Pylon CEO Invests $170,000 in Team Retreat to Hawaii

Marty Kausas, CEO of Pylon, announced that the startup will invest approximately $170,000 for a week-long team retreat in Hawaii. This decision follows a previous successful trip to Seoul, South Korea, which cost the company $42,000. Kausas emphasized that such off-site gatherings are essential for attracting talent, rewarding employees, and distinguishing Pylon from larger corporations.

Pylon, which has raised a total of $51 million from investors including Y Combinator, General Catalyst, and Andreessen Horowitz, has experienced rapid growth since its inception. Founded by Kausas, along with co-founders Robert Eng and Advith Chelikani, the company has expanded from just 20 employees to around 55 in less than a year.

Reflecting on the Seoul trip, Kausas shared that the team of 14 enjoyed a nine-day experience that combined work with leisure. They set ambitious goals during the day while also engaging in team-building activities, including visits to the North Korean border and karaoke nights. The total expense for the Seoul retreat included flights, accommodations, and meals, with personal expenses remaining the responsibility of the employees.

The upcoming retreat in Hawaii will last seven days on the island of O’ahu, with approximately 50 attendees. Pylon has booked out multiple hotel rooms to accommodate the team. The schedule allows for regular work hours on Pacific Time, with the sales team prepared to start their day early at 5 a.m.. Kausas noted that this retreat provides a unique opportunity for team bonding, as employees often struggle to socialize during busy workdays.

To enhance the experience, various activities are planned, including team dinners and options for parasailing, ATV riding, and turtle snorkeling. Kausas mentioned that employee feedback played a crucial role in selecting Hawaii as the destination, indicating a strong enthusiasm among the team.

Kausas advocates for the value of such expensive off-site trips, particularly for well-funded startups. He believes these experiences foster loyalty and excitement that can enhance the company’s reputation. He explained, “You can celebrate our wins in more expensive ways than bigger companies can.” The excitement generated by these trips often translates into positive word-of-mouth, making Pylon an attractive prospect for potential hires.

The CEO underscored the challenges of recruiting top talent, stating, “You’re paying an engineer a minimum of $150,000, and recruiting them is extremely hard.” He sees the investment in team retreats as a way to elevate Pylon’s brand identity, showcasing the startup’s vibrant culture compared to larger, more traditional companies.

Critics of lavish spending on team retreats may argue against the necessity of such expenses. Yet, Kausas contends that the focus should be on hiring and retaining exceptional talent rather than cutting costs on office amenities. He stated, “Some people are more stingy than they should be,” highlighting the importance of investing in employee satisfaction.

Ultimately, Kausas believes that creating memorable experiences for employees is an integral part of building a successful startup. While it may be difficult to quantify the financial return on investment for such activities, he firmly believes that they are instrumental in fostering a positive work environment and encouraging employee retention. As Pylon continues to grow, Kausas remains committed to investing in his team and the future of the company.