-
10 Questions with ... Jai R. Gonzalez "Jai Rio"
October 21, 2014
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I've been in the industry for about 30 years and have worked in markets of all sizes, including Dallas, Houston and Kansas City. I've worn all hats from Promotions to Program Director and Ops Manager. My formats are Top 40, Hot AC, AC and Country, but I'm open to Rock and Christian formats as well. I am passionate and work 'til the job gets done. I am PPM-ready and I win in any format, any market and dominate in afternoon and morning drive. Radio isn't just a job; it's a passion ... and live it, breath it, and always making sure I am on top of the latest trends with what's happening in the industry, music, and with our listeners.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I wake up and follow my routine of working out, researching and doing show prep. I send out demos and know that for every NO there will be that one YES that will be beyond what I expected!!
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I serve at my church and utilize my talents on the music ministry side of things. I've been reading a lot and just staying in the know of what's going on in social media, local, national, sports and entertainment news. You just never know when you will get that phone call to hit the ground running.
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.
I've noticed that a lot of radio stations have gotten away from being involved with their communities and are not allowing the jocks to be personalities which is why we all got into the biz to begin with. There is no training ground anymore because of VT and automation, so night and overnight shifts are pretty much done away with. It's sad.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely ... being on the beach and having things go wrong that are not in my control has not deterred me from wanting to stay in the biz. I have a good 30 years left in me and want to be a mentor to up-and-coming talent wherever I land.
5) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I can't tell you that ... then everyone will be using my tactics and I won't stand out anymore! Good try, though!
6) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
Patience for sure. I have also learned that I am still learning and want to coach talent to be better than I am. I have also learned that we are all different and all bring specific strengths and weaknesses to a team, therefore allowing those strengths to be used in areas where the team lacks those strengths and also learning from the weaknesses and doing what needs to be done to strengthen them.
7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
LOL, really? ALL ACCESS, OF COURSE!!!
8) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I sent flowers and had the PD's favorite lunch sent over ... gotta love credit cards and delivery!
9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Always have a savings account you don't touch and always have a plan B you would love to do if you weren't doing plan A!!
10) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
I don't regret anything I did. Everything you do is what makes you the person you are today. Live and learn. However, I do wish I would have saved more of my production and on-air work.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?
Sure ... it's cheap & easy!!!
Taco Soup
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 package Taco Seasoning
- 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing Mix
- 1 can Rotel
- 1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes
- 1 can Hominy
- 1 can Corn
- 1 can Ranch Style Beans
- 1 can Ranch Style Pinto Beans
- 1 can Cut Green Beans
- 1 12 oz. Can of Beer
Preparation:
- Cook Ground Beef and then add Beer along with Taco Seasoning and Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing Mix.
- Add Rotel, Petite Diced Tomatoes, Hominy, Corn, Ranch Style Beans, Ranch Style Pinto Beans, and Green Beans. DO NOT DRAIN any of the cans!
- Bring to a boil stirring occasionally.
- Top with grated cheese (optional) and enjoy with cornbread!
-
-