A.J. Hilton

"If you don't know where you're going, you'll never know if you got there."

A.J. Hilton lives by those words -- and that's brought him home to Minnesota. He attended Apple Valley High School before graduating from the University of Minnesota. His career in journalism has taken him from covering one the largest commercial yak operations in the country to protests over social unrest, and experiencing sit down interviews with former presidents to college national championships.

A.J.'s journey started in Alexandria at KSAX. He then ventured to Michigan, then down to Florida, and most recently spent time in Nashville. Along the way, he was honored by various organizations and helped his last morning show team win its first Emmy.

He truly enjoys spending time with local communities -- whether being a Big Brother, volunteering at the local food bank, serving meals to those in need, or reading to children. Those connections and the people he meets every day are what have made his job in news so rewarding.

Being back in Minnesota -- at a station A.J. grew up watching -- is an honor and privilege he doesn't take for granted. He loves helping people get their day started with the information they need, a little positivity and some lighthearted fun.

A.J.'s idea of a perfect weekend: Gophers football game, record shopping and a trip to the Great Minnesota Get Together, with all the food in between.