James & Patty Floyd

Keeping marriage and radio perfectly in tune.

James and Patty Floyd go together like coffee and a morning show. 

They are partners in every sense of the word—in life, business and their shared passion for community.

James and Patty, who will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary this month, have spent the last decade running Leesburg’s WQBQ radio station, keeping local voices and businesses on the air.

Their story began when James, running a bus route for his church, knocked on Patty’s door and invited her to attend. The two dated off and on through high school before parting ways, only to reconnect years later.

The pair worked together for most of their marriage. Before taking over WQBQ, they ran an indoor putt-putt and laser tag business in the Lake Square Mall for several years. When that chapter ended, the radio opportunity came along. 

“I told her, ‘I got you a job,’ and she said, ‘Who said I was looking?’” James says. “November marked 10 years we’ve been here at the radio. Like I always tell people, she runs the office and I run my mouth.”

Despite seeing each other more than most couples, communication remains one of James’ and Patty’s biggest challenges. Working side by side means their worlds often overlap with business, family, church and grandchildren. 

But sometimes, things fall through the cracks. “We assume the other one already knows what’s going on because we work together,” James says. 

They have learned to pause, reconnect and remember that open communication is as essential behind the microphone as it is at home.

Their partnership has powered the station’s mission to support small businesses and connect neighbors. 

“Our local economy really comes from our mom-and-pop shops,” James says. “It’s not just about collecting paychecks, it’s about building relationships.”

Together, the Floyds have also used their platform to give back, hosting fundraisers for local students battling cancer and helping countless organizations spread the word about their causes. 

“We just want to help people,” James says.

As for the secret to their 30-year marriage? James says with a laugh, “Happy spouse, happy house.” Patty adds, “God first, and everything else just seems to fall in place.”