Mando Fresko Followed His Passion & Built an Empire
When I think of industry trailblazer’s, one of the first people I think of is Mando Fresko.
From an early age, Mando’s love for music sparked a journey that would take him from DJ’ing high school dances to redefining the sound of a generation. He DJ’ed his first event at the ripe age of 14 years old. His passion for hip hop and pop culture only deepened through his teenage years, eventually guiding him to launch a campus radio show as a college freshman at Cerritos College.
It’s safe to say from a very early age, Mando was passionate.
By just 18, Mando had already made history — becoming the youngest on-air personality at the iconic Los Angeles radio station, Power 106 with The Mando Show.
Mando’s passion for music was undeniable from a young age, and by the time he was 16, a casual conversation with a friend would change the course of his life. That friend mentioned he was applying for a job at LA’s legendary hip-hop station, Power 106 — sparking Mando’s curiosity. Inspired, Mando decided to apply as well. While his friend didn’t land the role, Mando did — marking the beginning of his journey in radio.
He got his start in the promotions department, joining the station’s “Street Team.” Whenever there was an event or activation, Mando and the team were the first on-site, setting up, organizing, and making sure everything was ready before the main hosts even arrived. The experience gave him a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the radio world — and it didn’t take long for Mando to realize he had more to offer. His ambition and curiosity were just getting started.
In just two years, Mando Fresko rose from working behind the scenes on Power 106’s promotions team to seeing his name on the marquee — becoming the youngest on-air personality in the station’s history… a record he still holds to this day!
His voice and charisma soon caught the attention of MTV, where he became a host for the bilingual music network MTV Tr3s and later helmed his own show, What’s Good? on MTV2, bringing his love for music, culture, and storytelling to an even broader audience.
Mando spent 15 years at Power 106, where he grew into one of the station’s most influential voices and a driving force behind its success. But after a remarkable run, he made a bold decision — to bet on himself. That leap of faith would ultimately redefine his career and open the door to an entirely new chapter of creative freedom and impact.
Mando posted this video announcement to his Instagram announcing his departure from Power 106
In 2019, he launched Cali 93.9’s first-ever morning show, Cali Mornings, reaching millions of listeners daily. Across platforms, Mando’s digital presence is massive — with millions of followers, a booming website generating over 500,000 monthly impressions, and a YouTube channel topping 30 million views.
While at Cali 93.9, Mando created a huge impact that is still being felt years after his departure.
Another aspect that separates Mando from many of his counterparts is his passion for entrepreneurship.
His entrepreneurial spirit shines brightest through Hubwav Media, a creative company he founded in 2016. Hubwav is a cutting-edge media company built to spotlight and shape the most compelling stories across entertainment, fashion, tech, and sports. With bold original content and standout branded features, Hubwav was created to challenge the norms of traditional pop culture coverage.
It’s a venture that landed him on Forbes’ “Get Paid to Be Yourself”, a celebration of his unique journey and ability to turn authenticity into influence.
In his conversation on One-on-One with Andro Mammo, Mando shared that one of the projects he’s most proud to have brought to life through Hubwav is his award-winning interview series, Mando & Friends.
2020 was a defining year for Mando as he received the Key to the City from his hometown of South Gate, California, honoring his dedication to uplifting local communities. That same year, he launched The Fresko Foundation, a non-profit devoted to mentorship, personal growth, and creating opportunities for underserved youth. His mission? To inspire the next generation to lead with purpose and confidence.
In 2024, Mando received the opportunity of a lifetime as Major League Soccer’s highest-grossing team, LAFC, announced Mando as their first-ever Music Director — a role in which he’s elevated game-day energy to world-class levels. For multiple seasons, he’s been instrumental in crafting one of the most electrifying sports experiences on the planet.
But Mando’s impact goes far beyond the mic. He’s partnered with powerhouse brands like Coachella, Red Bull, Manchester United, and MLS, creating national campaigns with giants like Verizon, Delta, Pepsi, and Kia. He’s traveled the globe for collaborations — from the vineyards of Hennessy in France to Nike’s community give-back events, where he's been a trusted partner and host for over a decade.
At the heart of it all is Mando & Friends — a hit podcast now in its third award-winning season. Backed by Verizon, the show features intimate, in-depth conversations with global icons: artists, athletes, entertainers, creators, and change-makers. With over 1 billion streams and impressions, Mando & Friends continues to break barriers and bring culture to the forefront — all while staying rooted in Mando’s signature authenticity.
Mando and his team are currently in production of Season 4 of Mando & Friends!
