10 Questions with ... Geoff Moore

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My career got started when I was conned into filling in for a "sick" friend on WHUG/Jamestown, NY, then bribed into doing nights on crosstown WKZA for two years, which turned into mornings for eight years (at #1). I wanted more of a challenge, and that's when I received a great offer to work at WMTX/Tampa doing mornings (two years) while tracking a show on WLMI/Lansing for two years. Looking for change, I got the call for a great offer from WFLS, and did mornings for three years (holding down the #1 position) and having a blast until budget cuts put me "on the beach."

1) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

The more tools in your box, the more valuable you are ... and I have too many to list. It has to be in every area -- web, social media, video, production and ability to turn anything into compelling radio. Experience helps, especially when you've done multiple formats. Lastly, be able to "work a room." I've been told by artists that they're impressed with my skills.

2) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Co-anchoring children's charity events, raising $300,000 ... and working with some great talents at WMTX.

3) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?

Very impressive. I consider myself lucky because out of the eight gigs I've sent out for, 1 ended up with an offer I declined, two ended up with me in the top 3 choices, and two that I'm waiting to hear back after they asked for more info. The other three haven't responded, but I'd say that's positive!

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

All Access, Country Air Check Today (e-mail), RAMP (e-mail), and friends in the biz.

5) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Absolutely! I've done marketing, advertising, law enforcement and PR. Nothing gives me the satisfaction like hearing someone say. "I couldn't get out of my car until you finished that story -- awesome."

6) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

Four months, thank God. I'm hoping that it will be half that this time.

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

My family and I would love to get back to Florida, so ideally mornings in FL -- but I'm not picky.

8) 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?

Yes. My mentor Jimmy Steele at Clear Channel always told me, "Chase the dream, not the cash. If you do that, the cash will always find you." He's right. Bring compelling content and it will bring you listeners. Bring listeners ... and the ratings and revenue will flow.

9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

Never think that you've learned it all. Always be open to critiques, search out airchecks from great jocks, find someone who's willing to give you pointers. Listen and learn how to pull people in and become the listener's best friend.

10) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

More so now ... listening to stations in other markets, airchecks on YouTube, and mixing up the formats. Everyone does it differently, and you can never learn enough.

Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.

Kenny Chesney's "Live A Little," Train's "Save Me San Francisco," and Katy Perry's "E.T." But I swear it was for my daughter.