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10 Questions with ... Mike 'Vezzy Parmesan' Vezzola
October 29, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
DEMO:
I started out like most aspiring radio disc jockeys as resident DJ of my college radio station, WAIC based out of Springfield, Massachusetts. I served as the DJ/GM for WAIC until graduating in 2005. In 2004, I had been offered an internship with CBS Radio (now Entercom) in Hartford mainly handling promotions and was subsequently offered a part-time position on-air for WZMX. I spent roughly seven years with WZMX as the pinch hitter, with my last three years there as a swing-man/part-time co-host for the Hot Morning Crew.
It wasn't until 2011 that I was offered an official position as Morning Show co-host, where I was recruited for the Rise & Grind Morning Show at WWKX (Hot 106) in Providence. I spent six glorious years with WWKX before resigning for family reasons in 2016. In 2018, I began to get the itch for radio and reached out to WODS/Boston PD Steve Salhany, who has served as a great mentor to me throughout my career. I inquired about part-time openings on air and quickly started working part-time for WODS/Boston (Amp Radio) as well as WTIC-F/Hartford, and continue to do so!
What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?
The hard-hitting questions right off the bat! Admittedly it can be difficult at times, but I have a great support system with family and friends who believe in me and push me to continue pursuing my dreams. It's also great to be a New England sports fan so I get to drown a lot of my sorrows in their championships!
How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I will refer to the common phrase "looking for a job is a full-time job." I consider that my current full-time job, and with my two part-time radio jobs, I am left with very little personal time. Although when I do have time, I try to take in some concerts, sporting events, and spending quality time with my family.
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.
Truer words have never been spoken. Being on the outside has given me some perspective on what the 9-5 world has to offer and it is not fun! Once you're out, it's incredibly difficult to get back in. However, I have managed to maintain good friendships and connections inside the industry, which I depend heavily on when inquiring about potential upcoming opportunities. Knowing that there may be an open spot in the future keeps me pushing to be all I can be. And if radio doesn't want all that I can be I guess I will just join the Army - they are always hiring.
Do you plan on sticking with radio?
The shortest question is the most difficult question. I do! But only if the radio will have me. Radio is my comfort zone which is why I consider it "home." Without radio, I am homeless. You do not want to see me in front of your favorite Dunkin' Donuts asking for change when you're on your way into work. Let me in, radio.
What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
One time I fell asleep on the beach in Rhode Island for a couple of hours. When I woke up, I stretched for about 30 seconds after that great nap. I would say that's my longest stretch on the beach for sure.
What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Whenever you put your foot in the door, you run the risk of getting it slammed on you which can be painful. But in all seriousness, I do a great deal of networking and am constantly looking for potential opportunities.
What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Checking the job boards on All Access is a great tool and surfing the "world wide web," but that also opens Pandora's Box of distractions.
What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
This one time at band camp... I sort of cyber stalked my old PD Dan Hunt in Providence to get that gig. He told me it was the only reason he hired me, and I believed him.
What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would really love to get in Morning Drive, even though I love sleep. Copious amounts of coffee would make it manageable. I am also willing to sweep, cook, clean, and take out the trash if necessary.
Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
I'm still trying to find a salary with benefits. I do see plenty of pleasant surprises out there while I'm looking. Unfortunately, I never win the Powerball!
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook
Sure, I'm not sure how you would make this on the beach, but here's my recipe for "Vezzy's Famous Big Meat, Balls"!
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 1 Pound Ground Pork
- 2 Eggs
- 4 Garlic Cloves Diced
- 1 TBSP Parsley
- 1 TBSP Italian Seasoning
- 1 TS Kosher Salt
- 1 TS Black Pepper
- 3/4 Cups Italian Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs (Add last and more if too wet, final texture should be slightly wetter than playdoh)
Mix in a BIG BIG Bowl, roll out your balls (golf ball size), bake at 365 for about 15-17 minutes!
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