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10 Questions with ... John Willis
February 19, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Where is radio going and how are we to keep refreshing the revenue stream? The over-extending and debt burden on many owners. I'm trying to jump back in when many are standing pat or cutting back or just rearranging the furniture. Am I too old? Can I still relate? Do I cost too much? What's my angle? Yikes. It can get very discouraging, especially with so many not returning phone calls or e-mails. I've always been a part of radio success stories. I know what it takes to win, so I'm confident my next gig is just a matter of time
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Award-winning and multifaceted 35-plus-year radio broadcaster with experience in: on-air, producing, directing, promoting, commercial production, content creation, social media campaigns and charity fundraising. Interested in continuing success in radio, public relations or bringing people together via communications roles in community or corporate arena. Worked 22 years at WKLB/Boston. Also in Boston at WXKS, WBMX, and WZOU. Have worked for legendary PDs Harry Nelson, Sunny Joe White, Mike Brophey, Greg Strassell and Pete Falconi.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?
I remember how extremely fortunate I have been through my 35+ years in this business. I'm loyal, I work hard and I always look on the bright side. I've always believed that good things happen to good people. This setback will pass and the next adventure will be here soon!
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I keep in touch with the many wonderful people I have worked with through the years. Lunch, coffee, text, phone chats. We talk, laugh, and keep up on the latest technologies. I also have three awesome daughters, ages 19-24. We Facetime a lot. My youngest is a freshman at JMU and I put a lot of energy into being a part of that learning community. I also read a lot. I'm just finishing up the fifth Game of Thrones book and about to begin Michael Bechloss' Presidents of War.
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.
We've seen it for a while now. Where is radio going and how are we to keep refreshing the revenue stream? The over-extending and debt burden on many owners. I'm trying to jump back in when many are standing pat or cutting back or just rearranging the furniture. Am I too old? Can I still relate? Do I cost too much? What's my angle? Yikes. It can get very discouraging, especially with so many not returning phone calls or e-mails. I've always been a part of radio success stories. I know what it takes to win, so I'm confident my next gig is just a matter of time.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I've thought about that and with my radio skills I believe I can help in other capacities elsewhere. However, I love radio. It's what I've done since I was 20 and there's nothing sweeter than putting together an amazing staff that works so incredibly hard for each other and sees great success. The time, the investment, the sweat - the payoff. The smiles and unbridled joy on the faces of your co-workers when the numbers come out and you've accomplished something special. Man, it brings tears to my eyes right now just thinking about those moments.
5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
February 2016 to just last month. Yeah, really. I know. Yikes. But, shortly after I was let go from WKLB, my brother-in-law called and needed help with his business. He was short an admin and he was getting ready to open another location, so I jumped in to help. He's a great guy and family is family, but I so miss being on the air. I recently started working part-time at Total Traffic and Weather Network here in Boston, but my boss, George Brown, knows that I'm looking for full-time. BTW, he's a great leader. Smart, focused, helpful, knows how to motivate. You don't get that as often as you'd like.
6) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Keep pounding. Make connections. Use resources. Get creative. Keep reminding people that you still exist. Continue to make connections with people that can help you. Radio/media people - we've all been there before and we have a common bond. Reach out to them because you never know where that connection could lead you. Don't stop making calls or sending e-mails. Set up meetings for coffee or lunch, whatever. Get out there. Keep up on technology and feel free to send articles/suggestions about the latest radio technology solution for a promotion or on-air programming. Post it on LinkedIn or email it to a potential future PD. You never know.
7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Word of mouth. All Access. All the major broadcast company career websites. Google search for news stories on media companies/call letters/cities. Monster. Indeed. Twitter. Instagram, (following personalities and stations).
8) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I am crazy, so just e-mailing or calling a PD sets off alarm bells for them! Seriously, I have been fortunate in my career that the next gig was just a connection away. Heck, the last job I had was for 22 years. Doesn't get better than that. I will say, though, that when I was working and a new GM, (we called them GMs back in the day, but I guess they are MMs now, or maybe SVPs? Tough to keep up with the acronyms), came on board. His first day - I had a canned ham and a huge sheet cake delivered with, "Please don't fire us" and edible pictures of myself and my co-host on it. He loved it, and he never fired us. Yea, sugar rush! And thank you, David Letterman, for the canned ham idea.
9) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
On-air. It's what I've done. I've done mornings for 25 out of the 35 years in radio, so that would still work. Mornings are like the Army. You're up and get right to work. No effing around. Boom - let the fun begin. But, I'm also a realist and I understand when there is already a great show in place. You've got the con, rock-on! Plug me in wherever. Just get me in a fun environment that wants to win. Radio is entertainment and when the staff is jacked, having fun and kickin' ass, nine times out of 10 you're on to something special - and the audience knows it. Let the winning begin!
10) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
Mostly lower, but that's to be expected due to the financial climate for many owners. They are trying to get somewhat creative with endorsement incentives, etc., and to some extent that can work, (even my cats have their own Sleep Number bed), but I get it. Let's get creative ... we all want to make this work!
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?
Okay, so we're on the beach, right? My mom had a fab recipe for potato salad. Except she never measured it, and I do it the same way. I will try to guesstimate the measurements, but really what I'm saying is that, in the end, you do it to how you like it. I ended up tweaking it for me as well because I wanted it to have more moisture content. Oh, and it's freakin' potato salad, so you're cooking a lot ... for your fam or a party. Anyway, here goes:
JW's Kick Ass Cat-on-a-Sleep-Number-Bed Potato Salad:
- 10 Idaho baking potatoes (The big ones, kids)
- 10 eggs
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine vinegar
- 4 teaspoons Salt
- 1 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 cup finely cut Scallions
* add a teaspoon or so of your fav spicy mustard if you want a kick
- Boil potatoes on high heat until soft. Usually 45min - 1hr. These are big-ass potatoes, so if you cut them or go smaller, then reduce the time 'cause they'll soften quicker!
- Boil 10 eggs in separate pan. (Also, the eggs to potato quotient is the same, so you want more potatoes, then 1 egg for each potato).
- Eggs & potatoes go in same large bowl. Start mixing/mashing lightly
- Add the red wine vinegar, salt mayonnaise and scallions - mix.
- Refrigerate, then serve.
Remember to taste along the way so you have the right texture/moisture balance. You can always add more vinegar or mayo or salt.
Enjoy!!
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