I’ve just gotten off the “Tilt-a-Whirl” called radio and I’m still finding my equilibrium…and reflecting on 40 fast paced fun years and great memories. While I was making plans to retire from General Management of WCLO-WJVL and start a small consulting business, our station owner, Skip Bliss, was making plans to retire and sell his broadcast and newspaper holdings. It turns out, his timing was well aligned with mine.

I’ve often said that the only thing in life that is certain is change. Change is inevitable, and our adaptability constitutes the measure of our success. Fortunately, the team at WCLO & WJVL have adjusted to numerous challenges over the years and they are ready for anything! It is my hope that they will continue to set new records of achievement with listeners, advertisers, and the community.

It’s been said that good times mask a poor performance…so, difficult times reveal a great performance! I’d like to “give it up for my colleagues” at Bliss Communications. From “the great recession” to the present, they brought their A-game every day. All I did was create a culture…and then got out of their way.

In the process, we’ve paved the way for an enthusiastic new owner, Ben Thompson. While change is inevitable, he has assumed a great legacy. “The Bliss radio stations epitomize what we believe local radio should be,” Thompson said.

I’m grateful for the Bliss Family owned company that helped me manage with integrity and lead with standards that mirrored my family values.

I’m grateful to my family who has tolerated my ambitions for four decades in the broadcast business…especially my wife, Patty, who is my greatest inspiration. Now, we’re plunging into this consulting and training endeavor with equal fervor. I’m not just retiring from something, but retiring to something….to help media companies grow in an evolutionary industry. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “The best thing about the future is it comes one day at a time.” O’Brien Betterment, LLC is all about better revenue for your future.

So, while I’ve just gotten off the Tilt-A-Whirl, I’m excited about hopping on a new Roller Coaster with you. Give me a call and we’ll create an exhilarating new plan for 2020 together!

May the future bring you many blessings in all the days to come!

Mike O'Brien, Consultant/Trainer

O’Brien Betterment, LLC

608.751.4464; mike@obrienbetterment.com