Today we’d like to introduce you to Terri Thomas.
Terri, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Boston Bred! Houston Fed! I’m originally from Boston and I started in radio at 14 years old when I earned an on-air position at the community station in my high school. I always loved music as I believe music is medicine and radio were always a trusted friend. I got my first job offer at 15 years old and that’s when I embraced the idea that radio would be my career. I graduated from Emerson College and was fortunate to work on the college station WERS as a talent and student manager. After graduating, I knew that in order to follow my dreams of becoming a successful Radio Programmer and Talent, I would need to hit the road and work my way up. The journey has taken me through Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina and landing me here my adopted home in Houston.
My first commercial radio job was for Davis Broadcasting, WFXE in Columbus Georgia under the tutelage of Phillip David March. While there, I worked two jobs to be able to make ends meet and live my dream. I worked my way up really learning all aspects of the business. I eventually found my way through (larger markets and stations) into management as a Music Director then Assistant Program Director, Program Director and now Operations Manager of Radio One’s Houston Market which includes 97.9 the Box, Majic 102.1, Radio Now 92.1 and Praise Houston.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road is never smooth, but you cannot grow without challenges. I believe that there is an opportunity in every obstacle and when challenges arise it is up to us to find the blessing in the lesson and acquire the necessary tools for the next part of the journey. Lessons will repeat themselves until we “get it”. It’s kind of like a video game, you cannot get to the next level until you conquer the one you are on.
Struggles? Absolutely! Radio is not generally a lucrative career especially as you are starting out… I moved across the country with no family, no friends and limited resources. I’ve worked multiple side jobs just to make ends meet. Plus oftentimes you have to go to grow so I’ve repeated the process many times to secure the next larger opportunity. It takes a certain kind of fortitude to pack up and embrace the unknown.
Also, programming was traditionally a man’s field so being a woman in the business is a tougher road. Many will often question your abilities and challenge you. Phillip David March gave me the best advice early in my career: They can try to take everything from you, but they can never take away what you know. It’s important to keep your skills sharp!
Radio is also challenging as there are many things competing for the attention of the audience. Phones/devices have replaced a lot of traditional radios so we must be creative to ensure our radio brands are integrated into the community and hearts and minds of those we serve.
One of my great joys is coaching and building teams… I have a special talent for identifying what’s unique about a person, helping them clear the clutter and putting people in position to win which has been very helpful in continuing our success. I’m also an ideal person. Creativity and execution are huge difference makers in business. In challenging times ideas are a game changer.
Radio One – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As Operations Manager I am responsible for the creative strategies and building of our brands (97.9 the Box, Majic 102.1, Radio Now 92.1, Praise Houston). My team includes the air personalities, production team, promotions team. My job is to create products that win in their target demos for the purpose of generating revenue. I’m committed to make sure with my VP of Houston, Pam McKay that we serve the community as well as exceed the goals of our company.
I enjoy collaborating with Sales Managers Wayne Jones and Avery Green to help our sales team reach their revenue goals as the “bottom line is the bottom line”
I have an exceptional support management team in Programming as well: Jonathan Cook (Promotions Director), J-Que (Assistant Program Director), Laura Dickerson (Music Director), Bill Travis, BC, Necio (Production and Imaging Directors) I’m known for being a great coach, identifying talent, creative ideas, leadership. What sets us apart? Execution, Creativity, Commitment to Community, Consistency.
I am also a motivational speaker, brand architect, entertainment industry influencer and content creator. I have a podcast called Free Game with Terri Thomas. Information can be found via my social media.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I remember visiting my grandparents in Arizona for the summer and a local radio station was having a “find the DJ” contest at a mall. My grandfather took me to the mall and waited all day in line with me so I could have my shot. I didn’t win and he was so offended! He thought I was the best and believed in me more than I believed in myself. When moments of doubt would come later along the journey, I would always think back to my Papa and how much he believed in me. He went to heaven when I was a senior in high school, so he never got to see my success, but I know he’s up there still cheering me on!
Contact Info:
- Email: tthomas@radio-one.com
- Instagram: @TerriThomas
- Facebook: @TerriThomasInc
- Twitter: @territhomasinc
Image Credit:
@CapsuleCreativeCo (photo in blue tulle and green dress)
@trisha_lacoste (photo in front of BAR, white tulle, black tshirt in front if city)
@chriswphoto (black outfit no smile)
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