Build Your Career with Character, Competency, and Connection

Fred Wiechmann , VP of Marketing and Product Development at GameTime ( PlayCore ), joined us to share insights from his career journey. From lessons learned, hiring best practices, and key advice for job seekers navigating today’s market, you don’t want to miss it. Check out the full article below!

How did you get to where you are today?

For me, it’s always been about the relationships we choose to invest in. As leaders, we have the opportunity to be both mentors and mentees. That means we get to learn and teach at each stage that we're in. Early on, I was fortunate to have great mentors. My first boss out of college walked me through the details of what really matters in a job, even when it wasn’t one I loved. Later, my first mentor in product development and marketing, gave me an opportunity even though I probably wasn’t ready, teaching me the value of seeing potential in others.

From there, I joined an organization built on investing in people. That experience led me to pursue my Executive MBA at UTC, where I met my future boss at PlayCore. That introduction changed my career path, and I’ve now been at PlayCore for 15 years, growing through the mentorship of incredible colleagues and leaders. At the end of the day, success always comes back to people and having the right mentors and paying it forward by investing in others.

What do you look for in a new team member, and how do you evaluate fit?

The best team members have a strong combination of character, competency, and humility. Character ensures trustworthiness and integrity, competency means they deeply understand their craft, and humility allows them to collaborate effectively. When someone possesses all three, they not only contribute but also elevate the entire team. Often, they become the missing puzzle piece that brings everything together.

Beyond that, I use what I call the “Three P’s” to evaluate fit: Performance - do they strive for excellence and care about the details? Potential - are they a lifelong learner, always growing and adapting? Passion - are they willing to roll up their sleeves, put in the effort, and lead by example? When someone embodies all three, they’re a great team member.

What’s your best career advice, and what should candidates know about interviewing with your company?

Everyone has been in a job search at some point or will be in the future. The key is to step outside your comfort zone, build relationships, and ask questions. Networking opens doors to new conversations and opportunities.?

Also, you will likely be in a large pool of peers, so you have to set yourself apart by continually learning. That can be through certifications, skills, or experiences that make you stand out among your peers. When you get in the door, be ready to show why you bring something unique.

At PlayCore, we look for people who are passionate and who want to make an impact. We build parks and spaces where families and communities come together. That mission drives us, and we want team members who share that passion. And, if they have that passion, they’ll be here for a long time.

How do you see your team evolving, and what skills will be most important for the future?

The big thing every business is figuring out right now is AI. You can’t go anywhere without hearing about it, but the real question is: how are we leveraging it? How do we integrate current and future technologies while keeping the human touch? We’re a highly relational business. We build things. We work with communities to create spaces where people connect, so we can’t lose sight of the people we serve. The challenge in the next few years will be finding ways to use technology to enhance decision-making without losing that relational focus.

Beyond that, I think the most important skill for success is communication. The way we communicate has changed drastically. Two decades ago, we weren’t even using cell phones the way we do now, and today we’re having virtual conversations with real-time transcriptions. But no matter how much technology advances, the ability to communicate effectively, whether online, in person, or on the spot, will always stand out. The leaders of tomorrow will be the ones who can think creatively, respond thoughtfully, and engage with people in a meaningful way.

Thank you so much, Fred! To learn more about Fred and the work that is happening over at GameTime and PlayCore check out his LinkedIn here, PlayCore’s website here or GameTime’s website here.