10 Questions with ... Kevin Gardner

NAME:Kevin Gardner TITLE:PD STATION:WCFB MARKET:Orlando, FL COMPANY:Cox BORN:Philadelphia. I'm not sure when; I was just a baby. You'll have to ask my mommy. RAISED:Philadelphia, PA. (is there any other city?)

Please outline your career path.

Star 94.5, 2005-Present
KISS & Magic, 2002-2004
WHBX/WHBT-A/WWLD, 2000-2002
Radio America, 1999-2000
WDAS,1993-1996
WDJY/WJZE, 1990-1993
KDKO-A, 1989-1990
WWPD, 1988-1989
WOKB-A, 1986-1988

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

My first job was evenings at non-commercial WPWT FM in Philadelphia. I did two nights a week (6-10pm) and thought I was it - boy, did I have a lot to learn. My early influences are and continue to be Doug Henderson (WDAS FM), Jerry Wells (WDAS FM) and the late Georgie Woods (WDAS-A).

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

After being downsized from a Fortune 500 company, I decided it was time for me to do something everyday that I couldn't wait to get to ... and radio was it!

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Yes, I would but I wouldn't have made the same choices in the jobs or companies I worked for, or some of the folks I hired and trusted.

4) Where do you see the industry five years from now? At what point, if ever, do you feel the satellite radio will become a real problem in the top markets?

Unfortunately, moving more toward syndicating our stations out and away from developing the future stars of tomorrow. As long as terrestrial radio's programming remains compelling, I believe satellite radio will have the same affect that cable has had on free TV's ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, UPN and the WB. We have got to start and continue to think outside the box in the marketing and programming of our stations.

5) What's your take on radio currently? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?.

I think radio is still one of the most exciting mediums around with its current structure and restrictions. It's like a microwave; it's instant. Think of an idea and 10 minutes later, it could be on the air. It has declined a little. Even though consolidation has slowed down, stations have fired good talent for syndicated talent and programs. We have taken our focus off the fun and the people who make this industry what it is. If we take the time to train and invest in the stars we have or are developing, there would be no need for syndication except in the smaller markets where getting GREAT talent is tough (because of the $ it takes to secure and keep them)

6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

To treat everyone you meet or come in contact with the way you'd like and want to be treated. You never know where they or you will end up, and the only thing that will bind you is the way you treated each other. The nobodys of today are the somebodys of tomorrow.

7) What was the transition you had to make in your new position?

Getting used to the humidity of central Florida again and learning how to run from hurricanes. WOW ... this city has grown in a major way since 1988!

8) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

I'm reading management books now to learn how to become an even more effective manager and leader of people -- seeing the BIGGER picture -- and getting your team to follow. I would also like to focus on becoming more efficient in Selector.

9) How well do you think today's Urban broadcasters really understand research?

Most have a firm grasp on it. The only problem with research is that it looks backwards. It shows what is instead of what could be. Some of the BIGGEST success stories I know today are from people who took chances, who did something outside of the norm, who blazed their own trail. We should use research as a guide -- an effective tool, but we should not make all of our decisions based on it.

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

Looking back over the past 19 years ... yes, there would be some things I would do differently, but in the end whatever we go through as human beings, it's all part of God's overall plan. So you go through what you go through for a reason ... to make you smarter and stronger.

What's been your biggest disappointment in radio today?

That some of the people playing key roles in our industry today don't make time to reach back and "pay it forward." I make an attempt and try to return all my calls, from the most important to the least. At times, I have gone out of my way to help someone just starting out in the business by giving them a few minutes of my very busy day to answer a question or two they may have. When it's all said and done, it may not have been a BIG deal, but I can tell you from someone who's been on the other end ... it IS and can make all the difference in someone's day - and their opinion of our industry.

How did you get your present job?

From great people who I have come to know in this business, such aa Vic McLean, Todd Dickerson, Derrick Brown, Terry Foxx, Chanda, Cole, Eric Lee, Jay Carneal, Bob Rich. Hector Hannibal, Pat Garrett, Daze Davis, Tim Watts, Tony Kidd and others. I love you all and thank you for your support! They all reached out in some way, shape or form and let the powers that be at WCFB know that Kevin Gardner was their person for the job -and I was fortunate enough to get it ... thank GOD!

Describe your favorite meal?

Any steak dinner at Morton's of Chicago...it's my favorite place to eat!

How did the events of 9/11 change you personally?

My wife was at the Pentagon on 9/11. It was her second day there. I was in my GM's office going over an incident that happened over the weekend. He was pretty upset about it. We were interrupted by one of my staff to inform me that her building had been a target as well. Thank God, I was able to reach my wife on only the second attempt on her cell phone, and she assured me she was okay. I returned to my GM's office to continue to discuss the events of the weekend, but they didn't really seem all that serious now with all that was going on in NYC, DC and PA. In the end, 9-11 taught me that unless a situation is really MAJOR (life or death), not to get too stressed over it. If the people that are involved work together as team, they'll get through it, be stronger for it and learn from the experience.

You just won the lotto and you have your boss on the line. What's the first thing that you would say?

I could say it, but it would just be bleeped because we're on an eight-second delay ... just kidding, Steve & Brian.