Inside OXEN’s Annual Retreat: Aligning Our Team for What’s Next

Written by: Jasmine Woerner

Last week, the OXEN team came together for the annual company retreat - an important tradition that gives team members dedicated time to step away from the day‑to‑day, reconnect as a team, and focus on what’s ahead.

Each year, the retreat serves as a reset and a rally point. It’s where ideas are shared, goals are refined, and relationships across departments are strengthened so we can continue delivering strong, reliable IT and cybersecurity services to the organizations OXEN supports.

Who Attended

The retreat brought together OXEN team members from across the business, including leadership, technical teams, sales, and support. Having everyone in one place allows for open conversation, collaboration, and alignment that’s difficult to replicate during a typical workweek.

We were also joined by our partners at DotStar, who attended and spoke with our team about new developments and evolving priorities in the security landscape. Their participation added valuable insight and sparked meaningful discussion around how technology and cybersecurity continue to change and how OXEN can stay ahead.

What the Retreat Focused On

Over the course of the retreat, the team spent time reviewing where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and how we continue to improve how we serve our clients.

Discussions focused on:

• Company vision and direction
• Key updates across the business
• Collaboration between teams
• Learning and sharing insights from industry partners
• Strengthening relationships and communication
  

The retreat also intentionally mixed structured sessions with informal time to connect, reflect, and build camaraderie - because strong teams are built on both trust and communication.

Where We Gathered

This year’s retreat was held in the Joplin and Webb City, Missouri area, just minutes from OXEN’s growing presence in the region. Hosting the retreat nearby reinforced OXEN’s continued investment in the communities we serve while making it easy for teams to gather in person.

Supporting Clients - Even During the Retreat

While much of the team was together for the retreat, client support and service continuity remained a priority. OXEN intentionally scheduled coverage so that team members were available to monitor tickets, respond to urgent issues, and provide immediate assistance as needed.

This approach ensured that clients continued to receive dependable service without interruption - reflecting OXEN’s commitment to accountability, reliability, and client care, even during company‑wide initiatives.

Why the Retreat Matters

Time spent together away from screens, tickets, and meetings is intentional and impactful.

The OXEN retreat exists because:

• Alignment leads to better decision‑making

• Clear communication strengthens execution

• Shared learning improves how we support clients

• Strong teams deliver stronger service

By investing time in alignment and collaboration, OXEN ensures the team is prepared to help organizations operate securely, plan confidently, and navigate an increasingly complex technology landscape.

Looking Ahead

Whether you’re exploring a career with OXEN, interested in partnering with us, or looking for a trusted IT and cybersecurity partner, these moments of alignment matter.

They shape how we show up for our clients - today and in the future.