Forty-eight years ago, I was out job hunting, and I stopped into the local bank to see about a teller job. The bank manager was also one of the partners that started WDOH Radio in Delphos, OH. He called and asked me to interview for a part-time position at WDOH. Only 18 years old and very shy, I dressed in the proper attire and went for the interview.
I was hired that day and started the following Monday as a Part-time Secretary. I answered phones, took messages, and greeted anyone who stopped in to inquire about advertising. Within the year, I was hired full-time and started logging spots, invoicing, loading carts in the cart rack, and changing music reels. I began to love the business and moved up the ladder as the years passed. I did some voice work, ran the board, and even put weather-related messages on the air to inform the public that businesses were closing because of inclement weather. Wow, how things have changed.
In 2004, WDOH was bought out by Maverick Media, and I made the big move to Lima to become the business manager. I was so used to putting contracts in the system, producing the spot, and assigning cart numbers that I could not imagine what I would do as just a business manager. I quickly learned that five radio stations could all be managed under one roof. I was now in the corporate world and wasn’t sure I liked it. Somehow, I learned the job and was now doing payroll, accounts payable, and receivables. Maverick Media was sold to Childers Media, and I was learning new things again.
Besides managing the five radio stations, Childers Media was a Signs, Promotions, and Direct Mail provider. It was a lot, and we realized that we could not do it all to be the best at Radio. Childers Media was then sold to Woof Boom Radio in 2018. I continued as the Business Manager until 2022.
We needed a Sales Manager, and J Chapman approached me about taking over the position. I was hesitant. I had never sold before but knew everything about our product, so I agreed to try it. It was the best decision I ever made.
I tell everyone I regret not getting into Sales years ago. Watching a sales Rep start with a Cold Call and develop it into an Annual Contract is so rewarding. Looking back, it has been a whirlwind, but I can genuinely say I could not have had a better job. Through this job, I have met many great people and attended many events. I am retiring soon, but Radio will always be close to my heart! I thank God every day I stepped into that Bank 48 years ago.