10 Questions with ... Andy Winford

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• -Nights at KRZR/Fresno 1990-1991
• -Mornings at KQPW/Fresno 1992-1993
• -Middays/Music Director KFRR/Fresno 1995-1998
• -Afternoons/APD KVSR/Fresno 1998-2002
• -Director of FM Programming at Clear Channel/San Luis Obispo, CA 2003-2007
• -Program Director of KKBZ & KHIT/Fresno 2008-2009

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

Keep busy. I try to accomplish something every day. Being out of work for an extended stretch can be mentally draining, so completing even the simplest of projects can keep your spirits up.

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.

There seems to be a trend to play it safe and be less entertaining. That is a miserable way to operate. Content wins, period!

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

Absolutely. I can't imagine doing anything else. If I were independently wealthy I'd program radio stations for free.

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

Persistence. Some doors open easier than others. Sometimes you just have to jam your foot in and show people why you're great.

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

I told an Operations Manager if he hired me I'd get him hookers and blow. I was kidding obviously. Probably why I didn't get the job ... I mean the fact that I didn't deliver :-)

6) 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?

Great question ... slowing down "here on the BEACH" hasn't been a problem :-)

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Leading my team at KURQ to #1 12+ three times. Very few Active Rockers ever make #1, let alone three times. I had a lot of help.

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

What I miss the most is the people. I'm a very social animal and I enjoy being around creative people and coming up with great ideas to entertain listeners.

What I miss the least is being held responsible for decisions out of my control.

9) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?

It won't. The last time I was on the beach someone asked me if that experience was humbling. I told him this business has humbled me from day one. I've never had it easy or received anything I didn't earn because I had the right connection. My whole career has been a struggle. That being said, I'm very confident in my abilities, I've had some great mentors and when I get back to work I'll do what it takes to win.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?

VP/Programming for one of America's great broadcasting companies.

Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?

Homemade Blended Mocha ($1.25 vs. $4.00)

• 2 cups of ice
• 2 packets of Nestle Dark Chocolate Hot Chocolate Mix
• 2 shots of espresso (helps if you have an espresso maker at home)
• 1 squeeze of Hershey's Chocolate syrup
• 1/4 cup of milk

Add all to a blender and blend to desired consistency and top with whipped cream.