10 Questions with ... Tommy Jordan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my radio career back in 1989 in Philadelphia at Q102, where I produced the morning show for "Jagger in the morning." Then moved on to a small AM station in Levittown, PA, WBCB, then to overnights at B104/Allentown PA, and after that 15 years at WPST where I most recently did the morning show

1) 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.

This is the first time in my entire radio career -- since I got into this business in 1989 -- that I have been out of a job, so it's all new to me. In the beginning I was very frustrated with the radio industry, but I got over that quick, and decided if this is what I want to do, then this is part of the business, so suck it up.

2) Do you plan on sticking with the radio industry?

That's my goal, yes. I really love being in the radio industry, so leaving it would be very hard for me to do. And you can keep that dream going by hiring me! www.tommyjordan.net. Shameful self-promoting ... ha ha

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

I am not just saying this 'cause I am doing this for All Access BUT ... it's All Access. I go on cbsradio.com and Clear Channel's website, and also ask friends to keep me in the loop.

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

That's a good question. I would have to say any daypart, really. I most recently did mornings and before that it was nights.Afternoons could be my next move, and I would like to learn the MD or APD position.

5) 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?

I have mostly focused myself on getting a job. I have had the blinders on from anything else. The time off from working everyday is starting to get to me. I think my friends are irritated with me because I don't go out and I don't want to do anything, but I have one goal, and that is to find a job and save my money.

6) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

A little over 15 years at WPST, and I thank them so much for giving me the opportunity to have such a huge run at the station. Dave McKay and Michelle Stevens have been the best to work for over those amazing years there. Thank you!

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

I actually play guitar and that relaxes me a little bit ... kind of like a therapy session. I run errands and just really try to keep busy.

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

Nothing too crazy, but when I was trying to get hired at B104, I sent so many tapes to Brian Check ... and called him about twice a week. I think he hired me just so I would stop calling.

9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?

I learned that it's not the end of the world being out of work, and that I can find something, and that I have the ability to bounce back. If that happens remains to be seen, but I believe I can.

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

Keep at it and don't get frustrated. It's a great business to be in, and once you're in, you're hooked. It's like the Mafia a little...

What great movies have you recently see?

Well, I watch TV at night a lot, and Young Guns and Young Guns 2 are always on ... LOVE those movies. Also, Fargo and Goodfellas.