10 Questions with ... Kevin Dalton

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I quit the family business 10 years ago because I knew my place was in radio. I started as an intern, emptying trash cans and stapling concert tickets. Through years of hard work, long hours and even a few summers dressed as station mascot "Woody the Rock Cock," I amassed the knowledge, skills and experience to be one of the best Morning Show hosts radio had seen. I am sure you know how the rest of this story goes...

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

Knowing that I will work again. But, having support from friends and family has made all the difference.

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

I have been restoring my 1963 Lincoln Continental, building a home studio for VO work and hitting the gym and losing 50 pounds. Being on the beach probably added 20 years to my life.

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.

I believe that the Internet is beginning to do to radio what cable television did to network television years ago. Cable TV started cranking out some great shows and it got the apathetic networks off their butts. Guys like Adam Carolla and Kevin Smith are putting out great content online. It is going to force terrestrial radio to come up with something better if they want to compete. Hopefully that means more jobs and less voicetracking. That is enlightening and exciting.

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

Take an internship and show everyone that you know how to bust your ass. I believe it is a lost art.

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

Word of mouth. This business is so small. Everyone knows everyone. And a recommendation from a colleague is better than any demo or cover letter

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

Morning Show Host. Mornings are ready for more than top 10 lists and trivia. I believe there is an audience that would like to be challenged, instead of having wacky facts and birthdays hurled at them 4 minutes at a time.

7) 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?

I would but my girlfriend would kill me. I have always loved radio. Whether I was driving a station vehicle and setting up an EZ-up or being on the air; it was never about the money.

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

This is a job. Keep in mind it is a fun job but you have to work hard. If you are in it for the concert tickets, someone hungrier will beat you...every time.

9) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?

I will pack my own lunch because I can't afford to live off of McNuggets and Chalupas anymore.

10) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

5 years...In a great city where I can start a family and I'll be #1 in mornings. 10 years... Mayor of that city, right?