10 Questions with ... Don Kollins

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I have truly lived the childhood dream of one day being "that guy" on the radio, from working the all-night shift in several markets in Canada to moving up to daytime shifts and eventually mornings. All along putting in time in the promotions department and eventually as Promo Dir. Things progressed from MD to APD and then PD.

Even though the passion started with being behind the mic, I learned there were others way more talented than myself in that area. Behind the scenes - creating formats, clocks, and engaging incredibly talented staff -- was more for me, so I moved to off-air programming full-time.

Twenty-five years in the business and I still love every minute. Highlights include programming 570News in Kitchener/Waterloo, Canada. The great team effort resulting in an RTNDA Award for best newscast. Then came programming The FAN 590 in Toronto through transition. An incredible company in Rogers Media (where I spent 10 years) and still a must-listen-to radio station.

The opportunity to program 95.7 The Game/San Francisco was a lifetime thrill. The opportunity to bring the Golden State Warriors play-by-play to the station was a career highlight. I still love listening to the powerful personalities that make up the station.

I have truly been blessed with radio as a career and working in sports radio in markets such as Toronto and San Francisco.

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

The love for the business and passion for the product I hear every day keeps me grounded. I flip around the dial a lot plus engage in as many new technologies - whether it's a new podcast or a new skill for the Alexa device - I try it out. I have been lucky to work with some of the best in the business and staying in contact with them is a great way to stay positive. Even though we call this "on the beach," it is not bad having the opportunity to take a breather and rethink how crazy the business really is. But, I'm ready to get back working now.

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

I have three great reads under my belt; "The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*CK" by Mark Manson (Thanks, Bruce Gilbert, for the recommendation), "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and "Start You Up" by Steve Jones. All easy and fun reads.

I started my own company, Don Kollins Media, last August and this has helped me tremendously in understanding a new side to the business. It lets me be part of many companies and stations that require an experienced programming person for transition to a new manager or company owner. It has been eye-opening and fun.

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.

Witnessing the downsizing from the outside is tough. Fewer and fewer opportunities. I have gone into stations where you can see the stresses on staff. They know what's going on and they have a family to support.

I still feel radio has the unfair advantage; it has towers and signals and when you say "radio," everyone knows what you mean. There are many challenges and I see companies/stations are working on having personalities engaged more, maybe longer shifts, more social media, etc. That's part of where the business is going and embracing it now will help extend careers. Radio in its present form is still exciting. The personalities, promotions and presentation still make it the best gig in the world.

4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

That's the plan. I think I have plenty more to give to the business. Seeing and working with several other companies and stations through my media company has only given me more appetite to be back in the programming department full time.

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

This is it. The first time on the beach in 25 years. Not a bad run for sure. I had a former VP that said to me, "You're nothing until you get fired Kollins." Well, I guess I'm something now - just not sure what.

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

Radio is a small business. The toes you step on today could be connected to the ass you are kissing tomorrow. I have many, many great friends in the business and they have all been extremely helpful on leads and in some cases, warnings.

I make a lot of calls. I buy a lot of coffee. I even try to do the odd lunch. But the best part of this experience is I have had the opportunity to talk to and with so many former co-workers and friends. It's a close-knit family in this business.

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

Once you are on the beach, life takes on a new challenge of finding the next great gig. Scouring the radio/media websites for opportunities has been typical. Knowing staff inside the stations and companies is key. Having a couple consultants in your back pocket is also advantageous. The consultants, if they like you, can give you a recommendation or a heads up of openings/changes.

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

Not being the crazy type, and maybe that's why I never made for a great on-air personality, but I have seen some great ideas come through my office. My favourite was being mailed a shoe with a resume attached (trying to get my foot in the door) message also attached. That was a great one.

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

No question I would like to be part of a radio stations management team as PD and/or OM. My experience in the spoken word formats of Sports, News and News/Talk are a perfect fit for me. I am also excited about taking another leap into cluster management. Managing several stations and connecting all departments is clearly an exciting challenge I would be interested in exploring.

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

Creative ways of keeping great staff is a big part of seeing a profit. I get it. I can see staff being asked to do more for less or the same. It's part of the business right now. The strong will survive and will be paid very well for their efforts/talents. I have seen all sides - from cutbacks to a few pleasant surprises. It's nice to see when ownership/management recognizes an incredible talent and rewards them.

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

Since I have a lot of time on my hands, dinners have been my responsibility so my favourite meal is California Tri-Tip.

1. Get a nice sized tri-tip from your local butcher. (hint: managers special at Safeway on Thursdays usually has them 30-40% off)
2. Generously coat both sides with Montreal steak spice.
3. Heat BBQ to 500 degrees.
4. Put tri-tip on BBQ and close lid - sear side one - leave it on for 7 minutes.
5. Sear side two - again 7 minutes direct heat.
6. Turn middle burner off.
7. Continue to cook at 450 degrees until inner temp reaches 140 degrees.
8. Two minutes before removing, splash on Kinders Mild BBQ Sauce.
9. Take tri-tip off BBQ and let sit for 15 minutes (cover with foil).
10. Thinly slice and enjoy ... I like a little horseradish on the side.