JACK OF ALL TRADES

Richard “Zoom” Dott’s 37-year career at FOX TV 8 comes with an incredible ability to change with the times and help wherever you can.

Written by ANTHONY KIRBY

Anthony T. Kirby is the Lifestyle Editor for CODE M Magazine and has spent over 30 years in the menswear industry. He lives in Philadelphia, PA where he is the Creative Director for FINICKEY, an online men's haberdashery brand. (https://finickey.us)

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n the 1940s and 50s, people would get a job and stay at that job until they retired. They would get a gold watch, maybe a good pension if they were lucky, and they would disappear into retirement. Those times are gone. So, when someone mentions that they have been working at the same job for 37 years, you must stop and pay attention.

Richard “Zoom” Dott is the man to pay attention to. He has worked at Cleveland Channel 8, FOX 8, for 37 years. This type of longevity in a career only comes with working hard, being a likable person, and learning several usable skills at the same

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The Alliance High School graduate knew coming into his profession that he would have to work hard to advance. “Back when I first got started, I knew that if I worked hard, I could get everything I wanted out of my job,” Dott said.

Dott started off, and still works as a technician. But he also helps with several other jobs as well. Dott works as a; cameraman, writer, producer, and flies on TV 8’s Sky Fox helicopter every morning to assist with the weather

forecast every morning.

“Not much has changed in the way of news. We still must get out there to find the story and video comes before audio all the time.” Dott said.

Dott has seen his share of reports come and go during his time at Fox 8. Cleveland is a mid-market town. New York, Chicago, and Las Angeles are all major market towns. Because of that Cleveland will often get news talent either on the way up or down as their career dictates.

Cleveland is a special place to report the news because it still offers three major sports teams, it is a large draw for concerts and events, and the community is always viable in some way. When Dott is not working, he finds time to support the community with his 10 annual Soup for The Soul Event which is held every year to help feed needy families.

“I feel like when you are fortunate like I am, you must find ways to help others. We started this program to help those who are less fortunate.” Dott said. Soup For the Soul helps aid those who might need food and warmth. The event brings out the best in the City of Cleveland and from those who also care about giving back. “I love the fact that so many wonderful people come out to support us year after year. It makes the holidays special for me and my family and I would not change a thing.” Dott concluded. As time changes, traditions seem to change. But it’s good that some things remain just like they were back in the day. Richard “Zoom” Dott is the kind of person we never want to see change. ●

Dott flies on the FOX 8 Sky Fox helicopter every morning to bring the weather and traffic to Clevelanders.