CDR challenges its team members to rely on each other during annual out-of-office adventures and prioritizes team bonding. The close-knit team’s chemistry is evident in the creative and cost-saving solutions the civil engineering company has become known for.
At CDR, teamwork is central to how the business operates. The team goes “out-of-office” once a year to build camaraderie, get outside, and challenge themselves in the elements. This year’s annual company trip was no different! The group headed out for an adventure in Yosemite for a few days filled with rafting, camping, and opportunities to connect with their teammates. This trip isn’t just about getting outside the office. For many, it was their first experience to see what makes CDR more than just a workplace: it’s a place where relationships are built as strong as the projects they design.
The trip began with a scenic hike that quickly shifted from a short jaunt to the river, to a slightly more challenging expedition. Due to a washed-out road, the team walked three miles to the rafting put-in point, a trek that while completely blister-inducing, turned into a great bonding experience. “Everybody got blisters because we were all wearing water shoes,” said Aaron Albertson, principal at CDR, reflecting on the unexpected hike. Despite the sore feet, the mood remained upbeat, and the reward was worth it—a day filled with whitewater thrills, beautiful scenery, and laughter.
The highlight for many was surfing a natural water formation called a back eddy. Aaron explained, “We rode the rafts into this spot, and it held us there as the raft filled with water. The first group had fun spinning around, but the second group was in for a surprise when four people got thrown out of the raft. Everyone was laughing, though. It was all in good fun.”
For several team members, it was their first company trip and their first-time white river rafting. “More than half of us were first-timers,” Aaron noted. “There were some nerves, but by the end of the day, everyone was loving it.” The unexpected challenges the team faces in these situations is a great way to promote team bonding. One of those first-timers, Monique Riggs, added, “It was everything I hoped a company trip would be. You get to know everyone on a deeper level, and it’s a great opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone. The whole team was so encouraging.”
Camping provided another opportunity for the team to relax and connect. The campsite was flat and sandy with plenty of room for everyone, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the river. Although rain threatened to dampen their plans, it cleared up in time for a spectacular starry night. “It rained while we were rafting, but by the time we got to camp, the sky was clear,” Aaron said. “We could see nothing but stars.”
The annual trip encourages the team to step outside their comfort zones to lean on one another as they travel over tough terrain and face nature’s challenges, but that’s not all it’s about. On the night before rafting, CDR gathered for a company dinner at Lucky Buck, a rustic restaurant near Yosemite that has become a favorite spot for CDR’s annual tradition. While speeches are not always part of the dinner, this year a few heartfelt moments were shared by long-standing team members, as they reflected on past trips and spoke about the close-knit company culture.
“Veteran team members talked about the history of these trips and what they mean to the company,” Aaron shared. “This annual event is our substitute for a holiday party, and it’s all about spending quality time together, building connections, and having fun.”
At CDR, experiences like these are key to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment. The culture is built on teamwork, trust, and the belief that great things can be accomplished both in and out of the office. Whether they are tackling a challenging engineering project or navigating whitewater rapids, the team approaches everything with the same determination and camaraderie.
As the company continues to grow, CDR invites others to be part of this journey. If you’re ready to work in an environment where colleagues feel like family, and where you can develop both professionally and personally, consider joining the team. As Monique perfectly summed it up, “It’s a good time to push yourself to do things you didn’t think you could, with a team that encourages you every step of the way.”
