Field Trips Aren’t Just for Kids
Last December I ventured out with some of my coworkers and made the trek to Shiner. On the surface, it was a work trip—an “adult field trip,” as I like to call them—but in all seriousness, the outing was about more than just business. It was a chance for all of us to break away from the office, the subsequent daily grind and drama that often accompanies it, hit the pause button, and have some much-needed fun. Something that is often not very easy to do within our industry, unfortunately.
The plan, if you could call it that, was simple: visit the Bedrock Truck Beds manufacturing facility to give the team the ability to better understand the Bedrock product lineup, strengthen our relationships, and leave time for an adult beverage or two. Planning didn’t take much—a quick call to my buddy Easton at Bedrock, a bit of phone tag, and clearing our schedules for the day.
For me, since I opted to head out solo, the drive itself was uneventful, save for one massive disappointment: the Buc-ee’s exit off I-10 near Luling was closed due to construction. If you’ve ever driven that stretch of highway, you know missing Buc-ee’s feels like missing a rite of passage, though it probably saved me a few bucks since you can’t leave there empty-handed. (Damn you, beef jerky!) Anyway, after having to make a roadside pit stop, I rolled into Shiner just in time to meet up with one co-worker for lunch while waiting on the other two from the team to arrive.
I’d been to Bedrock before, and actually documented that trip as well, but the same always holds true, which is the friendliness of everyone and the hospitality in which they give. It is genuine, small-town Texas hospitality, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve known someone for years even though you just met. That’s truly the kind of vibe Bedrock exudes, and it’s very hard not to respect a company that operates with such authenticity. In my experience, albeit somewhat anecdotal, authenticity is becoming a rarity these days. It is often times stripped away and replaced by some sterile corporate idea of authenticity that seldom relates to anyone, and more often than not causes a company to lose business.
The tour itself wasn’t flashy, or choreographed, though it didn’t need to be, as it was personable and real. The conversations developed naturally, over our time there, and were genuine. There is legitimate excitement presented by everyone from Bedrock when pointing out the craftsmanship of their work, the attention to detail, and the pride they put into their products. Seeing it up close gave my team a whole new perspective, and for me, reinforced that Bedrock is a brand I am proud to support when and where I can. In my line of work, it’s one thing to just sell a product and another entirely to understand it at its very core. That’s the kind of experience you can’t fake, and it’s what makes trips like this so valuable. I know, my team knows, and our customer base knows, that when we make product recommendations, we do so because we have genuine experience to back it up.
Of course, after finishing up at Bedrock, there was the brewery. If you’re in Shiner, it’s more or less an unspoken rule to stop by and enjoy a cold one. (That might not be an actual rule, but I sure as heck will do my best to enforce it, even if just for myself.) For us, it wasn’t all about the beer (though, let’s be honest, Shiner beer is hard to beat, especially during the holiday season when Cheer is on tap). It was about being able to decompress, let the day sink in, talk shit about life and its problems, as well as just simply connecting as a team outside of the usual work environment.
Being able to step away from our normal routine, learning something new, and spending quality time with good people cannot be beat. Trips like this remind me of why I value and strongly advocate for out of office experiences so much. They’re not just about boosting morale or expanding knowledge, though they do both. They’re about staying curious and staying connected—to your work, your team, and the world around you. I know that sounds a little granola, but so be it. I honestly do care about not just my mental wellbeing, but those that work with me as well. To quote the great Van Wilder “You shouldn't take life to seriously. You'll never get out alive.”
As of this post, which is roughly a year later (dang, I’m so far behind on posting content), this trip still stands out. It wasn’t extravagant or over-the-top, but it was meaningful for all of us at that moment. I have since parted ways with the organization that I was working for at the time, but the trip still serves as a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a day out of the ordinary to reconnect with what matters—whether it’s your work, your team, or just your own sense of purpose. And honestly, work and life are always made better with a great team of fellow misfits by your side. I’m with a new company now, surrounded by a new group of misfits, and a trip to Bedrock in the near future sure does seem like a good idea.
Until next time!
-Tyler
