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10 Questions with ... Kevin Brown
October 28, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
PD/AM host in San Francisco, Atlanta, Detroit, Denver, Norfolk, Little Rock.
1) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely! After listening to panel discussions at the World Wide Radio Summit in April and the NAB in September, radio seems reinvigorated and ready to engage audiences with compelling content on multiple platforms.
2) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is the longest stretch. After 22 years as PD/morning hHost at KBLX, I took a break to travel and decompress.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
So many different ways to get in the door now, but I always recommend the basics to those who want to pursue a career in radio. The best positions are usually found through mentors and colleagues who know your goals and are confident in your ability. Network. Internships are a valuable tool. Look the part. Understand radio from a business perspective. Have a demonstrated knowledge of sales. Work on your craft every day. Don't dwell on failure. Never give up.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Any job that allows me to apply my strategic planning and quality/process improvement experience, well-honed communications, analytical and team building skills.
5) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes, now I listen to radio from all over the country on the Internet.
6) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
Yes. "A constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy." I've discovered wineries from all over Northern California and I help them all by tasting as much as I can.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
My community service track record while on the radio in morning drive in San Francisco is the accomplishment I am most proud of. Helping to raise money and awareness for various non-profit organizations, Children's Hospitals, American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts, UNICEF, etc... The ability to make a difference for the greater good in this business is inspiring.
8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
At the end of your life you won't regret not having worked more. Success at work is like success in life, the key is balance. Work some, play some, have fun at both.
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?
Money is secondary to managing complex projects. The pursuit of the goal, the thrill of the chase, the ratings and revenue victories at the expense of the competition is the ultimate reward.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
I once heard the late comedian David Brenner say: "I've seen a lot of people make it and others fail in this business and the key is what I call the three "T's." You only have control over two of the three. 1) Talent -- work on your craft. 2) Tenacity -- don't give up. 3) Timing -- you have no control. Right place right time.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying - Lessons from a life in Comedy by Carol Leifer.
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson.
Good Morning Mr. Mandela by Zelda La Grange.
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