(October 8, 2013) Mark Binetti had been told repeatedly that the first job is the hardest to get. Now that Binetti has been hired as Media Relations Director/Broadcaster for the Rapid City Rush of the Central Hockey League, he says, “My new theme is, the first job is the BEST one to have.’”
Binetti has spent the past two seasons as a broadcast assistant with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. The Rapid City job affords him the opportunity to do everything he has ever wanted to with a team, and not have to sell tickets. “I’ll host a weekly hour-long radio show in a restaurant with fan interaction, host a half hour update show before the weekend’s slate of games, and then broadcast the game itself, with in-depth pre-game and post-game shows to go with it,” he says.
For Binetti, landing the gig was like catching lightening in a bottle. “Everything happened super fast. Daniel Nieves, the original voice of the Rush, had already had the position filled, and then it suddenly opened up due to a late departure.” Binetti learned of the Rush opportunity from Checkers broadcaster Jason Shaya.
“Jason encouraged me to take the chance, and explained to me the sense of urgency with the team about this opening. I took a leap of faith and sure enough Mr. Nieves called me back, told me he was impressed with my credentials and offered me the position right there over the phone.”
Binetti has been an STAA client since June 2012. “At first, the job leads were really the edge I was looking for, which allowed me the opportunity to send my resume and demo out from there. Then I realized that [STAA CEO Jon] Chelesnik is full of knowledge and first-hand experience. When I tapped into that reservoir so to speak, things became more apparent to me, such as where I was not properly executing in my approach, what I could have done better, the quality of my resume/cover letter/demo etc. As soon as I started to utilize that information, I realized I stood a fighting chance when it came time to search for open positions.
“Mr. Chelesnik never gave up on me, and his honesty and constructive criticism made a huge impact. When I coupled his help with Mr. Shaya, my mentor in Charlotte, and my other colleagues in the broadcasting world, I knew I was as prepared as I could be when the time would come for a chance to contend for my first opportunity, and here we are!”
As he looks ahead to Rapid City, another thing about which Binetti is excited is the enthusiasm within the Rush organization. “Coach [Joe] Ferras was named GM a few weeks ago, and he has to be the most enthusiastic GM I have ever met. He has a high level of energy that rubs off on everyone, and it helps create an amazing environment to work in and do our jobs to the best of our ability.
“The team is one of the most well-oiled machines in all of minor league sports, with a phenomenal group of intelligent owners that truly enjoy operating the team. This allows me the opportunity to be exactly where I have wanted to be since I graduated from USC. I am so excited and hopeful for what the future will bring, and thank my friends, my family, and God for the opportunity before me.
“Now I can cross getting that first job off my bucket list.”
(Visit Mark’s STAA Talent Page).