Bud Trench, AA3B, is a name that resonates deeply within the ham radio community. His journey began in 1970, thanks to the encouragement of his STEM-aware parents, who recognized the value of nurturing a budding interest in science and technology. Long before STEM became a household term, they saw ham radio as a gateway to learning about engineering and communication. That early support led Bud to obtain his novice license, and he hasn’t looked back since. Today, his call sign has been looked up over 800,000 times on QRZ—a testament to a lifelong dedication to the hobby. Thoughtful, meticulous, and deeply passionate, Bud’s approach to ham radio is what sets him apart. These traits have been central to his success in competitive contesting and helped pave the way for his role as Director of the CQ WPX contest. Taking on this responsibility in 2020, Bud saw it as an opportunity to give back to the hobby that had given him so much, bringing his strategic mindset to the forefront of one of the world’s premier contests. Bud's enthusiasm for contesting is infectious, and it doesn’t stop at the U.S. border. Over the years, he’s been a familiar call sign in major competitions from various locations across the Caribbean, where the thrill of being a sought-after station adds a whole new layer of excitement. Starting with a trip to Anguilla in 1993, Bud has since made over 25 contest trips to Antigua’s V26B station, a multi-tower setup that has been a competitive force for decades. Operating from there, he’s experienced the unmatched excitement of being at the center of a massive pile-up, with stations worldwide vying to make contact—a rush he describes as one of the most rewarding aspects of contesting. Beyond the contest scores and accolades, what truly shines through is Bud’s strategic and data-driven approach. He meticulously plans each contest, setting stretch goals, analyzing propagation data, and drawing from his wealth of experience to optimize his performance. This thoughtful preparation has not only helped him achieve personal records but has also shaped how he leads the CQ WPX contest. As Director, Bud has been committed to growing participation, enhancing the contest’s competitive edge, and navigating the evolving landscape of the hobby. Want to learn more about Bud’s journey, his insights on contesting, and his thoughts on the future of ham radio? Watch the full interview, where we dive deep into his career, his favorite contesting strategies, and his experiences operating from unique locations around the world. Join the conversation on W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!