10 Questions with ... Gregg Stepp

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started at WIRX in Benton Harbor, MI with Mike Thomas, then moved to KC and weekends at the awesome KYYS (KY102 & 99-7KY). Moved to Rock 104.5/Wilmington, NC for six years of afternoons, imaging and eventually programming. Convinced David Moore into bringing me to WFYV (Rock 105) in Jacksonville to do anything under the sun ... and ended up pulling off one of the infamous "quitting stunts" of recent memory. Last seen at KVMX/Bakersfield (96-5 Max FM) as Program Director and mornings.

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

Spending far more time with family than usually recommended. My daughter is nearly two, so having a chance to spend daddy-daughter time whenever I want is pretty nice.

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.

I let myself go through the disenchantment phase for a few weeks, but realized there are some encouraging things happening within the walls of some of the smarter companies. I really do want to be a big part of the solution and take advantage of the untapped opportunity to do great new things in our industry.

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

Definitely using your network. This is the only time I'll ever recommend name-dropping. Ask the people you know for help, then ask them if you can use their name in your cover letter. A reply is more likely if you have common ground. And, even if you don't get that job, you just spread your net a little further.

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

After allaccess.com (of course!), word of mouth has been best. The best jobs already have candidates BEFORE they are posted. Let your friends know you are looking!

5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)

It has been about 50/50. If you go in with a referral, you are more likely to get some love. If you are sending your stuff cold, you're less likely to get a response. I encourage the rejection letters, though. I can post them on the walls of my office and use them as motivation. Or, cry myself to sleep reading them. Either way.

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

I've been relying on my talent to separate me from the pack ... which might be why I haven't landed a gig yet! Truthfully, I bring a lot to the table as far as versatility and skills go, so maybe I should start sending out Swiss Army Knives to potential bosses.

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Convincing people that I belonged on-air!

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

Always be yourself. You can't please everyone. If you treat people right, it will come back. And, I've learned that I can fix more stuff around the house than I originally thought.

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?

No. I will go outside the industry before that happens. We gain skills in radio that translate to many different businesses and we have talents that managers only wish were already in their buildings. There are people out there willing to pay what we deserve for our services. You just have to find the right situation.

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

Learn where the business came from and respect that while you do everything in your power to break the old rules! And, please, create meaningful content.

Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.

• Ike Reilly - "Hard Luck Stories"
• The Heavy - "The House That Dirt Built" (Damn that Kia commercial!)
• Cage The Elephant - Self-titled