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10 Questions with ... Jeff "Doc" Holliday
February 11, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my radio career when I was a junior in high school back in 1983 in Hannibal, MO. By 1985, I was doing the morning show on a 100,000-watt station in the Four Corners area of Colorado. Over the years, I've been a part of great radio teams in Monterey, California and Colorado Springs, among others. I've been very fortunate to win three Missouri Broadcaster Association DJ of the Year awards due to the amazing listener interaction with my show and the great colleagues I've worked with.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I have committed to myself that no one will work harder than me when it comes to finding the right opportunity. I have a lot of very talented radio friends who are also looking for work, but just like Seahawk quarterback Russell Wilson said ... my attitude is: "Why not me?"
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I continue to engage my audience through social media and interact with them. They are a great encouragement. I am also focusing on refining my approach to show prep and execution. My commitment is to return to the air with the best show that I can possibly do. I have also been spending time on the treadmill every day to improve my physical conditioning.
3) 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.
It has been both experiences for me. On one hand, it is discouraging to not be on the air and have the ability to be a part of a team that really has synergy. But, being out of the business for a short time, it's given me a true appreciation for how fortunate I was to be on the air for such a long time.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I have many passions. I'm a certified computer technician and have also been heavily involved with public service groups. Over the years, I've occasionally accepted positions outside of radio to pursue these opportunities. But, my down time has helped me remember why I started down the radio road in the first place. I'll never leave radio again when I'm fortunate enough to find a radio home.
5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is the first time I've ever been unemployed. I have been very fortunate to never get fired. I've had great relationships with market managers over the years and have never been shown the door.
6) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
I like to get to know Brand Managers and General Managers before they have an opportunity. My wife and I have spent weeks discussing cities where we would like to put down roots. Our focus is to return to the mountain west part of the country. At that point, I contact stations in those markets where I feel like there might be a fit and begin the relationship by emailing materials and determining if there's interest.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I have accumulated many skills outside of radio over the years that help me. I'm a certified computer technician who builds and maintains websites. I have also worked in sales and understand the dynamic of relationship-building, and the realities that the sales team deal with. But at the end of the day, ultimately I know that no one will outwork me when given the chance. I'm hoping the diverse skill set will help make me more useful to an organization in the future.
8) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
I worked for nearly 30 years without ever being unemployed or fired. I took for granted that there would always be an opportunity if I wanted it. Now, I appreciate how fortunate I was to have that uninterrupted longevity.
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?
Absolutely. This isn't a great negotiating tactic, but money doesn't matter to me at this point. My focus is finding a team where I would fit in and live in a market where my family will be happy. We love mountain life and will do what it takes to make that happen regardless of compensation.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I have no doubt that I will work harder than I ever have to make the most of the opportunity I'm given. I will never take radio for granted again.
Bonus Questions
Your favorite new diversion is ...
Real estate. I obtained my real estate license the year before last. My wife thinks I have a subliminal desire to become a Property Brother (inside HGTV humor).
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