(October 5, 2017) Joe DiMaggio famously explained the reason he consistently played so hard is because someone might be watching him for the first time. A similar mindset has landed STAA member Brendan Gulick a sports update anchor job at CBS Radio in Cleveland.
“Joining the team at 92.3 The Fan is a great opportunity,” Gulick, a Cleveland native, smiles. “They are very well-respected locally and I’m learning that there are lots of ways to build your career. Everyone’s journey is different, but I think there is something to be said for trying to lay your foundation in a bigger market.”
Since graduating from John Carroll University in 2013, Gulick has been broadcasting minor league baseball, college and high school play-by-play on platforms from radio and Internet to ESPN3.
“Most of my opportunities came outside of the Cleveland market after I graduated” says Gulick. “I moved eight times in four years as I bounced between seasonal baseball and college athletics jobs to build up my work experience. I came back to Cleveland in November, 2016 and have been balancing a number of different things.”
The opportunity to move to sports talk radio came as a surprise.
“A few months ago, the former GM of my college radio station (WJCU) asked if I would be willing to help out over the summer while their kids were away on break,” Gulick explains.
He ended up doing several shows. “Luckily, one of those shows re-aired several weeks later and [92.3 The Fan Program Director] Andy Roth happened to hear it. It was certainly a stroke of good fortune,” Gulick grins.
Roth contacted Gulick and eventually offered him a job. “It just reinforces the old adage – always do your best work because you never know who is listening,” he says.
Gulick appreciates that versatility can lead to a long career.
“My experience has primarily been in play-by-play since I began my career and it’s no secret that I love broadcasting live events. But as anyone in this industry knows, you have to be versatile if you’re going to build a career in sports broadcasting.
“I’m trying to diversify my experience as much as I can and I want to build my credibility in the Cleveland market. I’m trying to meet as many people as I can and build quality relationships.”
For a similar story on “being discovered,” watch this short STAAtv video about how former STAA member Christian Bruey landed at WFTV in Orlando.
(Visit Brendan’s STAA Talent Page).