10 Questions with ... Dan York

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my career as most of us do, as an unpaid intern. My first job in radio was part-time work running a board in a very small and cramped and windowless studio. After spending moths and months living at the studio I was promoted to Technical Director of "The Morning Magazine" with Mark Larsen, a man who I was very fortunate to work with, and who taught me everything I needed to know in the world of conversation radio. When the producer of the show was let go, I was asked to pick up his duties as well as continue my work on the board. Over the next few years my role grew to sidekick on the program, and it was because of this opportunity that the people of Tampa Bay came to know Dan York. After years of hard work I was finally granted my big break behind the mic, and the "Tampa Bay Experience" was born. I became (at 29 years old!) the only live and local talk host doing a daily three-hour show in this market, and loved every minute of it.

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

By continuing to look for and apply for jobs. Every new lead is another chance to kick start my career and prove myself again.

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

It's actually really hard to find ways to keep myself occupied because I can't remember the last time I had so much free time. I've read a lot and knocked out quite a bit of my Netflix list, but I've also tried to find new hobbies with my girlfriend. We just finished the ballroom dancing lessons (don't laugh!), and I'm thinking I may teach her how to shoot pool next.

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

Without a doubt! It's the best job I've ever had, and it's one of the few things I can be successful at without cheating. Unlike my golf game...

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

It really depends on the PD, but Makers Mark seems to be a universal answer...

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

AllAccess has been great, but the few contacts I have made in Tampa and elsewhere have been a great help to me! (There are too many to name, but they know who they are...)

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

I really enjoyed the format of News/Talk, and would be very happy to do that again. I've always been a news junkie, and my ego is big enough that I never get tired of voicing my opinion.

7) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

When it comes to salary, I believe that I get paid what I'm worth and I try not to complain much after that. True pay comes from having a job that you love. I'd rather make 40K with a job that I love than 400K and die from stress at an early age.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Mayor Pam Iorio of Tampa signed an Official City Proclamation stating that June 19th 2009 was "Be Nice to Dan York" Day because she heard me lose my temper with a few callers on a previous show. This was completely unexpected, and one of the best surprises I've ever received. On this day, all my callers and guests were ordered to be nice to me, and I got calls and recorded messages from local celebrities wishing me a happy day, including a local left-wing columnist who was not so fond of me.

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?

Yes I would. I'd just get a second job; 40 hours a week is for sissies.

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

Work harder than everyone else. It's the only way to survive in this business.

Oprah or Dr. Phil?

Neither. Those shows are for losers who can't inspire themselves. However, Bridezillas and Man vs. Food are the Great American Timekillers!