TECHEAD Spotlight – John Wildermuth

John Wildermuth

Senior Account Manager, TECHEAD

John is responsible for business development in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, region. With over 20 years in the IT staffing industry, John maintains connections with a large network of hiring managers at small, medium and large corporations throughout the region.

 

How long have you worked at TECHEAD and what do you like most about working here?

I have worked for TECHEAD for 3 ½ years.   I enjoy working with a team of very enthusiastic and organized people.   I am a very positive person and my associates seem to have that same approach to business.

 

What led you to work at TECHEAD?   

I was looking for a smaller organization and one that connected on a more personal level.   I had worked for much larger organizations in the past, and TECHEAD provided me the opportunity to work with people who are more accessible and relatable.

 

Tell us how TECHEAD is adapting and what your biggest challenges are right now. Any surprise positives that have happened, as a result of adapting to the changes?

Due to COVID-19 we quickly moved to a 100% remote work team.   We have periodic meetings using Video Chat tools like Zoom and Google Meet.   We are in a very competitive market and as such, TECHEAD has provided us with new candidate and client tracking software, as well as some other client lead software to help us grow our business.

 

Tell us about your home workplace set up.

I work in a large dedicated area for work. One of my hobbies is woodworking, so I built the entire workstation area.  It is a dual level desk and it serves my needs very nicely.

 

What is keeping you productive and innovative in your remote work-from-home life right now? 

My ongoing positivity and work traits.   I have actually been working from home since 2010 so I realize that getting things accomplished in a productive and timely manner helps me be more successful and earn more money.   Plus, I really enjoy the IT industry, and being a part of what makes it successful is very rewarding to me.

 

What advice would you give to anyone looking for a job right now?

Look for opportunities where you will have strong personal connections and ones that do not appear that automation will take over.

 

What advice would you give to an employer trying to navigate the hiring process in the time of COVID?  

Use Video Chat tools to talk with and identify your candidates.   Release your in-office thinking as most people, if possible, would rather work from home.  Take advantage of the video chat to challenge the individual.  Ask them difficult questions and see how they react.

 

How are you staying entertained during social distancing? Any new hobbies or pastimes?  

I have expanded my woodworking hobby to things that I or my 5 daughters will enjoy.  I also have 3 granddaughters and I am making things for them also.   I am purchasing a new trumpet and will be getting back into music performing etc.   I also love to bake, and I have been doing more of that.    I have set up a 2nd home theatre to watch movies and Netflix shows on.  I live alone, so these activities help me with any isolation during these times.

 

What would be your “dream” travel that you’re planning – or want to plan – once the pandemic is over?

Post pandemic I am going to visit my oldest daughter in Richmond and meet my new grandson, who was born on Feb. 12.

Later in the year I will be going to visit my youngest daughter and husband in Philadelphia. They have asked me to provide some custom wood shelving etc. for their new home.

Share new music, a podcast, or even a cooking recipe you’re enjoying lately

I have really enjoyed making M & M peanut butter cookies.   This is the recipe:

M & M peanut butter cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 g) salted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (55 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup (185 g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups (305 g) Peanut M&Ms

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until light, fluffy, about three minutes. Add peanut butter and mix until combined (about 30 seconds). Add egg and vanilla and mix until combined (about 30 seconds).
2. With the mixer on low, slowly mix in the flour and baking soda just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the peanut M&Ms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator and form balls of dough about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the cookie sheet and gently press the balls down slightly (they won’t spread much while baking). Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be soft and look undone. Don’t worry, they will firm up as they cool.

4. After cooling for a couple minutes on the cookie sheet, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

NOTES

• Cookie dough may be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Let dough soften in the refrigerator before forming into balls and baking.