10 Questions with ... John Marks

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I've spent more years in radio than even I can imagine. I thank Junior Achievement and my hometown local radio station WPFB in Middletown, Ohio for giving me an opportunity to peek behind the curtain of a business that is a part of my soul. Thanks for letting me find my muse in this mistress called Radio.

1) What made you choose a career in radio? Did you always know this was something you wanted to do for a living?

Radio, I think chose me. I didn't choose it. It's all I've ever wanted to do for as long as I remember. I held other jobs in my childhood, but I've been earning a paycheck in radio since I was 16 years old. I am one of the few people who have worked at a job I love most of my adult life. I'm a lucky guy.

2) What was your favorite radio station to listen to growing up in Middleton, Ohio?

I grew up with WSAI in Cincinnati and WING in Dayton. They were great Top 40 stations in their day. I would sit around the breakfast table and listen to Jim Scott on WSAI and Steve Kirk on WING.

3) Your bio says your first "real job" in radio was being the chauffeur of the WSAI Chicken. What is that all about?

I was at Ohio University in grad school. I saw that WSAI, the station I grew up with went Country. I sent tapes, resumes, called PD Jonathan Fricke more times than I could remember. I was too naïve to know how difficult it was to go from a rural small town to such a large market. Jonathan, I guess, saw something in me and hired me. My first job was to drive our Chicken mascot all over town. We talked our way into events and got the station some visibility. Thanks to that opportunity, here I am today.

4) What are some of your biggest accomplishments? What stations have you been the most proud of, etc.

I've had several opportunity of a lifetime situations. I'm most proud of KKAT in Salt Lake City, KWNR in Las Vegas and of course the legendary KSON. So many great people in the industry have contributed to KSON's legend over the years. I feel privileged to be a small part of that legacy.

5) You have worn several hats throughout your entire career - everything from production, news, on-air personality, music director, program director, etc. Which area do you feel is your strongest suit, and which area would you like to be stronger at?

I'm where I belong. Being Program Director lets you have a taste of all things at the radio station and in the music world. Working with artists, music, talent, management, corporate. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

People tell me I have a good "radio" voice. I'm not sure that's such a good thing these days. Personalities need to be distinctive and memorable and not sound like DJs. I'm sorry to say that's not me.

6) You have a Master's Degree in Business. How has that helped you in your career?

I did not complete the Masters Program at Ohio University. How could I pass up the job of chauffeuring the WSAI Chicken - the gig of a lifetime! I think the more schooling you have, the better it is for you. Between school and the practical experience I gained during that time was invaluable, incalculable.

7) Who are some of your mentors, inside and outside of the industry, and why?

So many people, so little time. Jonathan Fricke, who gave me my first "real" job as the chauffeur of the WSAI Chicken! Dale Turner, who helped me begin to understand the ins and outs of the Country music industry. Dennis Gwaizdon, who helped me understand the "business" of programming. Bill Stakelin, who taught me to be proud of who I am and what I can do. He taught me that my possibilities were unlimited. Jaye Albright, who I competed with in Seattle and has since become a mentor, a lifelong friend and KSON's consultant. Don Benson and John Dimick, who still believe in the true tenants of customized local radio. And that's not a suck up.

8) Throughout your career, you've witnessed several changes in the radio industry - everything from individual owners and group owners to duopoly & deregulation, to consolidation - what is your opinion on the current state of radio, and do you think we're moving in the right direction?

Our industry has a choice. We can either be McDonald's or Wal-Mart; a commodity that is neither memorable nor exciting. Or we can live up to the spirit of what radio was meant to be. And that is to work and serve in the communities in which we live. To custom design our products and selling strategies for those specific cities and towns. Some might say it's naïve, but in moments like this, it might be time to get back to basics. That's what I love about KSON. We do just that.

9) What are some artists in our format that you are really high on right now?

I'm in love with our music right now. It's been fun to watch Miranda Lambert's music mature. Her "Revolution" album is killer. I love Love & Theft, been a fan of Jerrod Neiman for some time, Lee Brice, James Otto, Chris Young, Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin and Emily West. We have plenty of star power coming in the next wave. So many types and styles of country. I love that our format still has a big tent and that there's room for everybody.

10) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?

Back in 1981, this guy named George Strait was just getting started. I interviewed him on the air at WSAI. Little did we know he would become the King.

The same with Brad Paisley. He came to see us at KWNR. We didn't have a place to put him, so he sang to us in a dark corner of the radio station. I've been a fan ever since.

Alabama doing their 40 Number One Hits on stage at the Las Vegas Hilton in one marathon concert! I could go on and on.

1) If you were to leave radio and music today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

I've spent a lot of time pondering that one and over the years I always come back to radio and music. It's what I was meant to do.

2) You've been all over the U.S. working at stations in markets like Chicago; Beaumont, TX; Little Rock, AR; Seattle; Salt Lake City, UT (twice); Las Vegas and now San Diego. What has been your favorite city to live in and why?

I've got a Threadbare Gypsy Soul. I've had great experiences wherever I've been.

3) What advice would you give to young people looking to succeed in the music or broadcast industry today?

Do what you love, no matter what it is. Be happy first, the rest will come.