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10 Questions with ... Herkules
September 30, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started in radio May 2000 in sales, hated it, then went to promotions in June 2001. February-March 2002 I was offered a Promotions Director and on-air position in Norfolk, VA, and I was on in Norfolk and Washington, DC for two-and-a-half years at the same time. I held the 10p-2a slot on WPGC from 2008 until this past May ... and now I'm on The Beach.
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I've been coaching youth baseball and now football. I have also been playing in several softball leagues. Doing these things and being able to talk to folks who miss hearing me on the radio daily keeps me motivated to get back on the air full-time.
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.
I've noticed with some stations that the identity they once had is gone because they let PPM change who they were to their listeners. I've also noticed how several stations that may not have been as active in the communities are much more active now.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I would like to get back into radio full-time if the situation is right. I know my worth and I really believe because I do, that's what scares certain stations away. But at the same time, I see it as a plus because my track record and numbers speak for themselves. As Jay-Z said "Men lie, women lie, numbers don't."
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is the longest stretch. I was let go from WPGC on May 15th. In my 12-plus years on air this is the first time I was let go from any station.
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
I honestly don't know anymore. I've had several stations reach out, but the first thing most PDs say is "Herk, we just don't think we can afford you." My reply is: "How do you know unless you put an offer on the table?" The industry isn't like it used to be, so getting your foot in the new types of doors is totally new to me.
6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I never really had to do anything crazy. I have a passion for entertaining listeners when I'm on the air and when I am doing appearances, so a lot of people see that and know that it's genuine. I'm a complete talent, not just a jock.
7) With consolidation, there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
Easily. People forget that I was both Promotions Director and on-air when I was on WWHV/Norfolk, VA. I am able to, and have, run a department and still do an on-air shift, which is not easy but I did both with both having great success.
8) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss talking to the listeners every day the most, and hearing them on the phones. The least would be the "run tell dat" folks, but I know how to do deal with them now.
9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I've learned that you truly have very few friends in this business. Once you are no longer there every day, it's almost like you are a forgotten soul until they need something from you.
10) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Not at all. Some people say that I am too vocal about radio and I care too much about the listeners, but hey, that's the type of person I am. I am in the communities all of the time on my own. I cannot help it if I don't let call letters make who I am. I am from an area where community means everything to you and it means more than most would ever know to me.
Bonus Questions
Your favorite new diversion is...
DMV MOTORING. Look them up. www.DMVMOTORING.com.
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