Teambuilding, facilitated sessions and adventure instruction - DC/MD/VA
The NEXTeams Companies delivers high quality facilitation for your team building and strategic planning sessions, as well as unique outdoor adventure instruction for groups in the DC metropolitan area.
Keywords: NEXTeams, team building, ropes course, rock climbing, caving, spelunking, wilderness skills, strategic planning, professional facilitation, meetings, special events, corporate retreats, company off-sites
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
The NEXTeams Companies began as GO-AdventureSports in 2001. Over the years, and through working with thousands of clients from DC, Maryland and Virginia, we have evolved from a recreational team building and adventure instruction company to a highly skilled and detail oriented professional facilitation program. In 2008, GO-AdventureSports rebranded as The NEXTeams Companies, whose mission is to create a space for positive organizational change through the use of experiential training and trust building activities. NEXTeams is 'the NEXT Step in Team Development.'
What is your primary product or service?
Team building and Professional Facilitation Services
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
As an Adventure Sports degree major in college, I saw the power of experience-based training as a tool for positive change. People learn best when they are engaged in a fun, challenging endeavor, especially when the activity stretches them physically, mentally and emotionally. This type of shared experience brings people together in a powerful way, and sets a foundation for trust that can be the launching pad for long-lasting and positive change in a relationship or an organization. This is the most effective way to build the foundation of trust that is at the root of the rich communication that leads to innovation.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Many companies offer recreational team building, and many companies offer professional facilitation, but very few companies offer the combination of experiential education that can lay the foundation for an exceptional strategic planning session. This unique way of integrating the team building experience with the facilitated meeting is what makes our company unique. Our goal is to enhance the bonds between members of your organization, building a foundation of trust, and teaching you models of communication that will jumpstart the creative process and lead to positive change.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We are a mobile program, with the capacity to meet groups anywhere, at any time. We work out of parks, hotels, conference centers, offices, church basements and schools - pretty much anywhere that is convenient for the client can be transformed into the learning environment. Naturally, we prefer an outdoor setting - and our most popular settings are parks with a shelter.
What type of payments do you accept?
The NEXTeams Companies accepts cash, check, and credit card, and you can make payments online via PayPal. We generally take a 50% deposit to reserve your program date, and the final payment is due on the day of the program. We offer reduced rates for not-for-profit orgnanizations and multi-day programs.
Which areas do you service?
With the ability to travel nation-wide, our programs can be set up anywhere, however, our typical program takes place in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Eriq Powers is the owner and lead facilitator for The NEXTeams Companies, and prefers to work directly with every client. From time to time, with a larger group, or on days where there are multiple programs taking place, Eriq calls on his trusty staff to represent The NEXTeams Companies, and provide the same high quality service that clients have come to expect.
What are your hours of operation?
9-6pm Monday thru Friday, with weekends available upon request.