This week, we shine a spotlight on Ray Parada, the newly named Brown Harris Stevens Employee of the Year. Ray, Director of Studio 1873, is an long-time members of the BHS family. Ray has been with Brown Harris Stevens for over 15 years, bringing with him a rich background in media from places like Good Morning America and top advertising agencies. In this feature, Ray reflects on what sets BHS apart, the excitement of his daily work, and what it meant to be honored by his peers.

Share with us what you enjoy most about your work at BHS?

I enjoy learning more about the technical aspects of creating better looking and sounding podcasts. I also enjoy watching new podcasters like Eirik Gislason (Shear Line) or Dylan Pichulik (Managing Manhattan) get better with every episode.

You have called BHS your home for over 15 years, you have worked at Good Morning America, big Ad Agencies, etc how how did those placements help you for the job you perform now?

I worked at Tribal DDB in Chicago for a couple of years as a producer and at GMA on a jib camera. I learned a lot from some very talented folks, and still use the knowledge I gained from both every day at my job here.

You play a huge role in our podcast network which just reached over 5.5 million total views and downloads in one year, to those considering being a host or guest on a show, why should they try it?

You’ll be part of a network of some great hosts, and you’ll learn an important skill of speaking on camera, or better yet, read from a teleprompter. It’s not as easy as you think but eventually you will be a pro like Vince Rocco.

Favorite work story to share.

There are so many, I can’t narrow it down to one. Every day is completely different than the last.

How did you feel after hearing that your peers voted you as Top Employee honors?

I feel honored of course. But truthfully I couldn’t have done it without the talented marketing team. I work closely with Lina scheduling, Dan’s creative eye, and Fabian helping me get better as a videographer.