10 Questions with ... Blain Ensley

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started in 1984 as a production intern at WLAV/Grand Rapids, MI. Went to:

• WKSE/Buffalo
• WSNX/Grand Rapids
• WPRO/Providence
• WPLJ/New York
• WABC/New York
• WNEW/New York
• WDVD/Detroit
• WMMR/Philadelphia
• WNEW/New York
• WPLJ/New York

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

Radio is all I've ever done. It's my favorite thing in the world. I can't even imagine not doing radio for a living, and that's how I stay positive and motivated. It's like a fatal attraction thing ... it will be mine!!!

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

I hang out with my wife and kids. All four of our boys play sports, so I've been spending a lot of time at lacrosse, basketball, baseball and football games.

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

Yes!

4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

This is it. Citadel held my contact, and kept me off the air for the past two years.

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

Connections! Plain and simple

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

You guys and friends in the biz

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

When the Jeffery Dalhmer thing was going on in Milwaukee, a station was looking for a morning show producer. In the ad they said they were looking for someone "wild." So I sent the station my tape and resume along with a mason jar that had a fake bloody amputated hand in it. I attached a note that said could you please return this to my uncle Jeffy. I didn't get that job.

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

I'd love to join a personality-driven show and be part of the ensemble.

9) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

If I have connections at the station, people are very courteous. If I send my stuff to a station where I don't know people ... it's terrible! About 98% of the time I'll hear nothing back.

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

I think that being a producer and a co-host sets me apart. I can be on the air, run the board, write, produce and voice bits, book guests, make public appearances, do digital production, help your mom with her laundry ... you name it.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

The Rocky Allen Showgram was #1 cradle to grave in NYC for a few books. That doesn't happen very often. That was really big!