This fall at Fitch Irick, we welcomed a season of spirited engagement and connection. As a company deeply committed to affordable housing, we know that the work we do on behalf of communities is ultimately driven by people―our residents, partners, and team members. Cultivating a culture that encourages collaboration, creativity, and fun is central to who we are.
Sparking Innovation: The Marshmallow Challenge
We began with a classic exercise in creativity and structural thinking: the Marshmallow Challenge. Teams were given spaghetti, tape, string, and one marshmallow—and tasked with building the tallest free-standing structure possible. While playful on its surface, the exercise underscores valuable lessons about experimentation, iteration, and trusting the process.
As colleagues figured out how best to balance weight, length, and tension, we saw early prototypes collapse and new designs emerge. The competition wasn’t about winning—it was about embracing risk, working together quickly, and adapting. These are the same traits we lean on when renovating properties, collaborating with financing partners, or navigating complex regulatory environments.
Color, Pride, and Shared Identity: School Spirit Day
Fitch Irick’s offices became a canvas of color and pride as team members celebrated School Spirit Day. From jerseys and hoodies to hats and woven connections to alma maters, we all brought a part of our personal stories into the workplace.
Beyond lighthearted fun, the day brought energy and helped people connect through shared identities and memories. Conversations sparked about hometowns and favorite sports teams; reminding us that relationships at work are built not only through tasks but through the simple joys that make us human.
In an organization focused on community outcomes, this type of gathering matters. It reinforces that while our mission is large, it’s deeply personal, powered by people who each bring their own experiences, values, and passions.
Training Camp: Teamwork Through Play
Fitch Irick’s version of Training Camp. A series of football-themed challenges created to test agility, knowledge, and camaraderie. Teams rotated through stations focusing on relays, trivia, field goal-style tosses, and other activities designed to balance competitiveness with cooperation.
More than just games, these shared experiences reinforce one of Fitch Irick’s core tenets: that our internal culture should reflect the same values of collaboration, respect, accountability, and optimism that guide how we manage properties and serve residents.
Looking Ahead: Fall Fun on the Horizon
As we turn the corner into October, the excitement continues. Fitch Irick will host its annual Pumpkin Carving and Costume Contest, an event that merges creativity, seasonal joy, and community spirit. While the contest hasn’t occurred as of this writing, the anticipation is strong, and team members are already planning standout entries.
Stay tuned to our social media and news page to catch the imaginative designs and spirited costumes that define Fitch Irick’s fall tradition. It’s more than a contest, it’s a reminder that connection and shared moments fuel the culture that sustains mission-driven work.