Benztown’s First Ever Top 50 Powerful Voice Index

That’s right…after a lot of blood, sweat, and research, Benztown has recently released their first annual index of the 50 biggest names in the imaging voiceover world. With the help of SparkNet Research & Consulting we were able to compile and analyze industry data that is the base of this exciting and impressive ranking. Knowing it wasn’t an easy road for these voiceover actors to get to where they are today (the Mt. Everest of rankings), we asked our top 10 voices, “If you could go back and tell your 20-year-old self ONE THING, what would it be?” Get out your notepad; here is what they said:

1. Pat Garrett: “What I would say to my 20 year old self is be prepared to be available 24/7 and deadlines are all ASAP, but I don’t miss the days of rushing to the airport to FedEx tapes and CDs!”

2. Scott Fisher: “Wait, I am 20 years old! Meh. I would say, you can actually make a decent living in doing what you love and following your dreams!  Work hard, continue to have fun and cherish the experiences and relationships you have along the way with peers, friends and loved ones. Also, play as much golf as you can.

3. Cousin Deke: “I don’t think I’d tell my twenty year old self too much — Looking back — I’m genuinely happy and feel good about life… if I’d changed any of my past mistakes – or warned myself about some awful job – I don’t think I’d be able to wind up in the same place I am today… I’d tell myself to just keep following your instincts – be nice, friendly, polite, and over-tip your waiters and waitresses… and all will work out.”

4. George. W. Robinson: “If I have to sum up a piece of advice for my 20 year old self it would be, keep loving your clients and continue to give them more than they expect. Be obsessed with becoming better.”

5. John Willyard: “20-year old self, there’s going to be a glut of competition, but that’s OK! Believe in yourself, have fun, under-promise and over-deliver. Get ready for a wild ride, and watch out for the ladies, they like ‘voice’ people almost as much as they like drummers!”

6. Jeff Berlin: “If I could only tell my 20 year old self one thing? Probably “Buy Apple Computer stock”. If I could, I’d also tell myself to get the Toyota Tercel, not the Subaru DL. And for God’s sake buy that condo going for $25,000, it’s NOT a ripoff. Other than that I’m happy to say I wouldn’t try to change anything else.”

7. Harry Legg: “There’s a lot I’d like to tell my 20-year-old self! Narrowing it to one thing, I’d tell me to start my own VO business right away because there will be a ton of employment ups and downs. Having your own stream of extra income will help with financial security during ownership, management and format changes that will have you looking for another job over and over. It will also afford you to be pickier when deciding to pack-up your life to move to another city for another radio gig. Get ready for quite an interesting roller coaster ride! Extra Credit: Don’t drink as much free beer and pizza!”

8. Scott Matthews: “Turn the volume down on your headphones. Unless a raging case of Tinnitus sounds like a good time. Also, your future wife will thank you for not making her repeat everything twice. :)”

9. Chad Erickson: “Build a good name as early as you can. (And, remember… as an intern don’t EVER expect to be paid…that free experience you are getting is worth so much). You get one shot to develop your personal brand and reputation both in your personal and professional life. Good times will come and go. Jobs will come and go. Having a good name will allow you to always make a comeback when needed. Having a good name will also give you many great opportunities in life. Good, successful people who make a difference in the world will always want to know other people with a ‘good name.’”

10. Rachel McGrath: “Oh hi 20 year old Rachel! Wow, is that your 6th Absolut and water with a splash of cranberry? Save some for when you get older- I promise it’s not going to disappear. Wait- back to why I’m here- ready? Well- you know that enormous chip on your shoulder? The thing is, it doesn’t go with any of your outfits. Or the rest of your personality, for that matter. You’d be wise to discard it as soon as possible. Once you liberate yourself from its evil agenda, life will be become more magical and fulfilling than you ever thought possible. Oh- and you know how you always felt like you never quite fit in? Embrace it. It will come in handy later. Hugs- see you soon!”

Click here for the complete list.