We were lucky to catch up with Mark Overstreet recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mark, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
My defining moment in my career path was when I had to choose between becoming a UPS driver or finishing my college degree and receive a diploma. I made the choice to pursue my college degree.
Months and months went by as I thought everyday what I should do in life. As a kid growing up, my father passed at an early age. Without him, I did not really have a male role model in my life. Then my neighbor next door Gerald took me under his wing, and he was a man of many trades.
He went to Georgia Tech but never graduated because he got married at an early age. He might not have earned a college degree, but in my eyes, he was by far the smartest person I had ever met in my life.
Growing up, he had many jobs — most of them in direct-to-direct sales such as World’s Finest Chocolate to selling Claxton Fruit Cakes to area High Schools in the state of Georgia. I struggled between the age of 18-24 years old trying to determine what to do in life. I had worked in retail sales, factories and construction and finally made a decision to into Broadcast sales.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started my career at WRDW-TV in Augusta, GA. My career expands over 3+ decades with roles from President to VP, to General Manager. Currently General Manager of WBKB-WBUP-WJMN-WBKP-TV in Michigan.
My responsibilities have ranged from news and marketing to sales leadership positions in small, medium and large market TV stations. I am a high energy leader who works to bring out the best in people.
Working at a local TV station is so rewarding because every day we have the “POWER” to reach thousands of viewers every day, every day of the week. Our number one job is informing, educating and entertaining viewers.
We provide PSAs, educating our folks on public safety, leadership and free community resources. Our news telecast provides a platform for a variety of perspectives including those of marginalized communities.
News can promote civic engagement by providing a platform for sharing local stories and experiences. Our stations support local culture by showcasing local art, music and traditions. One of the most important contributions that stations make in the community is support for local groups to raise money, increase awareness and assist 501c’s with their missions.
Our main products are providing advertisers with digital and linear TV opportunities.
We only focus on customer-focused solutions-products and services designed to meet the needs and expectations of customers. Our company puts the customer “FIRST”. We specialize in developing solutions that are best for clients, rather than the best products in general. We use data to understand customer behaviors and preferences. We like to receive customer feedback and take it seriously to improve our advertising campaigns.
Our sales culture is about listening to customers. Making space for great customer ideas. Breaking down internal barriers and unlocking data to create opportunities. The customer becomes the “Focused Advocate”.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Tips that I felt would help me succeed in my career:
Set goals- short & long term to help you stay organized and focused.
Networking – attending events, job fairs and seminars have helped me in my career field
Always take initiative
Communicate always which helps prevent misunderstanding and building relationships
Embrace learning
Stay positive
Make sure you have a good balance of work & life
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson is people are paramount to your company’s success.
Never believe that you can make it to the top on your own merits….
People are the bloodline of any business.
Never forget how valuable people power is in your business organization.
People-quality — from the frontline staff to leadership — significantly impacts the success or failure, as their attitudes, skills, and customer interactions can directly influence customer satisfaction and overall business growth. A strong team with a positive work ethic can propel a business forward while a disengaged performing workforce can hinder the progress.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://myupnow.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyUPNow/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/myupnow
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyUPNow
Image Credits
All photos are the property of Morgan Murphy Media ©2024