Happy Friday, everyone!
Today I read an email written by Deborah Parenti, publisher of Radio Ink magazine and presenter of the Radio Wayne Awards at last week’s Radio Show. In her remarks then and in the email today, she made the point that everyone has at least one “mentor whose professionalism...inspired, encouraged, and challenged them to become their best selves in this business” – and she encouraged her audience to take time to thank these people who have influenced them for good.
So I thought it would make for a great poll question:
Who is - or has been - your mentor in your radio sales career?
Looking forward to reading your replies!
First, the RAB in the early '70s with their sales meetings of the month...esp. Jonathan Rate Card. Anybody remember him? Then the late Richard Lange, who I worked for from 1976-80. He later became president of the Indiana Broadcasters Association before a brain tumor took him away. Then two people I still read, Paul Weyland and Roy Williams. I am semi-retired now, but still appreciate the mentoring process.
Mine was Dave Gifford. Incredible man with an incredible memory. Always called me out when he thought I was making an excuse. he was my proctor for my CRMC examp (This was in the days when you had to study on your own and then go to a convention and take the written test. My CRMC number is 1734).
Two people - Perry Ury- While I was at WNAC, which became WRKO " ..And the hits just kept on coming". It was first job in the BIG Leagues. When I returned from New York, I went to work at WHDH and WCOZ and worked for Dave Croninger. Dave had run WIP, WTIX in New Orleans and other major stations. WHDH was slipping but Dave turned it around. WCOZ had been "Cozy" (Beautiful Music). We ROCKED and beat WBCN. God, that irritated them. Those were the good days.
