716 Transformers: The Radio CEO

As president and owner of WUFO and Vision Multimedia Group since 2013, Sheila Brown broadcasts – via AM and FM – a range of programming serving Buffalo’s African American community. The station showcases local DJ’s, “Soulful Sundays” with different ministries, and what Brown calls, “a blend of R&B and your favorite throwbacks.” She began her WUFO career as “an entry level salesperson at 21 years old,” before becoming sales manager, only leaving when the ownership at that time hired a general manager “who ran the station differently and I knew it was time to leave.” Brown also runs a museum next door to the radio studio on Broadway in downtown Buffalo, organized with displays of WUFO history and artifacts through the decades since its beginning in 1961. The author of three books (two about achieving success, and the other about her son’s recovery from a devastating car accident and how their family’s faith led him to full recovery), Brown runs a popular Author Academy that helps others write or complete their own manuscripts. The busy Brown also gives talks to inspire other women entrepreneurs, holds an annual wellness fair in October, and supports small businesses by “getting them on the air” with affordable advertising packages and/or talk shows slots. “I’m a connector,” she says. “People come through this radio station and meet other people and then formulate businesses. We have definitely helped a lot of people accomplish a lot of things.”

716 Tips

“Walk down Elmwood Avenue, go into all the little shops and buy some things. Then have lunch on Elmwood. It is one of the coolest places to be. It’ll take you half a day: walk, shop, and eat.”