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10 Questions with ... Jeff Scott
March 8, 2021
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1. Please tell us about your career journey?
My first “radio experience” started at Lakeland Community College outside of Cleveland, Ohio. My sister had a show and was late for a class, so she threw me in front of the console with 2 cart machines and one turntable and I was on my way. No transmitter. Just an amplifier and speakers in the cafeteria. Years later after a pretty significant prodigal journey of club djing and all the “lifestyle” that brought, I applied at a “Dollar a Holler” AM Christian station in Houston, AM 1180, KGOL. From there, I landed at KSBJ where I worked for 10 years wearing many different hats including Morning show producer, Promotions Director, Special Events director, Host of Light Force radio and TV. I was eventually let go because the 20th Anniversary concert we put on in the Astrodome lost a significant amount of money. Chuck Pryor hired me to be his PD at WBGL. When he left, Barry Copeland promoted me to Station Manager. I’ve been at WBGL for 19 years. I love this town and the people I work with and serve.
2. Share the most challenging part of your career.
See above. Actually getting fired was one of the biggest blessings as far as my career goes. Incredibly hard on my family, but we survived. I would never have been a Station Manager if I had stayed at KSBJ and I grew up in the Midwest so getting back to 4 seasons was a huge win. It also made me realize I was Not my job. I was a follower of Jesus, Shari’s husband, and Hannah, Zachary, and Micah’s dad. Radio was just my job.
3. The best coaching advice you've ever received was…
I’ve had some amazing mentors in my life. Buddy Holiday, Dave Brooks, Chuck Pryor, Dick Whitworth, Barry Copeland, Todd Isberner, Coach John Brock, John Frost, Alan Mason and Jason Sharp have spoken volumes into who I am. Probably the best leadership advice I’ve ever gotten is from John Frost. It works for on air as well. If you’ve ever met John, one of the things he says often is, “What are you trying to accomplish?” When you start with that, all other things seem to fall into place.
4. How do you continue learning and growing?
Learning and growing happens every day for me. I’ve surrounded myself with the best staff in Christian radio. They are all much smarter than me. I also love the CMB community and the events they allow us to be a part of. Michelle and her team are doing amazing things in spite of the pandemic. I also have a membership with Right Now Media for our staff. Incredible content there.
5. What’s one thing you wish you’d known about radio when you first started?
That it would be my career. I’m not sure I invested myself enough early on because I didn’t know it was what I would do the majority of my career.
6. Tell us about someone in our industry who you really respect and why?
I’ve mentioned so many people already. I would have to say Doug Hannah. He is the real deal and a great friend. Corey Mann as well. Top notch. Corey taught me the invaluable lesson that you should always leave well. You never know when you might find yourself back where you were. I like Todd Stach as well. Quality guy. Dave Baker is one of my best friends on the planet.
7. What would surprise people most about you?
That I had a supporting role in one of the worst movies ever made.
8. What’s on your nightstand?
Way too many books that I have started and not finished. I think I’ve got some Icy Hot there as well.
9. What are you most excited about this year?
Figuring out what is next. Everyone says, “I can’t wait for things to get back to normal”. I think “Normal”, as we know it is long gone. The message of hope that we have the privilege of sharing is constant. The way we share it? Only God knows, but I’m excited about being part of figuring it out.
10. What do you do for fun?
I have a close group of friends I hang out with about once a month. I also love riding my motorcycle.
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