Momentum’s First Annual Retreat
We had our first annual company retreat this past October, and what a way to kick off the new tradition!
Being a remote team, we decided it was time to meet up and chose Ann Arbor as the spot to be. We had ten team members join in for the weekend, getting together for a weekend of team building and growth through good food and fun.
On day one, we started with an office-style Olympics, embracing some antics that can only be had in a cubicle or classroom. The challenges were:
- A cup stacking challenge, with Lauren towering over us all
- A paper plane challenge, with Jimi crafting one that pushed the boundaries of paper aviation
- A paper clip chain contest
- A pencil balancing contest
After triumphs secured, the team split up to head over to Pinball Pete’s, a classic arcade that speaks to the old-school gamer with a pocket of quarters, or to our client, Export Corporation, to see how a custom packaging facility runs.
We worked up an appetite after bouncing between the arcade and checking out our client in person, so we mosied over to the Slurping Turtle. The Japanese-inspired dishes were delicious, from the ramen offered to the delicious pork buns we inhaled. Perfect dinner to end our first retreat day.
Now stuffed, we went back to the Weber’s hotel and played some games while winding down with a few drinks.
Ready Day Two!
Kicking off in a conference room section we set aside, we played a “Know Your Team” quiz. We reviewed the past year while handing out Appreciation Awards, giving thanks and the spotlight to each other can make all the difference working forward. We at Momentum take wellness seriously, especially as a remote team where home life can impact it. We dedicated time to sharing tips and tricks for physical, nutritional, and mental wellness to ensure we all do our best to be our best selves.
Wrapping up our wellness discussion, we decided to put it into practice and headed outside to Wiard’s Orchard to meet our cidermill needs. Cider and donuts are a must in Michigan fall, and Wiards didn’t disappoint. We stocked up on fall-themed decor, take-home snacks, and of course, cider and donuts while playing at the petting zoo (goats and alpacas, oh my!)
For dinner, we sat at Mani Osteria, a scrumptious Italian restaurant where we indulged in wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and camaraderie around the dinner table. Bellies full and the night ahead, we went to the Michigan Theater to hear the Ann Arbor Orchestra play The Music of John Williams. We were spellbound listening to the scores of great films like Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Star Wars.
Only the Beginning!
The first annual retreat was a success! The team better connected, a great time had at every turn, and retreat gifts to send us home with bigger smiles. We’re looking forward to planning the 2025 retreat and expanding the workplace bond we’ve made.
