In-Person with Purpose 

‘GainShare Days’ and Building Team Growth 

By Matt Kelley, COO 

The conversation around remote vs. in-office work is a well-worn one—and for good reason. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every organization has to find the right rhythm based on its people, its culture, and the work it does. 

We’re not aiming to create a model for others; we’re focused on what works for us, and adjusting as we learn. Our goal is to foster a culture that’s collaborative, growth-oriented, and resilient. As an independent performance marketing agency with hubs in Chicago and Toronto—and team members across North America—we’ve taken time to find our rhythm post-COVID. We asked ourselves tough questions: What structure best supports our teams? How can we maintain flexibility without sacrificing the human connection that fuels collaboration and creativity? 

We recognized that remote work brought clear benefits—and we remain committed to offering flexibility. But we also noticed what gets lost when work is entirely virtual: informal 1:1 chats, spontaneous brainstorms, hallway catch-ups. These aren’t just perks—they’re essential to building culture and solving problems quickly. 

That’s why we introduced GainShare Days. 

Once a month, on the third Thursday, our teams gather in person. The morning is dedicated to big-picture thinking—industry trends, business challenges, guest speakers, and expert insights. The afternoon shifts to individual and team engagement—whether that’s collaborative work, mentoring, or just catching up over coffee. 

It’s not a fixed formula. It’s a living experiment – ever evolving in a way that enhances how we work together—building a culture that supports collaboration, learning, and sustainable growth. 

We’ll keep learning as we go. And we’re always open to hearing how others are approaching the same challenge.