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10 Questions with ... Curtis "Booker"
August 13, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Oct. 2005-Feb. 2013-Nights/Afternoons/APD/MD-KUUU/Salt Lake City
- Sept. 2011-Feb. 2013-Weekends-KUDD/Salt Lake City
- Sept. 2003-Oct. 2005-Nights/MD eventually PD/Afternoons-WBVD/Melbourne
- Jul 2001- Aug. 2003-Nights-KUUU/Salt Lake City
- Sept. 2000-Jul. 2001-Afternoons/Nights/MD-KFTZ/Idaho Falls-Pocatello
- Dec.1999-Aug. 2000- Promotions, on-air, Stunt boy-WKQI/Detroit
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Positivity is the key, which has been hard at times. But I am thankful for my family, fellow radio peeps and close friends who have kept in touch and been supportive during this time. I've also been lucky to keep a foot in the game by doing part-time with Clear Channel here in Salt Lake. Between that, a few club gigs and hitting the gym all have helped keep my focus in the right direction.
2) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
While it definitely gets discouraging seeing all the available positions get swallowed up from within those companies, or the position gets eliminated altogether, there are still a lot of programmers and talent ... some of whom are my good friends, and they're doing great things on and off the air putting out great products for their listeners. Those type of things keep me excited for my next opportunity.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I have a passion for the industry and would love to stick with radio. However, I have entertained the thought of maybe venturing into the food service industry. We just got our first Dunkin Donuts here and I heard they're looking for a head donut glazer, lol!
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
I'm a first timer to the beach. I'm closing in on the six-month mark.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I have a habit of hitting my All Access app first thing every morning, checking the job section. I also frequent company websites; LinkedIn has been helpful; and of course networking with other jocks and PDs. Always good to try and get the upper leg on a gig before it's out there.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Getting back into a PD chair is the ultimate goal. However, I'm more than willing to take a good APD or even MD/on-air position and work my way up.
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Everyone is a lot busier than they were five-10 years ago, so I understand PDs/OMs can't get back to everyone. Of course, getting that rejection letter or call saying they've chosen with someone else is never music to anyone's ears, either. But there are a few hiring managers who have been good about keeping me updated through the process.
8) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
By showcasing my skill set both on-air and thru social media engagement, as well as proving how and why I can be a valuable asset to the company.
9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
I have never planned on getting rich in this industry. As long as it's a good situation with growth potential and I can decently support my family I'm all in!
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I'll be a lot more appreciative of the little things and the sometimes "tedious work" we all get on our plate. I've always been a hard worker, but I plan to work smarter and harder in my next position to create balance between work and home. Oh, and I'll be more cautious of who I confide in :)
Bonus Questions
What great movies have you seen recently?
Despicable Me 2. If you have kids or you're a kid at heart, go see it!
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