On July 10, the Polaris Direct team gathered at the scenic Oscar Barn in beautiful Hooksett, New Hampshire, to celebrate a major milestone: 22 years in business. This day, however, wasn’t just about looking back on our accomplishments, but honoring the people that made them possible.
The atmosphere was relaxed and filled with laughter. Over a shared lunch, lawn games, and conversation, team members reconnected not just as coworkers, but as people. It was the kind of day that reminds you why building and maintaining strong internal relationships is just as important as hitting business goals.
One of the most memorable elements of the event was a collaborative mosaic mural project, where all were asked to paint a “tile” in the mosaic. No one knew what the finished painting would look like. They just had to recreate the image on the one tile as their contribution to the whole. Our mural served as a visual representation of the power of teamwork. We all worked towards a single shared goal. No two tiles were alike, and that was exactly the point.
As the mural came together, so too did a metaphor for the kind of workplace we strive to be: one where everyone brings something unique to the table, and those contributions aren’t just welcomed, they’re essential. While the final masterpiece is not ready yet, there’s no doubt that it will be, ultimately serving as more than just a piece of art, but a reflection of our team’s diversity, creativity, and collective spirit.
What We Learned About Teamwork
This experience wasn’t just fun, but instructive. Here are a few takeaways that apply far beyond the walls of Polaris:
Everyone Has a Part to Play. Just like each tile in the mosaic, every team member adds value that contributes to the bigger picture. When you give people the freedom to express themselves and the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways, you foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Collaboration Builds Connection. Shared projects like this strengthen relationships. Working together toward a common goal (even an artistic one) helps break down silos and deepen mutual understanding.
Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Milestones. While anniversaries are a perfect time to reflect on growth and success, they’re also a great opportunity to pause, appreciate your people, and reinvest in team spirit.
Creativity Isn’t Just for Creatives. Some team members may have been hesitant at first to paint a tile, thinking they “weren’t artistic”. But with encouragement, everyone contributed their own twist and style. It’s a good reminder that creativity lives in everyone, and when you create a welcoming space for it to emerge, innovation can flourish.
Let’s not forget about the calming effect a craft project can have on the brain… a reminder of how stepping away from our everyday routine can reduce stress and strengthen the mind, to think beyond, to find new pathways, and better solutions.
As we look back on 22 years, we’re proud of the growth we’ve achieved and the values we’ve upheld along the way. More importantly, we’re excited for what’s ahead. Because a strong, connected team is the foundation for building a successful future.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll unveil the completed mural and share how this artistic expression will find a permanent home in our space, reminding us every day of the power of collaboration.
