Q&A

Doug Smith

What is your typical workday like?
My typical day includes a number of responsibilities. Usually the day revolves around working within the departments to ensure that Prime Play’s focus on quality and innovation is consistently being met. I also stay in touch with them to make sure all of our stated goals are in progress, and I take an active role in establishing a relationship with our current and potential customers. In addition, I work closely with our research, development, and design department to help create the next great attraction.

How do you describe Prime Play by Whitewater to people who don’t know it?
Prime Play is the “dry play” division of Whitewater and has been offering family-friendly play structures since 1993.

Prime Play focuses on creating innovative products and providing excellent customer service. Our staff is dedicated to the success of its products, which in turn relates to the success of the company.

How did you come to work in the industry?
I started in the industry in 1995, when a close friend and the original owner of Prime Play approached me to be his first salesperson. At that time the company was very small and still in its development phase. After some hard work and a lot of fun, the company started growing and it has continued to grow. I left in 2000 to join another company within the industry, but in 2005 I was given the opportunity to rejoin Prime Play, and I’m glad to be back.

Is there someone who has greatly influenced your career?
I was taught my sense of responsibility and work ethic by my father. Those lessons have really helped me along the way. And of course over the years there have been many other people in different areas of the industry that I have learned from; not only my co-workers and bosses, also from the customers I have worked with. Each has had an influence on me in a special way.

My current boss, Geoff Chutter, CEO of Whitewater West, also has been very supportive. His many years of experience and his advice are helping me to further understand and develop the company as a whole.

What do you most enjoy about what you do?
The people! I enjoy working with the different departments and seeing the dedication and innovation that our people have. We are lucky to have such a great team at Prime Play.

What advice would you offer to someone starting out in the industry today?
This is a large industry that continually evolves, and that translates into plenty of new opportunities. To be successful, you need to make sure you can maintain a commitment and a strong work ethic. And once you know which areas interest you, seek the guidance of the leaders in their field.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Family and friends are important to me, and I like to spend as much time as possible with them. My fiancée and I live in a small beach town, so we spend as much time as we can with our dog on the beach. And when spring comes, you can find me on the golf course.