10 Questions with ... Mike Pesto

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Radio became a part of my life while I was still growing up just outside of Chicago; listening to Steve Dahl & Garry Meier ... Larry Lujack & Little Tommy ... on WLS. I knew I wanted to do what they did. My first job in radio came as a result of my folks moving us to California when I was 16. My mom got a receptionist job at THE radio station in Salinas: "102 and-a-half" KDON, and I asked her to make an appointment for me to meet the PD, Jaime Hyatt. I must have done something right because he brought me on-board. It was while I was working there that I had my first radio claim to fame as well. I was Mancow Muller's first producer. No offense to Mancow, but I hope and pray that doesn't turn out to be my biggest radio claim to fame.

While attending San Francisco State University, I worked part-time at KFRC, KYA and then full-time at KYCY (Young Country) as the afternoon-show producer/sid-kick and weekender. Eventually I took a full-time job on-air back in Salinas at KTOM. While I was there I was also the Promotions Director for that station and PD of its sister - or maybe I should say "brother" -- station, 1460 "The Dude." From Salinas, I bounced back-and-forth to Las Vegas ... the first time as APD and weekend show host at the now defunct SportsFan Radio Network and the second time as Commercial Production Director and weekender at KWNR.

I came back to Salinas in 2004 for my first full-time morning show gig. I was also, once again, the station's Promotions Director and was also named APD shortly thereafter. Four years ago my morning show partner and I took our show on the road to Peoria, IL ... and now I'm "on the beach." Someone pass the SPF 30. I'd like to get a little color while I'm here but I don't want to burn.

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

Pray! I also make sure to keep myself informed as to what's going on in the business. I have the All Access app on my iPhone so I can stay connected to what's going on. My motivation comes from my family. I have a wife and a 19-month-old son depending on me. I can't let them down.

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

I did mention I have a 19-month-old son. Enough said!

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

Once, when I was up for nights at a station in Cincinnati, I sent the PD a "pesto" pizza with my resume and air check (on CD) attached to the box. Having the name Pesto can be beneficial in helping to market yourself. Unfortunately, it wasn't beneficial enough as I didn't get the job. I did hear that the PD liked the pizza, however. Glad I could help slay his hunger pains for the day.

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

I suppose if I had the BEST answer to that question I wouldn't be "on the beach." However, I think the best way to separate yourself from the pack is to market yourself when you're working. Let All Access know about some of the things you do. Case in point: A year or so ago I walked to work and back again for a week because I swore MY Chicago Cubs wouldn't get swept in the first round of the playoffs for the second year in a row. The Cubs got swept and I got to walking. The story was covered by local TV and newspaper and I let All Access know about it as well. A few P's I've spoken to since have told me they heard about it. It's given me some "ins" that I may not have had otherwise.

5) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

Actually, I'm spending more time listening to the radio than I did before. Not as much time listening to my old station, mind you, but that probably goes without saying. It's so easy to listen to stations across the country, what with web streaming and iPhone apps. I'm here in Peoria, IL. If there's a station in, say, Sacramento that someone suggests I listen to, I can stream them or download their app onto my iPhone and listen anywhere... anytime. It's great to be able to hear what other stations across the country are doing.

6) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I'd like to think my best days in radio are still ahead of me, but I am rather proud of what I did when I was in Las Vegas. I was the Commercial Production Director for the Clear Channel cluster there. I also filled-in on occasion and pulled a weekend shift on KWNR. In 2003 I was named "Best On Air Talent" at the Las Vegas Electronic Media Awards. Best on-air talent in Vegas and I was only on the air part-time. I parlayed that accolade into landing my first morning show gig at KTOM in Salinas, California.

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

I miss the creative outlet. I still find myself game-planning the show in my head ... coming up with questions to pose on Facebook or noticing things I'd want to bring up on the air. Being the father of a 19-month-old, there's a world of things that I notice with him. I'm still taking notes on EVERYTHING that won't be dated, so as soon as I'm hired, I'll have MONTHS worth of show-prep good-to-go. Not just daddy stuff, but everything.

As far as what I miss least ... the restroom. Damn bathroom stall door never would lock.

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

I've learned Tracy Lawrence was on to something. You do indeed find out who your friends are. People I hardly knew (or in some cases didn't know at all) have reached out to me, have taken me out to dinner, have given me some insight and perspective on my situation that has been invaluable. Those are things I won't forget, and once I'm working again I'll do what I can to let those people know just how appreciative I am. I'll also be one of those people to others who are out of the game. It's something we all need to do.

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

DON'T! Now, I say that for a couple reasons. First, if you break into the biz, at some point I may be competing for the same job with you. I'm trying to eliminate the competition here, not increase it. Second, if you're discouraged about getting into radio because some guy you don't even know says you shouldn't get into the business, you probably should look in another direction. There are some incredible highs associated with radio but there are also some basement-shattering lows. It helps to know that going in. If you don't think you want to deal with those lows now, you're certainly not going to want to have anything to do with them when you're experiencing one, or two or three.

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

I'll do a MUCH better job of reaching out to others who are out of the game. That's the very least I can do, knowing how many people have reached out to me. In some cases it's just an e-mail to show support. In other cases it's to give me a lead on something. In any event, it helps (when you're out) to know there are some people who do have you in mind and are looking out for you. I hope and pray that I have the opportunity to be one of those people very soon.

What's your handicap now that you've had time to practice?

My handicap has always been the game of golf. After a long Midwest winter, I hit the links for the first time last week and I shot an 86 ... didn't have time for the back-nine...