Associate degree in Business Administration. "I planned on getting my associate and being done. But I spoke with Geoff Taber (Coordinator of Transfer Affairs) and he said ‘You're doing well enough to go to UMass.'" Bob followed his advice, went on to UMass and graduated with an Economics degree. "It's just amazing to me. If you've heard my radio show with goofy jokes and things like that, to sit here years later with an Economics degree is funny!"

Right after his graduation — just a few months ago — Bob went on to a new challenge and a new job. "When I went to BCC and UMass, I made the decision that I wanted to do something that helps the community. This is a community that took me in and has been a very big part of my life and I wanted the opportunity to give back." When PCTV offered him the job as the Director of Development and Community Production he accepted knowing that this opportunity brings everything for him together: community television, local radio, and the opportunity of nurturing and supporting an important community resource. (Bob received the NBT Bank scholarship as well as the BCC Foundation scholarship.)

When I went to BCC and UMass, I made the decision that I wanted to do something that helps the community. This is a community that took me in and has been a very big part of my life and I wanted the opportunity to give back.