As a remote-first digital marketing agency, finding opportunities to come together in person is rare but essential. Our first-ever company retreat was more than just a break from our daily routines – it was a purposeful gathering to build trust, cultivate our unique company culture, and strengthen the bonds that make us Mad Fish Digital.
In early September, we traveled to the stunning Skamania Lodge, nestled by the Columbia River in Washington, where nature provided the perfect backdrop for connection. While remote work has its perks, there’s something about sitting face-to-face with your teammates, sharing stories, ideas, and laughter. This retreat was our chance to do just that.
“The first-ever company retreat was a great experience. Being able to get together since many of us live in different states was something a lot of us were looking forward to. And, while most of us were meeting in person for the first time, it felt like there was a level of comfort and camaraderie already there which is a testament to the MFD culture.” ~ Marcus Yoo, Content Strategist
Building Connections & Trust-Based Relationships
At the core of this retreat were two key objectives: building deeper connections and cultivating trust-based relationships. Our team is made up of creative, curious individuals who bring their whole selves to work. In a remote environment, it’s easy to miss the casual moments – the coffee chats, hallway catch-ups, and spontaneous brainstorming sessions – that naturally build trust.
During the retreat, we created space for these moments, whether through team-building activities, shared meals, or simply unwinding around a campfire. One of the highlights was our white-water rafting adventure, where teamwork and communication were essential. It wasn’t just about the thrill of the rapids; it was about learning to trust each other in a new way – navigating the waters both literally and figuratively.
“As a newer member of the team, the retreat presented the most perfect opportunity to be immersed into the company culture, and get to experience firsthand how everyone embodies the company values at work every day. There really was no better way to establish a foundation of trust, openness, and fun within our work relationships than the ability to connect and bond in person! The experience was so wholesome and authentic, it really solidified how grateful I am to be part of the Mad Fish team!” ~ Lauren McRae, Paid Media Strategist
Cultivating Mad Fish Digital’s Culture
Our company culture is the foundation of everything we do. At Mad Fish Digital, we live by our core values of innovation, accountability, collaboration, being genuine, and embracing our fun-ish side. The retreat was an intentional time to reaffirm these values. We designed every activity – from hiking to our group games – to reflect on them and spark conversations about how we continue to live them in our everyday work.
A special part of the retreat was sharing our updated brand promise, reminding us all of the commitments we’d made not only to our clients but to each other. It was an opportunity to align on what makes Mad Fish Digital unique and ensure we’re all moving in the same direction, staying true to our values while embracing the challenges ahead.
From meaningful discussions to moments of pure fun, the retreat gave us a renewed sense of purpose and excitement to bring back to our day-to-day lives at Mad Fish Digital.
“The Mad Fish Digital company retreat was an incredible opportunity to bond, connect, and engage with everyone IRL! One of the biggest surprises was not just that we deepened our relationships, but did so by facing our fears and getting out of our comfort zones—from yoga to white water rafting. Seeing your coworkers in person for the first time encourages a level of vulnerability that we often have walls up against in the virtual world. Challenging ourselves to be authentic—fears, silliness, jokes, and all—helped us grow as a team in ways we hadn’t been able to through a screen alone.” ~ Alex Luther, Client Strategist
Reflecting & Looking Forward
This retreat reminded us of the power of human connection. In a remote world, it’s easy to focus on tasks and goals, but it’s the people behind the screens who make the magic happen. By investing in each other, we’re investing in the future of our company.
As we head back to our virtual offices, we carry the lessons and memories from Skamania Lodge with us. The trust we built, the culture we cultivated, and the friendships we strengthened are fueling our commitment to continue growing as individuals and as a team.
Mad Fish Digital isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place where people come together to do great work, push boundaries, and create something meaningful. And after this retreat, we’re more ready than ever to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead—together.