The 2024 Crooked Monkey Retreat.
Custom Swag, Global Team Spirit, and Culture in Action: That’s How We Roll at Our Company Retreat.
We’re back with more on the Crooked Monkey 2024 Company Retreat! If you caught Micha’s post on LinkedIn, you know we’re not just planning another ordinary retreat. For us, this is a chance to dig deeper into what makes Crooked Monkey, well, Crooked Monkey. Spoiler alert: It’s more than just the swag (though, yes, there will be plenty of custom swag to go around).
The retreat always kicks off months before we even arrive—starting with preparations, the big reveal of the location, and designing the theme and custom swag. This year was no different. From the moment we announced our 2024 retreat destination, the team was buzzing with excitement. Planning went into full swing, and as always, every detail reflected our company culture. Curious about how it all came together? You can catch the full company retreat announcement here.
Our Company Culture: Work Hard, Have Fun, Stay Real
Culture is at the heart of everything we do. From the way we design our products to how we connect with clients, our culture drives the creativity, collaboration, and lightheartedness that make Crooked Monkey unique. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. We know how to hustle, but we also know the value of taking a step back, celebrating wins, and making time for some laughs along the way.
Our company retreat reflects this balance perfectly. We stick to a few key rituals that ground us and keep our culture strong:
The Theme: Welcome to the Jungle
This year’s retreat theme is all about embracing the wild spirit of creativity, and what better place than Brazil for that? “Welcome to the Jungle” (yes, that Guns N’ Roses anthem) sets the tone for a week of exploration—both in terms of pushing creative boundaries and soaking in the vibrant culture around us. Just like rock and roll, we’re here to break molds, solve problems in innovative ways, and maybe get a little wild along the way. We’re not just here to hang out; we’re here to grow, evolve, and have fun doing it.
Swag Presentation
On the second day of the company retreat, we got down to business. After a team breakfast, we all gathered in the co-working space where custom swag packs with each team member’s name were waiting for us. Inside? Our limited-edition retreat swag, plus the corporate gifts we’ll be sending to our clients during the holidays. Every item was designed around the retreat theme, with careful attention to details like fabric, decoration, and usability. And yes, trying on the swag is mandatory. Our first official workday kicked off in the best way possible—because when you specialize in swag, it’s got to start with fresh gear.
A World of Flavors
Every year, we keep the tradition of a global snack exchange alive. But this time, we turned it into more than just a snack swap—it became a cultural immersion. Each team member brought something from their home country: snacks, drinks, music, and stories. It was a full sensory dive into the customs, flavors, and quirks that make each region unique.
Monkey Talks
We believe that inspiration can come from anyone, at any time. This year’s “Monkey Talks” took that to heart, with presentations that came from across all levels of the company, not just the managers. Topics ranged from design processes, to managing complex projects, to balancing data with instinct. These sessions sparked debates and fresh ideas, all of which push us to constantly improve how we work and deliver for our clients. It’s this circular exchange of knowledge that keeps us sharp—and makes us better as a team.
The Hosts
Being an international company means we get to host our retreats all around the world. This year, our teammates Jon and Pillar welcomed us to Brazil. They made sure we experienced the very best of their country—from watching a classic soccer match at the Maracanã stadium, to enjoying local cuisine, to relaxing on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The retreat gave us a chance to dive into Brazilian culture and bond over unforgettable experiences, all while bringing our global team closer together.
Work-Fun Balance: Doing It the Crooked Monkey Way
We’ve perfected the art of blending work and fun. Our retreats are no exception—75% of the time is dedicated to brainstorming, strategy sessions, and problem-solving. But the other 25%? That’s reserved for relaxation and adventure. Whether it’s hiking through lush trails, sailing along Brazil’s stunning coastline, or samba dancing in the streets of Rio, we make sure there’s plenty of time to step out of our comfort zones and make lasting memories.
International Family
What truly sets us apart is our global team. We’re not confined to a single office or country. We’ve built a company where ideas are shaped by diverse perspectives from around the world, and our retreat is a rare opportunity to bring everyone together, face-to-face. Whether it’s collaborating virtually or brainstorming in person, we constantly push ourselves to think globally and act locally.
This international reach isn’t just a perk—it’s essential to who we are. When we design corporate gifts or create a new product line, we draw on insights from across continents. It’s not just about creating something cool, but about making something meaningful and inclusive for everyone.
Why We Love Our Retreats
For us, the retreat isn’t just about taking a break from the daily grind. It’s about creating a space where ideas can flow freely, team spirit can thrive, and our core values are front and center. We skip the forced team-building exercises and focus on real conversations, shared experiences, and moments of reflection that remind us why we love what we do. As Micha noted in his LinkedIn post: “It’s not about the swag, it’s about what the swag represents.” And that’s the truth. The swag is just a reflection of our creativity, team spirit, and commitment to our clients. It’s the relationships we build within our team—and with our clients—that matter most.
