10 Questions with ... John Cruz

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

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

I have a home studio and provide voice over and creative services for clients throughout North America. I’ve recently been working on several radio and television promo campaigns for World Racing Group based in Charlotte. In addition to message on hold projects for On Hold USA based in Fort Wayne.

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

I am constantly reading, writing and studying the arts. From music to voice overs to digital audio editing to the latest in industry technology. You will find me practicing and or honing my skill set.

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 have always tried to maintain a positive outlook no matter what the situation in my life. As it relates to the industry; it can be trying at times when thrust into unemployment. However, I have learned through the years to take advantage of the idle time to reinvent myself. Then reflect on the accomplishments, the failures, and setbacks. Evaluate, learn and then come back hungrier and better than before. So overall, I am enlightened.

4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Absolutely! I have invested many years, sweat and tears. I still have a passion for what I do and love coming to work every day.

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

About a year.

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

Get yourself heard, scene and stay driven! Pursue diligently and work hard.

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

All Access, bar none! The-e connection to the industry.

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

I don't know if it is "crazy"—but, once I sent a demo package to a PD at a station in Fort Wayne. I later received a correspondence from him stating; "You’re not quite what we’re looking for!" So, instead of taking NO for an answer; I jumped in my car (more demos in hand) and drove the hour trip to station and walked into the lobby, asked for the PD; convinced him to listen to some of my other on air demos. And it worked, he HIRED me.

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

I am in love with many facets of the industry and open to any opportunity. However, I have developed more than satisfactory skills with digital audio editing as well as perfecting my voice artist attributes. I feel that I would be right at home as a creative services or production director for a radio cluster or imaging production house.

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

It has varied really. Depending on the company, market size and market managers. I have seen some handsome salaries commensurate to duties. And then I have worked a myriad of tasks only to be paid a meager wage. Nevertheless, I truly believe that there are broadcasting companies willing and eager to pay their talent competitive earnings.

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

Jalapeno stuffed chicken breast on the grill: Soooo Good!

INGREDIENTS 
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 slices bacon
4 tablespoons cream cheese
1⁄2 cup shredded monterey jack pepper cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, jack or blue cheese also work well)
2 diced jalapenos
chili powder
garlic salt
black pepper
8 toothpicks

DIRECTIONS
pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
grease baking dish.
cut a pouch in each chicken breast fillet, careful not to poke through
spread 1 Tbsp cream cheese in each pouch.
add 1/4 shredded cheese in each pouch.
add diced jalapeños to each pouch (more or less than 1/2 a jalapeño per chicken breast depending on your spice level preference)
sprinkle garlic salt, chili powder and pepper on top of fillets to taste.
wrap 2 pieces of bacon around each fillet
secure each bacon piece with 1 toothpick near the opening of the pouch to keep fillet together.
place in oven
bake for 30 minutes.