This May, our leadership team headed to Cleveland, Ohio, for a few energizing days of connection, collaboration, and a boost of team spirit. As a remote-first team, we don’t take face time for granted, so when we do get together, we make it count. From deep dives into strategy to deep belly laughs over dinner, this retreat was all about realigning our purpose, recharging our leadership, and remembering how good it feels to just be together.
We kicked things off with strategic alignment sessions, diving deep into leadership goals, the client experience, and how each of our teams plays a role in delivering Chazin’s signature care and excellence. But the real conversations happened between sessions: over coffee breaks and shared meals that reminded us why we love working with such a dedicated (and delightfully opinionated) group of humans.
Celebrating Clients and (Questionable) Putting Techniques
No retreat would be complete without a little fun, and this year we teed up a mini-golf mixer with our Cleveland-area clients and partners. A relaxed evening filled with tasty snacks, drinks in hand, and a whole lot of laughter. It was our way of saying thank you for their partnership, and whether it was trick shots or just good conversation, the evening was a hit. What really stood out, though, were the organic conversations: clients connecting with each other, our team chatting with audit partners in real life instead of over email, and plenty of shared laughs (and putting tips). The feedback was incredibly positive, with clients saying how much they appreciated a relaxed space to connect.
Giving Back: Volunteering at the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank
Of course, no Chazin retreat would be complete without giving back. One of the most meaningful parts of our time in Cleveland was volunteering at the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, an incredible nonprofit working to foster literacy and ignite a love of reading by distributing free books to children in need. Since 2016, they’ve put more than 4.9 million books into the hands of young readers across Greater Cleveland, and we were honored to play a small part in that mission.
Armed with stickers, sorting bins, and enthusiasm, we spent the day prepping donated books to be delivered to schools, community centers, and homes across the region. It was a hands-on reminder of why we do what we do: to support mission-driven organizations that are creating lasting change in their communities.
This rewarding experience left us inspired, a little dusty, and with a renewed commitment to our clients and the causes they champion every day. If you’re ever looking for a nonprofit to support, this one’s a gem.
Looking Ahead
Throughout the retreat, one theme kept bubbling up: continuous improvement. Whether we were discussing ways to enhance the client journey or dreaming up better team communication, it was clear we’re all working toward the same goals. And we’re more aligned than ever.
We wrapped up the week not just with new strategies and fresh inspiration, but also with a sense of momentum we can’t wait to carry forward.
If we had to sum it all up?
Stronger together. When we lead with intention, connection, and care, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.
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Chazin
With over 20 years working exclusively with nonprofits, we pride ourselves in having a unique understanding of nonprofit accounting needs. We believe that nonprofits deserve personalized, quality service and should not settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. We collaborate with you to provide a fully virtual and customized solution that is not only cost-effective but also strengthens your accounting function. We offer a team of industry experts at your disposal to provide advice, leading technology, and to supplement existing staff to improve efficiency and compliance.