10 Questions with ... Jeff Grillo

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started working in radio about 1996 at WBSM/WFHN in Fairhaven/New Bedfored, MA. I produced the News/Talk morning show, "Pete Braley & Co.," and worked in promotions and did a little board-op. From there I went to Tampa to Classic Hits WCOF, where I worked on-air and in promotions for a little over two years. Then, off to Grand Cayman where I did the morning show for Z99. Back to Tampa, where I worked on-air at Classic Rock WHPT. I did a morning show for a year on the Net, which was fun and kept me going, but it just cost me money! I worked seven years overall on-air in radio. I also spent about five years as Exec. Director of a small media company doing voiceovers, audio production as well as websites and videos. I also worked for NSoul Records in Los Angeles producing a weekly Christian Dance party which aired in NY, CT, IA, as well as stations in Costa Rica, Peru (FM & AM) and over the Net. I'm currently looking for full-time work on-air with at least the possibility of earning APD/AMD, MD or PD stripes. I would also love to be able to do imaging, production and voiceover work. Radio is my passion.

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

Two things ... First, I remember what my favorite motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, "Any day you wake up without a chalk outline around your body, it's a very good day!" Second, I remember the lessons I taught in my 2006 book, "Power In Perseverance." Okay, I lied, it's really three things. I also look in the face of my wife and children and know I can't let them down.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

I work on keeping my skills sharp by volunteering to do voiceovers for my church's multi-media weekly updates. I also just love to create in my home studio.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Yes, I can't imagine doing anything else. It is truly in the blood. In my opinion, I accomplished a lot in a short time, and know that I have so much more to learn, experience and accomplish. My experience in radio was incredible. The only jobs I ever had where I couldn't wait to get to work ... had a great time the whole time I was there ... and was angry when it was time to leave. That's hard to find.

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

Well, if I knew the real answer to that, I'd be working, I guess. Seriously, in addition to applying to everything that interests me, I'm starting to volunteer my time. I'm trying to get in the door helping with voicing commercials or whatever ... I only recently started trying this.

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

For sure, it has been allaccess.com. That is my #1 source. Of course, there are the corporate websites, but I find that most of the jobs I'm looking for get posted on All Access. It's a time-saver.

6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I'm not sure how crazy this is, but desperation and persistence paid off. When attempting to come back to Tampa, I hounded poor Paul Cilano (Ops Manager). I called and e-mailed him a ton, telling him how badly I wanted back in! One day he basically said, "If I get you a job will you leave me alone?" You know what the answer was. He hooked me up with the PD at WHPT and I got back in. As promised, I tortured him no longer!

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

In a perfect world, my dream job would be to get in with a station where I could do an afternoon drive shift or even co-host a morning show. I would love to have APD duties so I can use my management and leadership skills in radio. This position would allow me to learn how my skills and training work in radio.

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

I definitely think that I am. I'm a news junkie and love to get my news from the radio. I also love listening to AM and PM-drive teams on FM. I live near a major market so the talent is pretty strong.

9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?

I miss the energy and excitement of planning and executing a show. I loved the show prep and producing bits ... interacting with callers and people on remotes ... I pretty much loved it all. I guess if I had to pick one thing that I didn't like, it would have to be sitting across from the PD for my aircheck sessions. I always was graceful and gobbled up whatever constructive criticism came my way, but, it still gave me flashbacks to going to the principal's office in high school. Not that I did that much, but it did happen!

10) 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?

Absolutely. While I want to make a good living and rake in the cash, it is more important for me to do what I love. I believe that when I get another opportunity, I will seize it. Once I have it, I will passionately learn all I can to improve myself. I believe that eventually money will find me.

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

Yes! My book, "Power In Perseverance" by Jeff Grillo (shameless self-promotion!) Contact me for a copy: jefffmpro@gmail.com.