10 Questions with ... Chad Pitt

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Born in Richmond VA, I started as a promotions assistant for WRVQ at age 16. From there, I hosted nights at WAEV/Savannah, WHBQ/Memphis and WXXL/Orlando. I was later moved to afternoons at XL1067, had a brief stunt at 933FLZ/Tampa, worked PM drive at FM100/Memphis, and most recently I was back in Tampa at WSJT. I've been involved with such organizations as Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, UNICEF, Susan G. Komen, National Child Watch Prevention, Easter Seals, AIDS of Pinellas, and Heartbeat International.

I was also featured on NBC's "Today Show," iVillage Live and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." I voiced episodes for MTV's "Making the Band," MTV UK's "Big in America," and "LIVE From Hard Rock Live." I've been featured multiple times in both Popstar! People magazine, and PerezHilton.com. I hosted warm-up for Britney Spears' Dream Within a Dream North American tour. Multiple live broadcasts include Teen Choice Awards, Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, American Idol, and I was honored in the Universal Studios Radio Hall of Fame, Orlando, FL.

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

Prescription drugs are a plus; however if not available, friends and family provide incredible encouragement. Although, the one comment that really gets under my skin is when people say, "I'm not worried about you, you'll be fine." Unless you have a crystal ball, or can put me in direct contact with John Ivey (dream job), then you don't know that for a fact.

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

I tried exotic dancing, however my lack of skills led to people asking for their money back. Luckily, I've just picked up some part time work in Tampa Bay. Tim Clarke was kind enough to bring me over to WPOI (Hot 101.5).

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

Persistence is the key! So what if you send multiple e-mails throughout the week and don't get a response? The PD will either appreciate your willingness and determination... or think of you as a creeper and mark your e-mails for spam. Either way, people are seeing your brand!

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

I've had Hershey Bars with the words "hire me" engraved on them, sent singing telegrams, bought pizza for an entire programming department with the words "hire me" spelled out in pepperoni, had Morgan Freeman personalize an autograph for a PD (who still didn't hire me), I've sent Corky's World Famous BBQ Ribs from Memphis to four different PDs, and before sending MP3s in email was cool -- I sent an iPod loaded with a PD's favorite artist and my aircheck in between each song.

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

Thanks to my smartphone, I enjoy listening to the launch of new stations. There's a plethora of markets with multiple formats now competing in the same "arena." I like hearing the creativity put behind each launch. Other than that, I've blown my entire severance on downloading music from iTunes.

6) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

One of the organizations I was fortunate enough to work with was "Heartbeat International." They raise money for people who can't afford pacemakers. My father has endured multiple heart surgeries including two pacemaker surgeries. To raise awareness, both of us rappelled off the Franklin Exchange Building in downtown Tampa (22 stories, 280 feet). Getting to do that with my Dad puts any interview or live broadcast to shame. It was quintessentially the greatest moment of my life.

7) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?

You learn just how resilient you really are. Kelly said it best: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." You also learn the value of true friends. It's when you're at your lowest, they rise to the occasion. It's nice to see who really values you as a person and not just a meter count.

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

Don't expect things to be handed to you. In 1994, I started in promotions at Q94 in Richmond. I fought every day to be noticed and stand out. Thankfully, Lisa McKay gave me my opportunity. Be creative, innovative, take risk, find your niche and build on it -- because if you don't, I guarantee you someone else will.

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

This is my second time getting "beached" and it never changes me -- just makes me appreciate my next opportunity even more. Too many people in our business forget where they came from. The power trip only lasts for so long, until one day you find yourself face-to-face with HR and someone tracking your show from another state.

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

I'm hoping that by then Seacrest will have retired and I can take over the world ... muhahaha.

My favorite new diversion is ...

Boot camp! I know it sounds weird (and hardcore), but it's a great stress reliever. For me, it brings clarity while challenging my psyche. I feel a sense of accomplishment after being yelled at for an hour.