What truly makes a company successful? It's the team behind the brand. This was the motto of the FM Service team meeting from October 29th to 31st, 2025, in Willingen. The main goal of the three days in the Sauerland region: to strengthen team cohesion, take a collective breath, and lay the foundation for the future as Daterra.
One team, one vision: People at the center
Strategies and market analyses are important, but they only work if the foundation is right – and that's the people who implement them. In a phase where realigning towards the brand Daterra already began to take shape in our minds, the meeting in Sporthotel Zum Hohen Eimberg deliberately not a pure numbers marathon.
It was important to us to create a space away from ringing phones and email inboxes where we could truly talk to each other again. In Willingen, the focus was therefore primarily on listening: What are our colleagues concerned about? Where do we stand as a team after the intense past few months?
Arrive and Connect: Out of the Office, Into the Exchange
Even during check-in and the first coffee in the lobby, the focus wasn't on projects, but on colleagues. Whether long-time team members or new faces – we met warmly during casual exchanges on the terrace or at the bar. Precisely this relaxed arrival was the prerequisite for working on our goals in the following days not just as colleagues, but as a real unit.
Day 1: Status Quo and the Daterra Vision
The first full day of the conference began with facts and an honest assessment. Patrick Peters, one of our managing directors, looked back on the past months of FM Service back – without leaving out the challenges that accompany us in everyday life. This transparency laid the foundation for the most important part of the day: the outlook on what is to come.
Bringing the brand to life together
The industry is increasingly demanding end-to-end solutions. This is where we were able to play to our strengths as a general contractor, as we support projects from initial site acquisition and building law review through to architecture, technical execution, and later modernization. Customers particularly value having engineering expertise and building law competence combined from a single source.
We used the time to implement the planned realignment of the brand Daterra to present it in detail. The goal was not to present a finished advertising slogan, but to involve the entire team from the outset. In feedback rounds, everyone was able to contribute their own ideas, wishes, and also critical suggestions.
It became clear: A new identity only works if it's not imposed from above but embraced by the team. The open discussion showed us that the motivation for this next step is already present within the team. We spent the evening having a meal together at the hotel, where the day's topics gave way to private conversations and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 2: On the Road in Willingen – E-Bikes, Biathlon, and Monster Scooters
Good collaboration requires experiences that go beyond the conference room. That's why we spent the entire second day outdoors, supported by the Adventure Factory Willingen. The goal was simple: to try something new together and function as a group outside of the usual structures.
Between athletic ambition and mountain hut breaks
We set off on our mountain e-bikes through the Sauerland landscape. The goal of the tour was the Laser Biathlon, where the emphasis was less on individual best times and more on the group's atmosphere. It didn't matter how confidently anyone sat on the bike or how many hits they scored at the shooting range – mutual encouragement was key. On the Graf-Stolz Hut We made a stop to catch our breath with a good view before heading back.
Downhill into the valley: The monster scooter descent
Part of the team decided to head back With the Monster scooter. The joint departure into the valley provided fun conversation topics that will surely stay with us at the office for a while.
Cabin magic at the Vis-a-Vis Hut
The evening we spent in the Vis-a-Vis Hut. In the rustic atmosphere, it became clear what distinguishes the team in everyday work as well: we function as a loyal unit that doesn't lose its sense of humor even when facing headwinds. It was the perfect setting to let the experiences of the last two days sink in.
Tag 3: Breakfast and Return Trip
Friday morning in Willingen was quiet. During our last breakfast together at the hotel, we took the time to let the impressions of the past few days sink in. There were final discussions in small groups before everyone set off on their individual journeys home. The mood was relaxed, but also noticeably focused on the upcoming time in the office.
Our Summary of the 2025 Team Meeting
Looking back, the time in Sauerland was significantly more than just a well-organized company outing. The combination of the first concrete insights into the Daterra Vision And the joint activities in the field have shown: The foundation for the upcoming realignment is solid.
We're not only taking new photos for the company's history, but above all, the certainty that we are ready as a team for the next step. The mutual appreciation and open exchange during the conference directly impact our daily work. Whether still under the name FM Service or as Daterra – we now know even more precisely what we stand for as a community and what we can look forward to in the coming year.
