10 Questions with ... John Hossenlopp

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Assistant - Don Buchwald & Associates, NYC - 94-95
• Promo-Radio Imaging Agent - Don Buchwald & Associates, NYC - 95-00.
• Founding Partner, Promo-Radio Imaging Agent - Atlas Talent Agency, NYC/LA 00-15
• Director, Business Development - CESD Talent Agency, NYC - 16-17
• President & Chief Custodial Engineer, Hoss Management Group - 5 ½ days - July, 2017.

1) How did you get started in the biz?

My first job out of college in our business was at Don Buchwald & Associates, Howard Stern's agent/agency - mid-1990s. It was a very exciting time to be in radio. I started as an on-camera assistant just to get in the door, quickly moved into voiceover and immediately gravitated towards radio people. Elvis Duran, Patty Steele, Larry Kenny, Paul Turner, etc. It was an incredible time in my life. I knew I was in the right place, at least at that time.

2) Outline the specific services that Hoss Management offers.

Hoss Management Group's primary purpose will be to further the careers of talent who specialize in branding and imaging; an advertising agency for talent, spreading our belief that radio imaging talent are the very best talent in voiceover.

3) Are you focused solely on radio imaging?

At this time, yes. It's what I know, it's in my blood and what I love doing.

4) Who else is on your staff?

I have two assistants on my team; Siri, the more mobile of the two, and Alexa ... tall, dark, mysterious, super-smart, always available but makes mistakes - I have to repeat myself a lot. Accounting, legal, and some clerical work for the firm are all outsourced.

5) What trends are you seeing in imaging? What are stations looking for now?

The biggest trend I'm seeing, and am banking on for the success of my firm, is radio fully embracing change. Back in the '80s, '90s, early '00s, a talent was chosen to voice a station, he/she was almost guaranteed to have that business for five, even 10 years. Today, more programmers like to have their station's brand evolve, which is smart. Their demos are a moving target and if we don't move with them, we become stagnant and die. Change is good for radio. Don't fear change, embrace it. It will keep our media more relevant for years to come.

6) Do you service online stations and podcasters?

Yes, we will, budgets pending (see next question below). I am eagerly awaiting Steve Goldstein's call about a podcast deal. He lives just down the road from me and I'd love to be in business with him again. I am also a big fan of Satori-NYC. I have the app and love what they are all about. Jeff Warshaw also happens to be a neighbor. Good guy. It's just a matter of time before we'll be in business together again.

7) What's the strangest request you've ever received?

In my former position as an agent, I would receive many inquiries about the use of the talent I represented for online stations from all over the world. After a lengthy discussion with one online programmer, we agreed upon a fee. He then asked me to hold so he could dig up his mother's credit card to pay the talent. I wasn't on the line when he returned and thankfully he got the message.

8) Who are some of the greatest talents you've worked with over the years?

Keith Eubanks, Brian James, Norman Rose, Chris Corley, Ann DeWig, Steve Stone, Rachel McGrath, Vic Caroli, Thom Kikot, Ned Spindle, Dan Goettel, Earl Mann, Pat Garrett, Rena-Marie Villano, Sylvia Villagran, Steve Kamer, Malcolm Ryker, Rob Naughton, Jen Sweeney, Joanna Stadwiser, Kay Bess, K3, EDP, Melody Sharp, Damon Oaks, Chad Erickson, Jeff Berlin, Mark Maurer, Zeus ... how much space do we have? I could keep going. The people above and the countless others that I could add have all been a blessing to me, my family, my life, my career - I never dreamed I'd be so lucky. They are all special in their own right, all of them great in their own way.

9) Who are some of the hot up-and-comers?

Trevor Shand and Jessica DiCicco run with the bulls. (psst - I can be reached at 646-300-0037).

10) What advice would you give to people who are trying to break into voice work?

1. Practice, practice, practice.
2. Don't go to market too early with an average demo.
3. Don't quit your day job, yet.
4. Get involved, make friends, don't gossip.
5. Stay positive.

Do you have a favorite hobby?

I'm a live music nut. From the Afghan Whigs to AC/DC, ZZ Top to Zac Brown Band, love it all ... just no port-a-loo shows anymore. Too old for that s***!