The work is serious but the culture doesn’t have to be. After two and a half decades of dogs, snacks, remote huddles, hallway laughs, and the occasional post-party cleanup, we’ve learned that culture isn’t a side effect of the work. It’s the foundation for it.
Trust your team, and great work can happen anywhere.
Home is where the work is
We didn’t plan to go fully remote but when the world changed, so did we. What we found was a model that worked better than we expected: fewer distractions, more flexibility, and just as much collaboration (with slightly more sweatpants).
It’s not just working—it’s opened the door to hiring talented people across the country.
Staying connected doesn’t take much, but it means everything.
Start with people, then projects.
Every Monday morning, we kick things off with a team huddle. Before we dive into resourcing and project updates, everyone shares a weekend photo—dog walks, mountain views, kids’ soccer games, or a perfectly quiet couch.
It’s a simple ritual that keeps us connected, reminds us we’re a team—not just coworkers—and sets the tone for the week ahead.
Good ideas are important. Good dogs are essential.
The office is better with a dog
We’ve had a lot of official titles over the years—strategists, designers, developers, directors. But the real MVPs? The Strut dogs. They’ve crashed meetings, stolen lunches, and boosted morale more times than we can count.
The best ideas don’t always feel that great the morning after.
Great party. Rough morning.
We’ve thrown some pretty unforgettable parties over the years. What we didn’t forget? The mess we had to clean up the next day.
Feed the team, fuel the work.
Creativity runs on snacks
We’ve tried a lot of “productivity hacks” over the years—but nothing worked better than a fully stocked snack cupboard.
When the snacks were good, the ideas flowed. When the snacks ran out… well, let’s just say so did the energy.
Conclusion
When you take care of your people, the work takes care of itself. The rituals might shift, but the heart of the culture is what keeps the whole thing moving.
