10 Questions with ... Trent 'Boner' Michaels

NAME:Trent 'Boner' Michaels LAST WITH:Somar Communications, Group Director of Programming/ AM Show Host PHONE:(937) 836-6589 EMAIL:trent@trentmichaels.com WEB:www.trentmichaels.com

Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...

I started my journey as an intern/overnight jock at WKZQ in 1991, followed by stops in Richmond, Lake Charles, Memphis, Jackson, Roanoke, Indy, Taipei, Shreveport, Little Rock, DFW, and Southern Maryland.

1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

Working odd jobs. This has humbled me beyond anything I could have ever done.

2) 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.

Looking form the "outside" I see an industry ready for a huge comeback.

3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Networking and sending stripper-grams to PDs.

4) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

Camped out in front of a group cluster with a 'will broadcast for food" sign.

5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)

About 20% rejection and 80% nada.

6) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

What I shoot on the golf course... ( BTW, around 90 or so.)

7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

With a VERY strong work ethic, you must do the work to get the results.

8) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?

Yes, I have finished landscaping my dad's three-acre house.

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 only ask for enough to survive. If I wanted to get rich, I would have gotten an MBA.

10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

EASY question -- be very patient, and understand you have to walk before you run and you have to crawl before the first steps. NEVER, EVER write a check with your mouth that you will regret cashing.

BONUS QUESTION: Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

"Success Built to Last, Creating a Life that Matters" by Jerry Porras.