Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo
Host of “Piolín por la Mañana”

Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo is the host of “Piolín por la Mañana.” For many Hispanics living in the United States, Sotelo and his morning radio show “Piolín por La Mañana,” serve as reminders that with hard work, perseverance and a positive attitude, anything is possible. Sotelo has interviewed numerous prominent figures on the show including President Barack Obama, legendary entertainer Vicente Fernandez, comedian George Lopez, boxer Oscar de la Hoya, actor/director Mel Gibson and actor Will Smith.

Although Piolín por La Mañana is the most widely syndicated Spanish-language radio show, broadcast on 59 stations from coast-to-coast, the program retains a humble approach that is embraced by its listeners. Sotelo remains grounded by staying true to his daily mission: lighten the heart and inspire the mind to keep people focused on their dreams, something embodied in his catch phrase: “¿A qué venimos? ¡A TRIUNFAR!” (Why did we come? To SUCCEED!).

Sotelo was born in Ocotlán, Jalisco, Mexico. As a teenager, he left his homeland to live with relatives in Santa Ana, California and pursue his goal of working in radio. After working several jobs to support himself and contribute to the household, Sotelo earned his first on-air radio opportunity in 1991 with Radio Laser in Oxnard, California. Later on, he worked at Super X in Sacramento. Sotelo then joined Radio Tricolor in San Jose, California in 1997. While in Radio Tricolor, Sotelo had the opportunity to lead the morning drive slot. The phenomenal ratings success rang the ear of many radio companies. In 2004, Sotelo joined 101.9 La Nueva, Univision Radio’s flagship Regional Mexican station in Los Angeles, one of Spanish language radio’s most important market.

Sotelo has gone to become much more than a radio personality; he is perceived as a community leader and a person who genuinely wants to change the world. His work on-the-air has been recognized by multiple institutions including the National Association of Broadcasters, awarding him three consecutive Marconi awards for Spanish Format Personality of the Year in 2006, 2008 and 2010. The Los Angeles Times ranked Sotelo among the 100 Most Powerful People in Southern California and People en Español placed him among the world’s 100 Most Influential Hispanics.