Last week we had a 37signals retreat in Kohler, Wisconsin (the company that makes faucets and plumbing fixtures also has a resort). We got to catch up, plan ahead, meet the newest members of the team, took the Kohler factory tour (some pretty amazing stuff happens to get those faucets, tubs, and toilets made), dined at a cabin in the woods, made lots of trips to Sheboygan to eat at the excellent restaurants of chef Stefano Viglietti, and went canoeing.
And by the way, contrary to popular belief, this is NOT how 37signals handles feature requests…
Patrik
on 04 Jun 09Glad you enjoyed Kohler, River Wildlife, and Stefano’s. I’m fortunate that I live here, and get to enjoy one of the Midwest’s true treasures all year round. You should of golfed Whispering Straits or Blackwolf Run, even if golf isn’t your thing. Two world class courses, including hosting next years Men’s Championship.
Jeff Mackey
on 04 Jun 09That. Is. Awesome.
Chris Zacharias
on 04 Jun 09I was really hoping that the camera would cut in close to a stack of clay pigeons with the IE6 logo on it.
Tim
on 04 Jun 09Who’s the dumb a** that is gripping the shotgun barrel with their bare hand?
Well, I’m sure they learned quickly since it won’t take long for the barrel heat up.
Matt
on 04 Jun 09God forbid everyone not be as much of a gun expert as Tim…
Fernando
on 04 Jun 09Flying IE6 Logos? We did that in Brazil using grenades… we are a small team now.
Don Schenck
on 04 Jun 09One? ONE? You’re supposed to pull two clays … ya gots two barrels, don’t cha??
Sheesh … CITY SLICKERS!!
Try sporting clays … way more challenging. And yes, I’m jealous.
Happy
on 04 Jun 09@Don, I think what happened is the 37signals’ crew got invited to some over/under action and arrived surprised to find that it had nothing to do with gambling.
(37signals, I only kid.)
negative
on 04 Jun 09middle class white men with guns. super.
Javier Cabrera [EmaStudios]
on 04 Jun 09Hi Guys,
I’m interested in knowing how you guys plan this little trip; how everyone gets on board with that. You guys run a poll with the possible trips or something every month? how do you guys manage yourself to do the fun part fun and not a problem (you know what I mean…)?
ML
on 04 Jun 09Javier, we pick a location first. Then the toughest part is finding a date that works for everyone. Once we get to the location, free time activities are pretty ad hoc. People can choose for themselves if they’d rather go canoeing or shooting or whatever.
JF
on 04 Jun 09Javier, my recommendation is for a company to book the travel and hotel and basic time together, and then let everyone splinter off into their own groups for their own activities. Getting a big group to agree on leisure stuff or the same restaurant isn’t worth the hassle. Adults can be adults and group up to do their own stuff. Plus people are more interesting in small groups. Better discussions, better socialization.
Our schedule was…
Arrive Monday. All day meeting on Tuesday. Scheduled dinner for everyone Tuesday. All day meeting on Wednesday. Scheduled factory tour for everyone in the morning Thursday. Thursday afternoon – travel on Friday is open for whatever anyone wants to do.
positive
on 04 Jun 09What is that supposed to mean?
pjm
on 05 Jun 09I think it is longhand for “wankers”.
Tim
on 05 Jun 09@negative
That’s an interesting question, how many software entrepreneurs are low/middle/upper class financially.
Mark meeus
on 05 Jun 09The difference between this and how you treat change requests? The clay pigeon actually has a chance to survive while the change request is hunted down in group.
Also kidding guys ;)
Ian Silber
on 09 Jun 09Ennio Moricone – nice!
This discussion is closed.