Faced with a towering stack of resumes and a dream job, Garden City resident Joe Perrone did what he does best. He talked the talk and demonstrated that he could walk the walk, bringing his trademark energy, spirit and creativity to the interview that catapulted his career at Telecare Television.
Perrone, with five years of business experience since graduating from the University of Maine in 1998, had already held financial positions at WorldCom. When the company eliminated his division, Perrone sought a new venture.
In 2003 he applied for a position at Telecare.
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"As soon as I walked in, I fell in love," shared Perrone. "There was such a spirit and energy. God wanted me to do what I'm doing now."
The feeling that he had found the proverbial needle in a haystack turned out to be reciprocal. He interviewed in the morning and was notified that afternoon that he was chosen for the job. He later discovered that it was his passion and drive that made him stand out.
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"This position is an amalgamation of everything I love," stated Perrone.
Telecare's mission is to spread God's word through its religious and educational programming. Its focus is to bring people of the Catholic faith, and all others, closer to God. The station airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day reaching millions of households.
Perrone found he was a natural at TV management which requires sophisticated business skills along with communication savvy. At the age of 30 with nearly one year of tenure, Perrone accepted Telecare's offer of station general manager.
"It was a humbling experience and I'm grateful to Telecare and Father Jim, Telecare's President, for giving me the opportunity," said Perrone.
"Joe Perrone is a unique man of tremendous energy, insight, and faith. He brings excitement and innovation to every facet of our television ministry," said Msgr. James Vlaun, CEO and president of Telecare. "Joe possesses a unique combination of gifts like ingenuity, compassion, financial and business savvy, patience, artistic ability, creativity and faith that make him a unique and exemplary leader."
Perrone used his business skills to streamline efficiencies, restructure staff and renovate the station, reducing Telecare's non-salaried operating expenses in half.
He's passionate about spreading God's word utilizing 21st century media.
"News is a changing industry, my goal is to utilize new media and technology to spread our message," Perrone said.
"It's great to work with someone who's enthusiastic about taking Telecare to the next level," said Denise Giammarino, senior executive producer and manager at Telecare.
Perrone has kept up the pace with innovations such as social networking. Telecare's Facebook boasts 3,000 fans. The station also utilizes Twitter and YouTube. Plans include revamping the station's website.
Perrone's next step is expansion for the regional station. He's energized about growing and developing new programming. The station features 19 original series including Daily Mass from St. Agnes Cathedral; Bridge Building for the Latin community; Catholic Health Services: Health Source hosted by Roland Smith and Family Comes First.
Dr. Robert Scott, Adelphi University president, who hosts Exploring Critical Issues, commented, "I enjoy working with Joe Perrone because of his energy, imagination, expertise, and values. He has a passion for his work that is palpable and expertise that is inspiring ... Joe is a major reason for the success we have achieved."
Perrone not only manages a $4 million dollar budget, oversees a staff of 50, and serves as an anchor on Everyday Faith Live but also dabbles in video editing. This is an extension of his creativity which includes graphic design and music. His video, The Power of Prayer, has received over 14,000 views on YouTube.
He's worked with many industry professionals.
NBC News anchor Jane Hanson, who anchors a program on Telecare shared: "He's a technical wizard with a magnificent heart. A man of deep faith, conviction, and talent!"
WNYW Fox anchor Rosanna Scotto provided the following insight: "Joe is one of the most grounded men I know ... I am very impressed by how he balances it all."
He is often called the Derek Jeter of the station.
"I'm proud of my team and what we're doing," said Perrone. "At the end of the day, I feel good knowing that I'm doing something positive for the church. We're not just a news station, we're making a difference in people's lives."
