10 Questions with ... Adam Drake

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started off in Sports radio in Beaumont, TX and soon moved to night jock for Cumulus/KAYD. Spent four years there and moved to Elite Broadcasting in Natchitoches, LA and Nacogdoches, TX where I worked on a Country and a Classic Hits station doing mornings and afternoons, as well as taking on MD duties. Moved to doing Classic Rock for Clear Channel Lufkin's KTBQ. Had stops at News/Talk KOLE and The Salvation Army before spending the last two-plus years at KAGG/Bryan-College Station. Started out on afternoons/APD and added music duties. Most recently moved to mornings.

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

I've always been a positive thinker. There have been some rough breaks along the road in this business, but I believe that with every tragedy, great things come out of it. I also stay motivated by still being involved in music where I can -- whether that be doing YouTube videos with artists coming through town or writing articles.

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

A lot of YouTube and Facebook! It's also great to actually be able to listen to other jocks and see what they are doing on the air that I can learn from. I've also been able to keep up with what is going on with ESPN. I can tell you just about anything you want about the NFL draft or Tiger Woods!

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

I really do plan on it. I love what this business can be. Doing things for the community and relating to listeners are the most awesome things I could ever hope to do.

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

Ha ha, that's a good question. I've been trying to figure that one out myself. With so few jobs available and so many people on the beach, it can be a little hard to set yourself apart. I hope that I've made enough good impressions on the people who I've come in contact with, that they don't mind saying a kind word to someone who is hiring. If that doesn't work, I don't mind camping out on the station's front lawn!

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

Easy ... the Internet. There are so many great sites that have job postings. Of course, AllAccess.com has multiple ways to do that, and with being so well-respected, a lot of people hiring look there as well.

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

I'd love to do afternoons at a station that is involved in the community and wants to do whatever it takes to do great radio. Also, I'd love to be a music director again.

7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?

It's really hit or miss. There are some who have e-mailed or called and said "Thanks, but..." However, I know the people who are hiring are getting 100s of e-mails saying the same thing "HIRE ME! HIRE ME!" So I understand it's not always feasible to get back to everyone you are saying no to.

8) 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?

Yes and no. My wife and I have been able to spend a whole lot of time together and catch up on the entire series of "24!" Ha, but both of our families are three hours away, so we haven't had the time to go down there and spend as much time with them as I would hope. Another good thing though is I think my golf swing is getting a little better!

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

I have never been the type of guy to take anything for granted. I know that this is the coolest business I could ever hope to be in, but I think I'll appreciate it just that much more.

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

I'd love to see myself developed in a market and be there for a long time. In my dream world, I'd love to say I'm doing afternoons/music in a medium/large market that is a great place to live, two kids, white picket fence ... yeah, so I'm a little old fashioned that way!

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

For a low-cost, gourmet meal, I like to do two packages of chicken Ramen Noodles, do a little parsley on there, some garlic toast, and the Pièce de résistance, round it out with a little Kool-Aid!