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10 Questions with ... Mike Perry
February 10, 2009
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NAME:Mike PerryLAST WITH:Fresh 102.7 in NYC (WWFS)PHONE:954.557.7190
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
Currently doing some part-time at 101.5 Lite-FM in Miami, and Kool 105.5 in West Palm Beach, FL.
2007-2008: Afternoon drive, Fresh 102.7 in NYC (AC)
1998-2007 Middays, Kool 105.5 in West Palm Beach, FL (AC)
1997-1998: Middays, Oldies 95 in Ft. Myers, FL (Oldies)
1995-1996: Swing, fill-in, BIG 106 in Miami (Classic Hits/Classic Rock)
1990-1995: Overnights, Majic 102.7 in Miami (Oldies)
1989-1990: Weekends, Zeta-4 in Miami (Classic Rock)1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I work out, exercise, play basketball, and take long walks with the dog. I read and listen to motivational books and CDs, and try to focus on what I "want." And if the attitude needs a lift, I go out for Coal-Fired Pizza followed by ice cream!
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I own my own Mobile DJ Entertainment Company, hosting weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and all occasions. I visit catering halls, hotels, attend networking meetings, and belong to the local Chamber of Commerce. And, as stated above, I'm doing some part-time radio.
3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
I'd love to, if it's the right situation and opportunity ... and right income.
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is it, right now. I've been on the beach since March. In fact, this is the only time I've ever really been "on the beach" in 20 years -- and it was by MY own choice. I'm fortunate to have had a pretty steady career since day one.
5) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I don't know how "crazy" this is, but for three years, I would spend every vacation (I was getting four weeks per year at the time!) flying to New York, because it was my goal and dream to work in NYC radio. I grew up there and was influenced by the likes of Dan Ingram, Cousin Brucie, Harry Harrison, etc. I knew from the time I was five years old that I wanted to work in NY radio. I'd spend every vacation there and stay in touch with my contacts, whether it was meeting for lunch or simply checking in with a phone call. It took three years, but then I got the call to "the big dance!"
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Afternoon drive or middays for one of the following formats: AC, Classic Hits/Oldies or Hot AC. My heart is pretty set on returning to New York City. I will also consider "reasonable" opportunities in the surrounding Tri-State area (LI, NJ, CT), Florida, DC, or along the East Coast.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Reaching my goal of working in NYC radio ... something I wanted to do since I was five. I left NYC after only one year, but it was for some personal and family reasons. My next great accomplishment would be getting BACK to NYC, a little bit wiser the second time around.
My other biggest accomplishment would be taking my two previous midday positions (Kool 105.5 in West Palm Beach, and Oldies 95 in Ft. Myers) to #1 25-54 on a consistent basis, and helping bring Fresh 102.7's (NYC) afternoon numbers from the mid/upper teens to top 5 and top 10.
8) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I've learned that sometimes you have to take big risks to make big changes in your life, but anytime you're contemplating such a risk, you REALLY have to think it ALL the way through. You have to be able to answer the question, "What's my Plan B?" If you have an answer for that question, and your gut is telling you to "go for it," make the decision to do it and don't look back. And ALWAYS keep the faith.
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?
No. For "considerably less money," I'd focus instead on building my side DJ business, or even consider other careers. For "somewhat less money," it would depend on the opportunity, location, etc. The bottom line is, you have to earn enough to cover your expenses, put some money away, and have some "spending cash" so you can enjoy life outside of work.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Given the current state of the industry, I'd tell newbies that if you're going to get into this business, you'd better REALLY love it and strive to be the best at it, because if the current trend continues, ONLY the best will be left standing! And having said THAT, I'd ALWAYS have a fallback plan!
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
Well, it's been overplayed by now, but there really is some good information in "The Secret" (the book or the DVD). Basically it's a reminder of how powerful our mind is, and how we REALLY have to watch what thoughts we allow in. We really DO become what we think about and what we focus on.
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