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10 Questions with ... Marcus 'CHUNK' Bonfiglio
October 1, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started out as an intern in San Diego for Channel 933, then promotions for 101KGB & Rock 1053, then moved to San Francisco and worked in Talk radio. While working at the college radio station at San Francisco State my college radio show got on the air for CBS Radio 106.9 FreeFM. Then I moved over to produce the 997 Morning Show and subsequently produced middays, afternoons, nights. Worked with all the talent on their digital footprints and on air content. Started doing weekends and fully developed the 997NOW Digital Brand while creating the @997Dolphin. The "Dolphin" would go on to create some memorable viral moments and still remains the biggest radio parody account ever created despite being inactive for 2 years.
1. What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?
No other choice, that's just how I was raised. I believe everything happens for a reason and it's not about the glass being half full or half empty--it's about being thankful that you have a glass.
2. How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I've been doing stand-up comedy since I was 7 years old, so that is a great way for me to be creative and have some mic time. I also started an Instagram/Youube Brand for my old BMWs which has started taking off.
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've definitely become more enlightened with the business from the outside because I see all the things I could have been doing. You have more time to sit back and see how others are winning and how you can adapt that energy into your own products.
4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Sure do--Family Four Packs are expensive when you have to pay for them.
5. What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
The trip I'm on now hanging by the beach, just shy of 2 years.
6. What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Don't ask me...I text memes and GIFs to Program Directors. Honestly, this industry is about WHO you know and WHO will vouch for you --- it's like the mob. BUT if you're reading this just starting out--- get into the promo department and start hustling up the ladder.
7. What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Radio stations like it when you officially apply for stuff because they're just like every other company that hires employees, so I make sure I have all my information correct and orderly to apply quickly. Radio Peeps is great if you like heated ear wear discussions also word of mouth. Someone gets fired--someone gets hired.
8. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I sent a two page list of reasons why they should hire me and it actually worked!
9. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I really like the digital brand management side of radio. It's often overlooked and poorly operated except for a handful of stations. You really get to experience all sides of radio with Digital...Programming, Promotions, and Sales. You can make a huge difference in people's lives and that's always in high demand for a radio station. Brands that do well digitally do well in most other aspects of radio.
10. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
I was told that radio stations have very deep pockets and even shorter arms. If a 30 second commercial on your station costs $300 and you're making $200 for your shift -- do the math. You only make money when you're hired or threaten to walk away--that's it. Know Your Worth. Sure, someone else can turn on a mic and say words or post something on Instagram or hand someone a tee shirt -- but can they do it memorably?
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook
Brown Sugar Salmon
Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Mustard, Salmon
Mix a couple squeezes of mustard with a couple scoops of brown sugar.
Spread the mixture on your salmon.
Bake on foil for 20 mins @ 375
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