10 Questions with ... "ScottyTacoBody" Scott Ehlke

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

PROMO DEMO

When I found out that being on the radio was a full-time job, it has consumed my life. I started in Saginaw, MI for Citadel WIOG (Top 40) where I learned to push all the buttons. After a year of some small part-time overnight work, I moved closer to home, outside of Detroit, where I spent a few years working promotions for a Sports Talk station, WXYZ (97.1 The Ticket), where I basically drove promo models around to various sporting events -- that's the dream, right?

From there I moved within the building to work for 98.7 AMP Radio (Top 40). It was there that PD Tim Rayne took the time to aircheck me every week and gave me some guidance on how to not sound stupid. Within a year of covering overnights and weekends, I landed my first full-time night show in Traverse City, MI's 106 WKHQ (Top 40) and within a year I was #1-18-34 W Fall '14.

This is where it gets crazy. In March of 2015, I was hired by Alpha Media to jump on board a brand new brand, Energy 102.3 (Top 40). Right away PD Chris "Lucky" Stewart and I lived in the studio for five days for Child Abuse Awareness. I quickly became the APD and moved to middays before the station was abruptly flipped in Sept. 2016 to '90s Hip-Hop/R&B. As the station flipped, our staff went from three to just me. I was handed the keys to G1023, "The Throwback Station" and was running my first radio station not to mention it was all by myself. Fast forward 18 months and the station has been exploding with Brooke and Jubal in the morning, myself in the afternoon -- 8.7 W 18-34, second in the market -- and Tino CoChino in nights.

It's never fun to get downsized but at the end of the day, I wouldn't trade my time or experiences for anything.

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

So far, it has been my fellow peeps who have reached out with words of encouragement, job leads, and in a few cases, a few bucks for a beer. I have also been spending my time listening/streaming stations from all over. The biggest thing I can do is remain positive, and know that this won't be forever.

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

Immediately, I did what every other person does ... I went and played golf, followed by some light to heavy napping. Most recently, I made everyone proud by winning Parks and Recreation Trivia ... So, killing it.

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 realized that happiness is key. My radio journey (eight years) has consisted of 100% focus on growing and advancing and moving around. Stepping away has allowed me to reconnect with family/friends, and focus on somewhat of a personal life.

4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Absofruitly...yes

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

Being downsized from my last job was the first time since entering the workforce that I haven't had at least one job (who in radio really only has one job, right?). So as of right now, one month and one week.

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

It's all about who you know! Getting that connection to stand out to in a pile of so many talented people. You could also just show up to the station with tacos for everyone; that also might work.

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

All Access, of course, is the #1 go-to for job openings. Calling on old PDs, friends and even some family in the business (Melissa Jordan B93.3 Milwaukee, Ryan Ehlke Channel 955 Detroit)

8. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I have never really had to pull anything too crazy to get a job. I have done some pretty crazy stuff for a job though. From skydiving, dressing up like a leprechaun, living in a two-person studio for five straight days. I am no stranger to getting attention.

9. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I would love to make the move to mornings (producing, on-air ... doesn't really matter). That has always been the goal.

10. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

It's getting rough out there with so many companies filing for bankruptcy, or just cutting staff to maximize profits. I am fairly new to working full-time in radio so my expectations are still being formed.

Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?

Spaghetti tacos ... just like it sounds. Make some spaghetti, grab some taco shells and you're golden.