10 Questions with ... Dave Collins

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I began my career as many others, interning at my local hometown station. Listening to the likes of Larry Lujack and John Records Landecker on WLS out of Chicago, I knew instantly that this was the career I wanted! With stops in Springfield, IL; Trenton, NJ; Colorado Springs, CO and numerous other markets, I honed my skills with consultant mentors including Mike McVay and Bill Curtis.

After 10 years as morning host at WMGF in Orlando, it's finally "to the beach" ... literally! PPM ready and looking to find my next "wake-up" job in your market!

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

I have always kept a pretty positive attitude, but I do still get up early (not 2:30 a, mind you!) and head to my own studio to work on new projects. I realize that cuts have now become a "mainstay" in this industry, so I do a lot of networking with other personalities who are in the same or worse situation. I try motivating them and in turn find motivation myself.

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

I have a voiceover company as well as a social media marketing company. Also, I now can spend more time working on various projects and still be in bed by 10 without unfinished work.

3) 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 think "enlightened" is the best adjective I would use as I have had a chance step "outside the forest and see the trees" for what they are. It's a bottom-line business now and I am confident that the assets I have after almost 30 years in the industry will eventually find a home.

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

This is indeed the longest. I have honestly never been more than a couple of weeks without a job, but things have certainly changed.

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

I would like to find a morning show where I can continue to use the skills and talents I have acquired over the years to bring top ratings to that market.

6) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

It has been a real eye opener to see what the companies are paying now. The law of "supply and demand" is definitely in effect now!

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

It's all about networking and never burning bridges. I hit the rolodex on day one just to let those I have known in the industry for years know I was available.

8) 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. I was recently engaged, so this down time has fared well with my better half! Also, living in Orlando has brought more beach time as well as Disney time!

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

Most: I REALLY had a connection with the listeners after 10 years here, so it's like I lost touch with a lot of family members ... also, the best part of my day, no matter how crazy life could get, was spending five hours creating a product I was proud of.

Least: Not sure ... I guess it has been pretty awesome waking up at 6a vs.. 2:30a!

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

This remains an awesome business that requires hard work, dedication and a huge passion for what you do. If you are doing this for the free movie tickets, the concert passes and to get your face on a billboard then step aside and let those who follow in the footsteps of Larry Lujak, John Records Landecker and Cousin Bruce continue on!

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

Yes ... a book called "Halftime" by Bob Buford ... really puts into place priorities when it comes to designing our own future.