Last week, the Upsourced team gathered in Dayton, OH for our annual company offsite — two days filled with connection, collaboration, and forward-thinking. From thoughtful discussions to creative challenges (and even a few laughs over baby photos), the offsite reminded us of who we are as a team and where we’re heading in 2025.
Building Toward the Future
We kicked things off with breakfast and social time before diving into a full day of learning and reflection. Our morning sessions focused on our 2025 review, future goals, company values, and new ideas that will guide us into the next year.
One highlight was the introduction of our new “monkeys” concept — a fun but powerful complement to our long-standing “moose on the table” approach.
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The “moose” represents issues we need to openly address as a team.
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The “monkey” represents the personal challenges or habits each of us carries — the ones we need to own and take responsibility for so they don’t impact others.
This honest and introspective conversation set the tone for a culture of accountability and empathy as we move forward.
We also took some time for new headshots and group photos capturing the energy and excitement of the day (stay tuned for updates to our website - thank you Hailey Bollinger Photo!!)
Exploring Innovation and AI
Next, we explored how AI can streamline our day-to-day work — from automating tasks to improving workflows and client experiences. The session sparked thoughtful conversation about how to implement AI in practical, meaningful ways across teams.
Learning from Each Other
After lunch, each pod presented on three key topics:
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A challenging moment that turned into a valuable learning experience
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Their best client story
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A practice they believe other pods should adopt
The presentations were inspiring, showcasing both humility and pride in the work our teams do every day. The fun twist - teams weren't allowed to use a basic powerpoint format. They got to have fun and let their personalities fuel engaging presentation formats! We had fake news casts, podcasts, and more!
Creativity, Collaboration, and a Little Friendly Competition
Then came the Innovation Challenge, where teams brainstormed and presented ideas to enhance Upsourced’s services and culture. From improving communication to refining client experience, the creativity was on full display.
To wrap up the day, we shifted gears into two team-building games:
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The “Get to Know You” Challenge, where baby photos and fun facts put everyone’s detective skills to the test.
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The Spy Game, where groups of three relied on communication and collaboration to recreate clay models — with only one “spy” allowed to see the original design. The laughter and teamwork spoke volumes about our culture.
We closed out the day with a happy hour and dinner groups, giving everyone the chance to connect outside of work discussions.
See the results of The Spy Game Below 👇
A Reward Well Earned
On day two, we traded conference rooms for the racetrack with a company outing to Keeneland for a day of horse racing — a well-deserved celebration of great client service and another reminder that success is best enjoyed together.
Looking Ahead
The offsite was more than just meetings and games — it was a reaffirmation of who we are at Upsourced: a team that values openness, curiosity, and connection. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to keep growing, innovating, and yes — taking care of our monkeys 🐒.