At The Sampson House, we know that culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of everything we do. From the way we collaborate to how we show up for our clients, a strong internal culture sets the tone. That’s why we took a midweek pause from our usual schedule to invest in our people at Culture Cove, a retreat experience thoughtfully hosted by the team at Think3D Solutions.

What Is Culture Cove?

Located just outside of Vermillion, South Dakota, Culture Cove is a 10-acre retreat space crafted by Think 3D to foster teamwork, creativity, and professional development. The facility has 13 bedrooms with 25 beds, a huge kitchen, spacious working areas, and numerous amenities, including a sauna, cold plunge pool, gym, boxing ring, patio area, and so much more. It's an ideal setting for team-building exercises, leadership development programs, and strategic planning sessions.

Day One: A Midweek Reset

We packed up on a Wednesday morning, excited for a change of scenery and the opportunity to spend intentional time together as a team. After a short drive, we arrived at Culture Cove, tucked away in a peaceful spot.

Our retreat started with a welcome tour of the space—a beautifully designed lodge equipped with cozy common areas, wide-open views, and all the amenities you could ask for.

Fun fact: Culture Cove was recently redesigned by Cole and Chelsea DeBoer and featured on their HGTV show Down Home Fab!

It instantly felt like the perfect balance of professional and peaceful. As we settled in, we couldn’t help but take a moment to soak up the fresh air and sunshine. A few of us claimed porch seats right away!

Setting the Tone with Think3D

Our retreat was led by Vaney Hariri, co-founder of Think3D. His approach to leadership and personal development is rooted in meaningful reflection, tough questions, and powerful conversations. He kicked off the first session

Vaney’s words didn’t just sit with us—they sparked discussion. We were encouraged to share stories, listen closely, and challenge ourselves to grow both individually and as a team.

Vaney Hariri leading group discussion at Culture Cove

Lunchtime Break with Café Brulé

As noon rolled around, we broke for lunch with a delicious catered meal from Café Brulé, a local favorite in downtown Vermillion. The food was fresh, flavorful, and served with plenty of good conversation.

With full bellies and open minds, we returned to the retreat space for another round of working sessions.

Afternoon Free Time & Fun

One of the best parts of Culture Cove? The balance. Between structured sessions, we had the chance to unwind and enjoy the retreat’s amenities. Whether that meant relaxing in the sun, exploring the grounds, or taking a hit at the punching bags, there was something for everyone.

Dinner at Toby’s in Meckling

That evening, we drove into Meckling to dine at a local legend: Toby’s Lounge, home of the iconic broasted chicken. The food lived up to the hype (and then some). Our team favorites were the fried macaroni and cheese balls and the waffles (Who knew?!) ! So good!

Game Night at the Cove

Back at the retreat, the evening wrapped with a few games - and if you know our team, the competition was strong!. The lodge lit up with laughter as we capped off the night with pure fun.

Day Two: Wrapping Up on a High Note

Thursday morning started with another great meal from Café Brulé, followed by one final session with Vaney. It was the perfect way to reflect on what we’d experienced and how to take it all with us moving forward. We talked about our individual and team goals, what we want to build next, and how to keep showing up with intention—even during the busiest days.

As we packed up and said our goodbyes to Culture Cove, one thing was clear: we weren’t ready to leave. But we felt refreshed, reconnected, and ready to bring a renewed energy back to our clients and our culture.

Why Retreats Like This Matter

At The Sampson House, we believe our best work starts with our people. Retreats like this aren’t just a break from the office—they’re a reminder of why we love what we do and who we get to do it with.

A huge thank you to the team at Think3D and Culture Cove for creating and hosting an experience that left a lasting impact on our team. The intentionality behind every element, from the inspiring work sessions to the peaceful atmosphere and thoughtful amenities, provided a space where real growth and meaningful connection could happen. We laughed, we learned, and we walked away feeling more aligned than ever.

If you're a team looking to step away from the day-to-day and lean into deeper conversations, fresh perspectives, and stronger relationships, Culture Cove is the place to do it. Whether you're building culture, sparking creativity, or simply pressing pause to reset, this retreat space offers something truly special. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity—and already counting down the days until we return.