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10 Questions with ... S. Cory Willis
June 4, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Well, I take comfort in the fact that I did all I could in my last position. In the end it was just them trying to keep their overhead low. Who knew I was so expensive? Ha! I have been keeping up with the job board and flurrying my materials out to anyplace where I think I can make a positive impact. And I have gotten some actual replies which tells me PDs are liking what they hear. That is extremely motivating
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
PROMO DEMO- 1997-1999 WGNI/Wilmington, NC
- 1999-2002 WKXB, WBNE, WSFM/Wilmington, NC
- 2002 ZFZZ/Grand Cayman Island
- 2007-2010 WIVI/St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
- 2011-2012 WKLC/St. Albans, WV
- 2012-2015 ZFZZ, ZFKY/Grand Cayman Island
- 2015-2019 WJTQ, WXBM, WMEZ, WRRX, WCOA/Pensacola, FL
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?
Well, I take comfort in the fact that I did all I could in my last position. In the end it was just them trying to keep their overhead low. Who knew I was so expensive? Ha! I have been keeping up with the job board and flurrying my materials out to anyplace where I think I can make a positive impact. And I have gotten some actual replies which tells me PDs are liking what they hear. That is extremely motivating.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I actually bought a house here a few years ago (I know, I broke the DJ rule) so I have been tooling around on projects I had been neglecting. I am also exercising a bit more and taking my dog on some nice walks.
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.
It's interesting. You listen to the cluster you worked for. You listen to the competition. You make mental notes about what you're hearing and what you could improve were you allowed the chance. Sometimes you feel like a ghost shouting at the syndicated morning guy for talking about something that's not even slightly important to your local area. And just like a ghost he ignores you.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I would love to stay in it if I could find something that would remain stable. I am also on the hunt for a unicorn!
5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Back in the mid-2000s, I tried my hand at hotel audio visual work. It was basically like setting up and tearing down remotes all day without the fun broadcasting part. And I had to wear a suit every day. Torture!
6) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Show them you're willing to do what it takes. Don't act like anything you are given is a chore!
7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access.com has always been a terrific resource for finding good work. That and word-of-mouth from former coworkers over the years.
8) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I flew from the Caribbean to Mobile, AL rented a car and stayed the weekend in Pensacola, FL on Easter weekend 2015 and met with the OM at a seafood restaurant on Easter Sunday. We discussed the job and what I would do should I acquire it while consuming endless shrimp baskets. All told, it cost me about $1,000 but I got the job!
9) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would love the chance to get back on air full-time and in a place where I could flex my creative muscle in the production department. I want to land somewhere where I can really integrate into the community and brand myself.
10) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
There are a few out there that have surprised me in a good way. Most of us don't get into this job to get rich (which many of the job posts like to point out), but if I can pay my bills, chink away at my credit card debt, keep my dog healthy and still have some walking around money I am usually pretty happy.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On the Beach" cookbook
Baked chicken breasts with Cream of Mushroom
- Salt or season chicken breasts and set aside.
- Open one can of Cream of Mushroom and pour into a glass baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts on the bed of Cream of Mushroom and open another can.
- Pour additional can of Cream of Mushroom to cover the chicken breasts. Feel free to add additional mushrooms.
- Set oven to 375 and bake for about an hour
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