10 Questions with ... John Symons

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

With more than 25 years in radio, I feel, like a good wine. I get better with age. I started out in Saginaw, Michigan, took a couple years in Shreveport, Louisiana and then headed back north to Sunny 95 in Columbus, Ohio. I spent nearly 11 years at #1 doing "Love songs ... and nothing but love songs." Then it was off to Chicago's Windy 100/WNND/Love-FM. Eight years, three format variations, and a good time in the top 5 prepared me to accept Darren Davis' offer to take Love Notes to The Lite, WLIT.

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

Believe it or not, music soothes the soul. I know it sounds trite, but it's true.

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

I've been certified to be a Polling Location Coordinator, so on election days, you may find me running your polling location and helping you participate in our democracy. But only one vote, please!

3) 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 always been an armchair quarterback, so it's not unusual to find me speaking sternly to my computer screen when trends are released, or when I hear or see something that frustrates me ... but then in a hour or two, I've solved their problems...

4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

That's a hard question. If you had asked me that a few months after I got my walking papers, I would have emphatically said yes. Today, I think I'm a bit more reflective. But the answer is still ... yes!

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

This is it! This month marks three years.

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

Bother them until they give in ... but a better way is to appeal to their mentoring inner self and hope you will get a response. It's a bit unusual these days, but it does happen.

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

All the corporate sites and, of course, Allaccess.com

8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)

On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the lowest, I would say it's about that. 1. Unfortunately.

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

By offering something no one else can do and doing it better than anyone else should they try. A quality and successful product is still the goal for all.

10) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Probably having the opportunity to execute four different versions of my show successfully in market #3. Chicago's Windy 100 (Bright AC), WNND-FM (Soft AC), 100.3 WNND (80's/90's Hits), 100.3 Love-FM (Rhythmic AC).

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

Ha! Well, I'm not that much of a golfer, but I do like the "actual" beach, so I have a killer tan, and tennis keeps me moving so my game is better, and I look good doing it, so really that's all that matters ... right?