We all have lucky days from time to time. And today is one of mine.
As you might see if we follow each other on Facebook and other social pages, today I celebrate a birthday. And I feel fortunate, even lucky, to be in this position.
Some people low-key their birthdays, and hope they quietly sail by. I was that guy for quite a few of these annual celebrations in the past. But not now. Today, I celebrate another journey around the sun, and I’m pleased to tell you, I’m a happy traveler.
I’m also a lucky one. I was born in this country in the mid-20th century to a caring family that raised me right, and gave me all the tools required to excel and be happy. I’m blessed to have married well and somehow (luck?) had a couple of kids who’ve turned out to be wonderful people. I have my own company, and have been blessed with many friends, wonderful clients (mostly), and experiences most people in this business never get the chance to enjoy.
Unlike the privileged person who starts out on third base – and thinks he hit a triple – I am all too aware of how I got here, how it happened, and how lucky I have been along the way.
And that nicely dovetails into today’s topic – the luck that falls into our laps throughout our lives, and what we end up doing with it. I’ve been sitting on an article from Henry Blodget, a successful Wall Street investor who co-launched Business Insider, a publication many of you no doubt read. I think you’ll find it interesting, even insightful.
His company employs 700+ employees in 17 countries with a reach of 300 million readers a month. And Blodget is the first to tell you just how lucky he’s been.
Last month right before Christmas, he published “Luck is a bigger part of success than you think – but it can only take you so far.”
And he reminds us that success is often driven by luck, and is not merely a function of talent, effort, or charm.
Blodget adds two important words to an adage you’re probably familiar with (in italics):
“The harder and smarter you work, the luckier you get.”
That’s been my experience, too, especially as an entrepreneur who has launched a couple of businesses during the past four decades. At Jacobs Media and later with jacapps, we’ve started all sorts of initiatives, often without a business plan, but with much instinct and intuition.
Some have been more successful than others – (fortunately, most people tend to remember the “wins”) – but luck has played a role in several steps along the way. Luck’s siblings – coincidence, happenstance, and right-place-right-time all figure into the calculus of success and failure. Somehow, we’ve managed to keep them above sea level during both the Great Recession and then COVID. I don’t have to tell you what a ride it’s been. And yes, luck has co-starred in our ability to steer clear of the hazards, sand traps, and abysses.
And as Henry Blodget emphasizes, it’s what you do with the luck that comes your way that’s a major determinant of your course over the long run.
Think about all the lottery winners who found a way to dither their way through their fortunes, often ending up in worse shape than when they bought the winning ticket at their local convenience store.
Blodget reminds us of two key variables that can change our game – if we play it right:
A sense of “agency and gratitude”
He credits psychologist Paul Conti with these important footnotes to being successful and happy. The first is having a sense of appreciation for your luck and good fortune (the “gratitude” piece), and the ability to alter your future to make it better (there’s the “agency”).
Radio people tend to know both of these linchpins well because they figure prominently into many careers – both on the air and in the corner office suite. Broadcasting is a fluid business so a little luck, combined with seizing the right opportunity at the right moment in time, can be the difference in being a star or an also-ran. Sometimes, the margin is that thin.
In my case, luck has been a prominent player in my success. Don’t I know it? Born with an average voice, I found mine in a different sector of the business – audience research, program consulting, and now
writing this blog and helping guide our companies. Before I started Jacobs Media, I had the good fortune of working for two amazing companies – Frank N. Magid in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and ABC Radio in Detroit for WRIF. It doesn’t get better than that.
Sometimes, it’s that very first break that many of us look back on as “the moment.” Somehow, some way, somebody who matters took an interest in us or had the intuition to spot a little something going for us that perhaps we didn’t even realize.
If you’ve been at this for more than a few minutes, you can probably reel off several influential people who touched your career – or your life – in some way. I sure can, and I’ve been fortunate to be able to thank them from a dais in the process of receiving various industry honors and awards. (A word of advice: get those “thank-you’s” right.)
Peter Smyth is one of them. And interestingly, he posted a story on LinkedIn yesterday morning that aligns nicely with the idea of luck and good fortune. In his case, it was receiving that meaningful piece of advice when you need it most – trying to get that proverbial foot in the door.
I vividly remember feeling very much the same way – angsty and nervous that no one would notice my talents, my drive, and whatever a very early version of myself could muster in a job interview while sweating buckets. Like Peter, I received advice, counsel, wisdom, and an open door or two – yes, luck – that paved my way. And once on the inside, of course, it came together for Peter, me, and many of you. That first chance IS everything.
I have often thought it would make a great book – at least for insiders – “How I got my first job in radio.” Or perhaps better put, “How I got my first big break in radio” because they are so often connected at the hip. When I meet someone new in the industry, whether it’s a CEO or a neophyte who’s still sipping that first cup of joe, it’s an icebreaker question I’ll often ask. Of course, people love to tell their stories, and most of the time, they’re unique, interesting, and eye-opening. They’re often very revealing. That first lucky break often speaks volumes about who you’re talking to.
So how big a deal is luck?
I can’t speak for you, but I can tell you that in my case, it has played a major part in where I am today. And my brother Paul – who I’m very lucky to work alongside – will tell you the same thing. Our companies have allowed us to meet and learn from some amazing people along the way. We’ve worked with some wonderfully talented people who invested significant chunks of their careers and their lives with us. For that, I have much gratitude to them (and their families).
And the current group, including my younger brother Bill, Mike Stern, Jason Hollins, Chris Brunt, Lisa Riker, Elnora Lowe, and Bob Kernen and his jacapps team makes doing what we do – even in these crazy times – that much more satisfying.
Finally, my de facto “board of directors” – no, there are no junkets to Hawaii or board perks. But a small cadre of genius, experts, and smart folks provide me with devil’s advocacy, their brainstorming and vision,
and the occasional gentle question:
“Fred, are you out of your mind?!”
Thanks goodness for their wisdom and their brutal honesty. Fortunately, they have not been the least bit hesitant to remind me of just how ugly my babies can be. After all, somebody’s got to consult the consultant.
I love what I do, and feel fortunate that today I’m starting another year working in the industry I love with people who matter to me. As companies, we are doing meaningful work that hopefully makes a difference. 40+ years into this project, I feel much gratitude. After all, why else would we put ourselves through this? 🙂
I’m not just standing on third base – I’ve actually scored a few runs. And I’ve never lost sight of the role luck and good fortune played along the way.
Lucky me.
Happy Birthday to some of my fellow birthday travelers – Max Tolkoff and Haley Jones. Also, my sister-in-law Lori and my friend Marilyn Silberman. And let’s not leave out my twin brother from a different mother, Justin Timberlake. I hope it’s a joyous day for all of you. – FJ
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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Thanks for sharing this Fred. We are truly lucky and blessed people. I’m at WSDP because a friend in high school was on the staff and he snuck me in the back door, without an audition. If Mike hadn’t been on the staff, I probably never would have thought about it. And even if I had, I’m not sure I would have performed well in an audition. Not to go political on you, but your blog reminded me of President Obama’s reminder that we didn’t get here on our own. I know his critics took a small portion of it and ran him through the ringer. But when I read it in context I couldn’t help but agree.
I would probably (certainly) be doing something entirely different if I hadn’t have moved to Princeton NJ to live with my (then) girlfriend, needed a job, and applied at Broadcast Architecture. Frank Cody and Brian Stone chipped away as many of my rough edges as they could, but I was very fortunate to have stumbled on BA and the start of a career I love.
Oh, and happy birthday 😉
Happy Birthday, Fred. Thanks for years of insight, questions, and ideas grounded in sanity and actual care for the industry.
Enjoy your free Dennys, Starbucks, Chipotle….
Amen! Of course, Fred’s secret sauce is his love for the industry–the sine qua non. Many more, Mr Jacobs.
Happy Birthday, Fred!
I agree that I have had some great experiences and learned much because of the kindness of others and some very good fortune and blessings. However, I think it is important to recognize that failures, the times when the putt doesn’t fall, can be equally important, if not more so. The basic failure of my radio company (which I had the bad fortune to launch just before Covid hit) was an expensive and difficult challenge, but a valuable one in my career and one that led to both relationships and experiences that I still treasure and am building from. I’ve often gained more from challenges than from easy successes. I’ll take all the luck I can get, but I have gratitude for the challenges to. They make me who I am.
1973. A senior in high school and I heard there was an internship program sponsored by the city of New York. I got one at NBC. Subway into Rockefeller Center at 17, temporary NBC ID card had me riding the elevator with some wacky types who were rehearsing a new show. SNL! I only remember Lorraine Newman ‘cause I had a mad crush on her. I interned at the NBC network where all the game show hosts got a crack at hosting the network show, Monitor. Bill Cullen, Gene Rayburn, etc. One day this guy Wolfman Jack was interviewing Alice Cooper. I was observing from the engineers booth. Alice arrived in rockstar style w a case of Bud. Drinks 6 during the 20 minute interview. Engineer says, what does he have, a wooden leg? Hasn’t gotten up once to pee! I met Wolfman, asked if I could sit in on his show that night. Sure. I was immediately enlisted to roll joints, answer phones, get Kools (no filters), etc. My Wolfman Jack University experience of nearly two years began. Packed up his home and helped move his family back to California where Bob Wilson and R&R were my new home. Bob ran Wolfs syndication company, Audio Stimulation. 45 years later and I’m still blessed to do relevant community radio at Radio Woodstock, KVNA in Northern AZ, and LiveXLive aka Slacker Radio❤️
GREAT story! Love it! Congratulations on an amazing, wild ride! (Even if you didn’t end up marrying the most crush-worthy Lorraine.)
In 1994… I walked into KIJV radio in my hometown… Huron, SD. I asked Ken Lindblad if they had any openings for a DJ. He asked if I could start on Friday. I applied for my FCC license… and began an amazing journey.
Now my wife and I own our own radio station (KZOY aka Sunny Radio) and we host the John And Heidi Show on stations all across the country… but I find it very special that we’re on KIJV in my hometown.
Happy birthday, Fred. As a teen not good enough to work at a local AM station (btw, my fav was Drake consulted KAKC), I applied at an FM, KMOD. As it happened my timing was perfect – pure luck- they were looking for a 7 to midnight jock. I got the job. KMOD was one of 7 FMs owned by DCI, an FM only group headed by two New York visionaries- Lynn Christian and his head of programming, Charlie Whitaker.
In 1983, at the height of the “read the liner card at 15-and-45” mentality in our market, I had the good fortune of getting hired at a Cousin Brucie (Sillerman Morrow) station. Bruce personally hired me, and was the first boss I had to encourage personality development — he wanted us to do what nobody else in the market was doing at the time: sound like we were having just the best time ever, around the clock.
I owe him more than I admit.
Too much to love in all of this to comment on (I especially loved Peter Smyth’s line, “Somebody wants to hire you. You’ve just got to find them.”) so I’ll just say thank you for the wonderful trips down memory lane I’m sure you provided all of us as we remember those times when we just “happened” to be at the right place at the right time and it all came together, and, of course, wish you a most blessed abd very happy birthday! (Due to unfortunate circumstances beyond their control, the Lions will have to give you their gift next year…hopefully.)
Happy Birthday, Fred! The only wisdom I can say I’ve collected over the years is “Do the best you can with what you’ve got” and “Be thankful every day for what you have.” I’ve been both lucky and blessed. If I had to add one more thought, it’s “If you take the money, do the job as best you can.”
My late wife Lisa used to say I’ve had a charmed life and career. She was right. Talent, luck, and especially, being in the right place at the right time have all been factors.
And I had sent both you and Haley birthday e-mails right before I read this … 🙂
It’s true that in this business, we do get lucky opportunities. My first radio job came via the local cable “community” channel (which caused me to get my Third Phone at age 16), my first PD gig came a mere five years later, literally the day after I was part of a “downsizing” at another station and the owner of a competitor saw the opportunity and offered it to me; my highest ratings as air talent came because I was hired “only” as weekends/utility by a PD who was about to become a prominent programming force and his replacement left me in the afternoon drive slot I was “temporarily” filling.
Even my last on-air work (mornings, which quickly expanded to include APD and MD) was offered to me within an hour of making a thinly disguised resignation on the air due to a serious (and non-resolvable) breach of contract … turns out a former employer had been listening, put two and two together, and needed me because he had just flipped formats four days previous.
The Eighties Channel™ went back on the air in Albuquerque because I happened to call the guy who had hosted it the first time to congratulate him on the new signal he had put on the air. He literally asked me to bring the format back for that new station and now we’re only a month shy of 500 days since the reincarnation.
To do a play on words of one of the late Tina Turner’s biggest hits: “What’s luck got to do with it?” The answer is … sometimes it has EVERYTHING to do with it.
Indeed it does, K.M. Luck plays a bigger role than many of us care to admit, and that was the essence of the Henry Blodget story. Appreciate you telling your story. I’m telling you – there’s a book here!
Happy Birthday Fred !
Like you, I feel lucky and blessed every day.
Grateful to be living my Best Life right now and doing everything I love.
Back at you, Dick. Thanks for all you do.
My VERY first break in radio was thanks to a job lead given to me by Bob Sneddon, then General Manager at WSHJ-FM and teacher for Southfield Public Schools. In the 1970s, I went to work full time doing mid-days at WBRB-AM in Mt. Clemens, MI. after working overnights at WSHJ playing album rock soon after the station was granted a power increase. At WBRB, I played MOR, read the daily deaths sponsored by a funeral home and played the type of music my parents and grandparents might appreciate. But WBRB was commercial radio and I was getting paid! The rest of my story is outlined in an article published by Henry Ford College where I am currently employed at their radio station, WHFR-FM https://www.hfcc.edu/news/2023/get-know-hfc-bob-burnham-brings-forty-years-experience-whfr
Great stuff, Bob. While it’s always fun to read “industry names” who opened that door, I find it even more charming when it’s someone few have ever heard of doing a kid (because we mostly were) a “real solid.
Fred, Bob Sneddon died this morning in Florida. Like Bob Burnham, I was one of Sneddon’s students, years before we crossed paths at the MSUnion. In addition to WSHJ-FM, I worked for or with him at three stations in the Fort Myers market. He treated me like a son for 50 years. He and his wife, Joy, were a second set of patents to me. You can find dozens of his former students, in and out of broadcasting, who share the same sentiments. More than anyone else, he was responsible for the arc of my career and was also hugely influential in my personal life. Thanks, Boppin’ Bob, for everything…and I mean everything v
It seems you have finally become like a fine wine. When I was young, I received so many lucky breaks. The first came from a beautiful lady called Kay Larson. While she’s not a household name in the industry, more than a few old-timers know.
In 1982, Brent Alberts plucked me out of a college project after I told my parents I wasn’t going to continue in radio – Thanks Brent, and when Lee Arnold became the next WQFM PD, he promoted me. Ken Stevens eventually made me PD of the station and then not only brought me to Philadelphia but kept me there despite a terrible start. Three more people I was lucky to meet and who mentored me.
When the research in Philadelphia kept showing that “old” songs that I soon learned to call “Classics” were the only ones testing, picking up the phone and calling a then little-known consultant in Detroit became one of the luckiest breaks I ever had.
Then I got lucky when I had the opportunity to blurt out something I’d been told not to say in front of Mel Karmazin and Howard Stern – and stupid enough not to know it wouldn’t work.
Fred, thanks for being one of my mentors, teachers and one of the people I was luckiest to meet. Enjoy another journey around the sun.
Thanks for the kind words, Andy. It’s significant how vividly we remember the people who believe in us, gave us that shot, and maybe even saw something in us wwe didn’t see in ourselves.