10 Questions with ... Matt Patrick

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I was the morning guy at WKDD for 30 years in Akron, OH, doing a Hot AC high-profile morning show with great success. The last two years I also did a local talk show on our sister station WHLO. I am currently doing local talk on a part-time, fill-in basis for "The Big One," Newsradio WTAM 1100A/Cleveland, and having a ball! I have been lucky in my career in that I have been able to be a part of this great community and serve it with great radio. As I continue my Talk radio career, I hope I can continue to give back! This is the first time in three decades I find myself "on the beach." I hope that speaks volumes about the kind of person I am!

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

Sometimes this is the hardest part of being "out" of the loop. I have an incredible wife and family who believe in me more than I do! Without my wife, it would have been easy to stop believing in my talents! I also exercise and play golf!

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.

Well ... I have not really stepped too far out of the business. I was thrilled when WTAM called and asked me to come join them in January. I am sad that there seems to be so many people who have given up on this business. I, on the other hand, LOVE this business. It's just that some of the PEOPLE who I have come in contact with have made my radio experience less than what it could have been.

3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

I could not imagine NOT doing this job. This has been my life's work.

4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Call and e-mail your friends in the business. Social networking, blogging, is so key! Don't let your pride get in the way. Be humble and tell the truth. Spend as much time looking and following up on leads as you would working a job. Try not to get to discouraged. Tomorrow is another day.

5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

Other than the contacts I have in the radio business, All Access is a great source for leads. I HIGHLY recommend it!

6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

Talk radio, for me, is what I am doing, and I think doing very well. I am a personality! I have 30 years experience talking to an audience. Whether it is local talk or personality on a music station, my ability to connect with an audience is my best asset.

7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

WOW! I've wanted to answer this question ever since I've seen it asked in this column. It's very disappointing, to say the least. I understand that with every job post, you get hundreds of responses, but that should be expected. Please try to at least follow up with a mass e-mail saying, "We found our candidate, thanks for applying." On the flip side of this, I have also found that there a few FABULOUS PDs and companies that really try to follow through. I thank you for that. It means so much!

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Without a doubt, helping to raise over $6 million for Akron Children's Hospital through our Radiothons over the 10 years I did them. Two years ago, we raised $1 million in a weekend! This speaks to the kinds of people I was fortunate to broadcast to for over 30 years!

9) 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, to a certain degree. I have been able to spend a lot of time with my youngest child, my son Jake. Jake is five and soon will be going off to school. We have spent more time together because of my "time off" than we could have if I was still working. I loved it! My 19- and 16-year-old daughters have been incredibly supportive and we have connected on another level.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?

Back on a great radio station, doing great radio!!

What's your handicap now that you've had time to practice?

My handicap is that I still keep trying to play this game!