Jay was born and raised in Tucson. After graduating from Sahuaro, he attended the University of Arizona. His career began while attending the U of A.; it began at KTKT-AM. Following nearly a decade of radio promotions and management in Phoenix and Las Vegas, Jay and his wife, Melinda, created, developed and operated Telemundo television stations in Tucson and Phoenix. Following the sale of his television stations, Jay acquired the Sidewinders franchise in an effort to keep it from being moved to Portland. Jay is an entrepreneur at heart. Jay heads and directs several enterprises from his midtown office: entities include security services, providing surveillance for Tucson Alarm companies; El Encanto Partners, a real estate development company; Broadcast Intelligence, parent company of a multi-faceted broadcast consulting and investment firm; and Sidewinders Sports, promoting sports and events.
Jay is the recipient of the 2003 Silver Medal Award presented by the Tucson Advertising Federation for outstanding Community Leadership. In October 2005, Jay received a Copper Cactus Community Service Business of the Year award. Jay is currently an “Honorary Squadron Commander” for the 563rd MXS at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and was recently appointed by Governor Napolitano to serve on the Arizona Baseball and Softball Commission. He is also licensed as a Professional Boxing Promoter, licensed by the Indian Gaming Commission, and the Liquor Control Board.
Jay and Melinda share a deep commitment to the community and are the proud parents of five daughters and one granddaughter.