10 Questions with ... Brett Beach

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

In the beginning there was me. I spent many days alone in my room pretending to be a DJ on the radio. Eventually this led to me pursuing a career, which has been anything but easy. I started interning at WTCF (The Fox)/Saginaw and worked my way on the air before graduating from Clio High School. I also served as Assistant Music Director. I did graduate with honors, and skipped out early on my own senior prom to do an air shift in my tuxedo. While attending college the station was sold, people started dropping like flies, only a few "originals" were left including me, but no one was on the air. I decided it was better for me to leave. After a brief period I started working part-time at WWBN (Banana 101.5)/Flint, followed by a part-time gig at WKCQ/ Saginaw. During this period I attended Delta Community College, earning an Associate Degree in Mass Media Television and Radio. I landed my first full-time radio gig in Texas as afternoon jock and Production Director. After a short time this turned to mornings/PD with no raise in pay. This was frustrating to me, and eventually led to me returning home to Michigan. Eventually, I landed another morning show with 92.1 The Coyote. After a few months there the management decided to change formats and leave me out of their "new direction." Nothing has been easy and I like it that way ... however, for my next challenge, I would love to stay for a while and leave on my own terms.

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

The antidepressants help, but also I have a lot of supportive people in my life, my parents, my wife and daughter, friendships from the business and a strong belief in GOD.

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

I spend most of my time being a stay at home dad to my two-year-old daughter Morgan. My boss is very demanding and the pay is low ... so transitioning back to radio should be easy.

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

Yes, for some reason I just don't see myself doing much of anything else. I have worked in television as well and it was okay, but to me radio is what I am. I have always wanted to be an entertainer and radio allows me to do this.

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

As far as outside radio, the current stretch is the longest. However, I spent most of my time working in similar jobs like MCO in Television, Sports Team Mascot, and working as a DJ for some private functions. I also am becoming a reverend so I can preside over a friend's wedding this summer. It's been years since I have been in a radio studio, but I feel it's like riding a bike -- if you know how to do it, you never forget. Actually being unemployed for any period of time, this is the only time of my life to have been so. (I've been out of work since August.)

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

Duh, AllAccess.com. I also have friends in the business looking for me, helping me out.

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

I want nothing more than to just be back on the air anywhere, even if this meant leaving the U.S. It could be a bitter cold climate, but as long as my family has enough to eat and I get to do radio again, I would be happy. My wife, however, would prefer I find work in a warm climate, and that's alright, too, I guess.

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

No, in all honesty. I find it frustrating, hearing people whom I think just don't have it, who are employed, while I have been looking and am unable to find work. I am not trying to sound cocky. I just that I feel I am at least as talented as most of the people on the radio where I currently live, yet they have a gig and I on the other hand do not.

8) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?

A long time ago I was offered what I see now was a great opportunity, which I passed on, to continue my college education, which up to this point has really not helped much.

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

If it is really what you want ... go for it. It's not easy for most people, but if you really want it... go get it ... but never give up.

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

Well, by no means am I psychic. If you asked me this question five or 10 years ago I wouldn't have thought I'd be where I am. I can't give any specifics, but I continue to look up and hope to see myself in a better spot in five-10 years than I am now.

My favorite new diversion is ...

My two-year old-daughter. She is funny, perhaps even funnier than her daddy! One of the few people I can honestly say makes me laugh on a consistent basis. She does this now with very few words ... that makes me remember to be brief and to the point when I get back on the air.