In a year already moving fast, we chose to slow down.
At the end of January, the full PPR team gathered in Stevensville, Maryland, for a two-day strategy retreat focused on alignment, clarity, and intention. For a team that spans multiple states, coming together in person allowed for meaningful connection and pause.
Hosted at The Woodland Retreat, owned by our friend and client Shelly Gross-Wade of Bay Crossing Consulting, the setting itself reinforced what we believe: that place matters. Surrounded by trees, natural light, and quiet moments between conversations, we created space to reflect on where PPR has been, where we’re going, and how we’ll get there.
Much of our time together was spent strengthening the foundation that supports everything we do. We stepped away from day-to-day execution to take a closer look at how we’re actually making decisions, and whether those systems still support our company’s and clients’ successes.
We revisited our mission and core values to guide how we show up for our clients and for one another. When values are clear and shared (and don’t just live on paper), they show up in how decisions are made, how work is prioritized, how teams collaborate, and how we all grow. We also refined our mission statement to better communicate our purpose and approach: “PPR Strategies empowers clients to define their future—revealing strengths, shaping narratives, and driving growth.”
We also spent time talking honestly about what success looks like in 2026 and beyond…not in terms of a long wish list, but in terms of focus. We asked hard questions about where our time is best spent, what kind of work energizes our team, and how we can continue to grow without losing what makes PPR nimble, thoughtful, and deeply embedded with our clients.
From there, we moved into action. We aligned on a small set of near-term priorities designed to create momentum while staying realistic about capacity. That balance—between vision and execution, ambition and sustainability—is where we believe meaningful progress happens.
Of course, it wasn’t all strategy and structure. Some of the most valuable moments happened around the table—sharing meals, swapping stories, and connecting as people, not just colleagues. We laughed, played games, and gave ourselves space to enjoy being together. The trust and camaraderie built in those lighter moments carry over into how we work, communicate, and show up for one another when it counts.
At PPR, the strongest strategies are built with intention, reflection, and trust. This retreat gave us the space to slow down and align around what matters most.
We’re grateful to Bay Crossing Consulting for creating a place that supported this work, and to our team for showing up fully and thoughtfully. With this newfound clarity, we’re ready to put the work into motion. Reach out to see how we can grow together!
