Where Minds, Ideas, and Opportunities Converged
In an atmosphere brimming with excitement and inspiration, the 2025 OXEN Retreat was a transformative experience for OXEN employees. Taking place last week in Council Bluffs, Iowa, near the Ameristar Casino, this annual gathering proved once again to be a cornerstone event where vision and strategy flourished, connections deepened, and collective growth became a vibrant message.
What Made the OXEN Retreat Unique?
Each year, the OXEN Retreat curates a blend of thought-provoking discussions, and dynamic networking opportunities exclusively for OXEN employees. This year encapsulated the spirit of a new vision from our new President Heather Lantz. Lantz presented a vision of growth, maturity and innovation, ultimately showing where OXEN is today, where OXEN is set to go and what it will take to get there. “This year’s retreat was the first time I had the opportunity to be together with the entire company. I thought it was important to provide an in-depth message on my vision for OXEN and what the next few years will bring. I strived to deliver a message that would resonate with every employee and instill excitement for the future” Lantz stated. Whether participants were seasoned experts or budding talents within the organization, the retreat served as an opportunity for exploration and mutual learning.
Highlights of the 2025 Edition
Leaders of OXEN Presented
OXEN leaders had the stage to share their vision and how it aligns with the larger picture. “It is very easy for companies to build silos and inadvertently lose connection and communication with other areas of the company. All the departments within OXEN have a lot going on and it was important they had the opportunity to share their initiatives with the company.” stated Lantz. The retreat featured a lineup of speakers who presented a balanced message of where OXEN currently is and what to expect in the future. The speakers included:
Kirk Rowland – Vice President of Finance – Presented what finance presents. Took a dive into the numbers and forecast trajectories.
Ken Gulick – Professional Services Team Lead – Focused his time on education, cross-training, role development and tool automations.
Sean Gaines – Managed Service Team Lead – Leading the NOC and internal IT teams for OXEN. Sean reviewed the team’s current initiatives which included service improvements, client surveys, and playbook development among other things.
Jeff Frickel – Director of Cybersecurity – Cybersecurity is a new department at OXEN. Jeff focused on the new services his team will develop for OXEN and his vision for the future.
Kelle White – Vice President of Sales & Marketing – Reviewed the sales and marketing initiatives for 2026.
Ryan Peiken – Senior Consultant – First, reviewed OXEN’s Telco partnership program. Then he discussed how the development of a cybersecurity department will positively affect OXEN’s vCISO offerings and future maturity.
Inspiring Keynotes
The retreat also featured DotStar Security, with Co-Founders Hodge Kaufmann and Robert Frickel presenting. DotStar, a partner with OXEN Technology, are pioneers in their respective fields. From technology disruptors to security advocates, the session sparked meaningful conversations and challenged preconceived notions.
OXEN also brought in Angel Brown a Financial Investor with Edward Jones to speak on planning for the unexpected, that dream vacation, and of course, retirement planning.
Cookie Bake-Off
The retreat wasn’t all business; OXEN employees had the opportunity to participate in a cookie bake-off contest. Employees could either be the baker and submit cookies for entry or be a cookie judge for the contest. There were 8 cookie entries submitted, and the winning cookies were. 1st place 'Brookie", by Crystal Barngrover, 2nd place "Fudgy" Cookie by Kelle White, and 3rd place "Lemon Raspberry" Cookie made by Kyla Burdick. The winners not only received bragging rights but also a championship bakers ring. Thank you for all the entries and supplying enough cookies for all of us. They were all delicious!
Networking Opportunities
Building lasting professional relationships among OXEN employees was a cornerstone of the retreat. With structured sessions, group dinner, and casual meetups, the event fostered an environment where connections were made, and collaborations were born.
Who Attended?
The retreat was exclusively attended by OXEN employees from across the United States from diverse departments and disciplines. It was particularly suited for:
- Leaders within the organization seeking to drive change and innovation.
- Team members looking to deepen their relationships with coworkers and gain fresh perspectives.
- Employees aspiring to learn what the future will bring and gain insights into personal and professional development.
Why the OXEN Retreat Mattered
In an era where change is constant and challenges are multifaceted; the 2025 OXEN Retreat served as a hub for innovation and new solutions within the organization. It went beyond traditional corporate events by offering a platform that emphasized collaboration and actionable outcomes. Attendees left equipped not only with knowledge but also with confidence towards the future of OXEN Technology.
Looking Back
The 2025 OXEN Retreat was more than just an event; it was a movement toward a brighter, more interconnected future within OXEN. By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of innovation. For those who attended, the insights and connections made last week will undoubtedly shape their paths forward.
Written by Heather Lantz, President – OXEN Technology