10 Questions with ... Dave Packer

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

The radio bug first bit me in college at Seton Hall's WSOU, a suburban NYC station where we forever changed the format to the "Loudest Rock." A few months after graduating, I made my way to a small AM station in New Haven CT, then to a brief stint at WHYN in Springfield, MA. The opportunity to play four Led Zeppelin songs every day led me to Atlantic City's WZXL where, when the morning guy left, I got the show by being the only one to actually want to get up at 4a! Next, back up to the cold in New Hampshire as PD and OM. of a News/Talk and Oldies station, where I also did mornings. But Jersey called again and after a few stations at the shore, I made the move to Philadelphia and WBEB, where I stayed for seven great years. Finally, I was wooed away by an offer I couldn't refuse ... mornings in my hometown of New York City on Fresh 102.7.

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

I have been taking the opportunity to double down and really build up my voiceover business. I have been fortunate to sign a few major markets like Philly, Chicago and Toronto, and have started to do some TV affiliate promo work as well. I have always been an employee, so getting used to being a business owner has been quite a transition, but at the same time a very exciting new experience.

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

I really am a radio guy at heart. It's funny, every once in a while I mention to my wife that I could do something else ... and she tells me to stop the crazy talk! She reminds me how passionate I am about this business. And she's right. Could I do something else? Probably. Would I be miserable? Definitely.

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

This is! I've been very fortunate to have had a job consistently over the last 20 years. The only pause was back almost exactly 10 years ago when I was doing Hot AC mornings at a station that switched to Country. I went out the door with the old format, but was back behind the mic within two weeks at the station across the street. Right now, I sort of see this as the halftime show of my career.

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

The multi-pronged attack is best! First, find out everything you can about the person doing the hiring. Does he have a Facebook page? If so, do you know any of his "friends?" If you can get a personal recommendation, it is worth 1,000 resumes. When you call, find out the assistant's name. Say hi to him or her by name when they answer the phone. E-mail, phone call, follow-up e-mail, follow-up phone call, etc, etc. Oh, and when they say no calls, they're not talking about you!

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

I know how busy PDs are right now. Most of them have been forced to wear so many different hats. But I always have a tremendous amount of respect for those who find the time to respond. When I was programming and called back someone who sent me a tape, they were often in shock! At the end of the day, even a rejection call or e-mail validates you and makes you feel like you're connecting.

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

With fewer jobs, there is more need for truly talented people who can wear many hats. I think I've had just about every job on the programming side of a radio station. If you can sell yourself as a proven utility player, then you are going to be ahead of the crowd.

7) 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?

Absolutely. After coming off mornings, my two kids were blown away that first Monday when they saw me in the morning at home and I made them breakfast before school! I get them up and dressed and walk them to the bus stop each morning. And I actually get to stay up past 8p! I hadn't been to a weeknight sporting event in years, so I've enjoyed going to a few Rangers and Knicks games.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Making the slow and steady climb from board-op in Newark, NJ to mornings in the nation's number-one market and maintaining a 16-year marriage to the most supportive person in the world through it all.

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

For so many of us, getting behind that mic is our catharsis. I still think of great lines or ideas throughout the day and miss that opportunity to share them with the listeners. I miss picking up the phones, and talking with those P1s and the occasional listener I inspired to make their first call to a radio station. And yes, I MISS THE FREEBEES!

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

I really feel like I did looking for that first radio job out of college. It's a feeling of excitement and anticipation of the unknown that I haven't felt in a long time. And feeling those butterflies when you open the mic is a good thing!

My favorite new diversion is ...

Biking up the Hudson River bike path. Starting from the Battery, you can bike almost the entire length of Manhattan. It's spectacular!