10 Questions with ... Omar Jannoun

NAME:Omar Jannoun POSITION:APD/MD STATION:WBTT MARKET:Ft. Myers, FL COMPANY:Clear Channel BORN:Rockford, IL RAISED:Tampa, FL

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WFLZ/Tampa - 7 YEARS, WILN/Panama City - 4 YEARS, WBTT/Ft. Myers - 4 YEARS

A manager at a fast food restaurant in the mall.

2. Why Radio?

When I was seven I had my Fisher Price turntable and tape recorder instead of the toy trucks and Legos. I would listen to radio day and night imitating my favorite DJs and was fascinated by everything that was put together. It just grew every year after that. If you want tapes I'm sure they are somewhere in a box at my parents' house. Yo! That's a collector's item!

3. What separates Ft. Myers from other markets in Florida, like Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville?

We are the mecca between Tampa and Miami. Southwest Florida is a unique market within. They will let you know when they don't like a song and when they are passionate about it. We have great ears here. We have broken artists like Mims and Qwote. Everyone wants to get involved in everything we do at the station. Not just music, but from community events, charities to remotes, clubs and concerts.

4. It's 11:45 on a Saturday night in Ft. Myers...where do we go to find you?

I'm usually at a club! You have to live the lifestyle to be in the lifestyle. I also once in a while will chill in a lounge.

5. What do you like to do to relax?

Chill with my folks. My dad suffered from two strokes. So going to hang with my folks and chill makes me relax. Working out now and boating/fishing have been a plus.

6 Where do you see yourself in five years?

I'd love to be a Program Director or have a marketing company. I really enjoy where I'm at but always willing to grow! You have to.

7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?

Domino Theodore - He really showed me the meaning of radio. His passion inspired me. I need to call him!

Ron Shepard (Jomama) - Always honest with me. Who showed me how to be a team player and always believed in me!

Scrap Jackson - Marketing of a radio station and how not to take no for an answer!

Louis Kaplan - He really broke down the politics of radio better than anyone I know and how to remain humble no matter how good you are. I'm really happy he is my Operations Manager.

Vince Pellegrino - How to channel your passion of music and his experience in the music world.

8. Taking a look at your career to date...has radio been everything you thought it would be?

There are some things I didn't know would be as difficult but in what job isn't there? I'm doing what I love. The good things always outweigh the not so good. I'm blessed to be doing what I do. I've developed incredible relationships. My second family is the radio station and I like that.

9. If you could be any animal...what would you like to be?

A Tiger. A gentle animal but don't piss him off because of their claws and you might get bit! Oh and my OM's team is the Auburn Tigers. LOL!

10. If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

I don't think I could do something not dealing with music but an advertising or marketing company would be an option.

In what area would you like to see yourself improve?

Wow, I'd say patience. I need to take time to enjoy the moment. I'm getting better at it every day.

What's your dream market?

Miami or Tampa but it really doesn't matter as long as I'm happy!