-
10 Questions with ... Rick 'The Stick' Mireles
January 29, 2008
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Rick 'The Stick' MirelesLAST WITH:KTFM San AntonioPHONE:(512) 470-7642
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I've been lucky enough to have worked at some legendary radio stations, such as the old Power 93 KITY, KONO, 102.7 KTFM (the old KTFM), KQBT (The Beat) in Austin Texas, and KXTN ... all #1s ... and I'm looking for my next gig to make it a legendary radio station!
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Everyday is a dreat day when you wake up, because you have another shot at life!
2) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?
Being in radio is worse than being a drug addict or alcoholic. There is no rehab for this disease.
3) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
One that pays and one where the program director lets me do my show. It's funny ... PDs hire "talent," but they don't let their talent shine. If you want a liner-card reader, then hire one ... and not talent!
4) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
I've got to mention Joel Rabb. It seems that he is the only consultant who actually e-mails you back, letting you know that the position has been filled by someone else. At least he lets me know that my aircheck and resume didn't land in everyone else's SPAM box! Thanks, Joel! By the way, no, he's never hired me, nor have I ever worked for him!
5) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
While looking for a regular job, I was asked, "Why work for the money we're offering when you, while working in radio, you were making much more?" I told the H.R. person, "Right now, I'm not in radio, so the 30 grand you're offering me is 30 grand more than I'm making right now!" Needless to say, I didn't get the job at Wal-Mart!
6) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
These days, having a job and being able to keep it for a long time ... that's an accomplishment in itself. I talk to my friends in radio all the time and you'd be surprised how much they "bitch" about the business, when here I am ... I'm missing it so much!
7) What do you miss most about radio? The least?
The free movie tickets ... no, the listeners! I really do! Being from San Antonio, everywhere I go they recognize my voice (thank God not my face) and ask me what happened? I miss being able to communicate with my listeners!
8) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Not doing "my show." Program directors should offer advice like a consultant, not program your show.
9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
I really would ... just to get my foot in the door and prove myself to management. Show them that you have a great show and the ratings to prove it, and they'll keep you! By the way, I was making half-million, so anything less is cool with me! LOL
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
It's like being a actor, wrestler, TV announcer ... I've done all of those, by the way. It takes a certain kind of person to stomach the criticism, the rejection, the fact that you may have to take a regular job before your next radio gig. You have to just keep punching away.
Bonus Questions
My favorite new diversion is ...
Playing WII baseball! Nobody can beat me! Just call me Barry without the steroids!
-
-