10 Questions with ... Mark Andrews (aka Mookie)

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started with nights at WWWM/Toledo. Then I moved to South Florida, co-hosting mornings at WHQT/Miami. After that, I programmed and handled AM drive at WBVI/Findlay, OH. Did AM drive at WIMX/Toledo, which took me to WVKS/Toledo, starting in nights. I moved to PM drive in 2003, and added APD stripes, too. I was let go 4/28/09 ... my first firing in my 20+ years of radio.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

Really didn't take much for me ... I'm very positive and believe that everything happens for a reason. I don't worry about things I can't control.

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

I have a wife and two sons and I've been killing time with them ... golfing, sporting events, movies, etc.

3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

Yes. I would like to. I think I have a lot to offer and I'm very passionate without any ego. I've always said "radio is what I do' it's not who I am." I'm still somewhat young and I think I could do this radio thing for a lot more years. If not, I'm sure there is something out there for me. I have always been a fan of writing.

4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

The Internet and my favorite site: www.allaccess.com (wink. wink).

5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I would like to do PM drive again ... had the best time of my career! Middays would be good, too. I did mornings for seven years and, damn, it was early! I've done Top 40/Rhythmic/Hot AC/AC. My dream job would be in Colorado. It is awesome there!

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

I like to think that companies would like a true professional ... someone who comes to the job, is passionate and gets results. Someone who works hard, never complains and gets the job done. I've always been told I'm one of the "good guys" (whatever that means) and maybe "good guys" can finish first!

7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

Yes ... when I can. With my hiatus, I'm finding I'm a lot more handy than I thought.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Being part of the #1 AM Drive show in Miami at WHQT in the '90s. And being consistently at the top of my demo for the last six years in PM drive at WVKS in Toledo.

9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?

I miss my co-workers and the listeners. Each afternoon on the air was the best four hours of my day. I loved it. I do not miss the negativity!

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

Smile and be grateful. Ask a lot of questions. Get answers. Always be yourself. Make a lot of friends. Respect the listeners. And, most of all, love every minute of it!

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

Love the new Michael J. Fox book "Always Looking Up ... The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist."