Two Months off to be Dad: A Clickstop Freedom Retreat Story
A Summer of Trails, Pools, and Glacier National Park
At Clickstop, we believe the best work comes from people who get to live full lives outside of it. That’s the heart of our Freedom Retreat: an extended stretch of time away that gives our team members room to rest, reconnect, and focus on the people and passions that matter most to them.
We honor all the roles our employees play in their lives: parents, partners, caregivers, adventurers, builders, and creators. A human-centered workplace means honoring all of that, not just the hours someone spends at work. And sometimes the most meaningful way to do that is to give people the gift of time.
For Keaton Wanninger, that gift turned into two full months of being a full-time Dad.
A Summer Planned by a 2, 5, and 38-Year-Old
With two daughters, ages 2 and 5, Keaton used his Freedom Retreat to take the summer off with his girls. Most mornings followed a happy rhythm: wake up, pack snacks, hit a trail, and walk to the nearest park. On hot days, the crew hiked the Bowman trails in the morning, timing it just right to cool off when the Bowman Woods Pool opened at 11:30.
Those daily hikes weren’t only about burning off energy. They had a bigger purpose.
“Although exhausting, it created memories and bonding that are invaluable. Every day was me getting up early and figuring out what a 2-, 5-, and 38-year-old were going to do for fun that day.” – Keaton
The First Two Months Off Since Age 13
For Keaton, this kind of break was brand new. He hadn’t had two months off since he was 13. “I haven’t had two months off of work since I was 13 years old and started detasseling and bagging groceries, so this was a bit surreal for me.”
Filling the time was never the challenge. His focus shifted completely: 100% being a dad and giving his girls the best summer they could have without having to focus on his work. It took time to break the habit of checking in on the team, but he soon realized he was being encouraged to fully step away from his work and focus on what mattered most during this time: his family.
“It took a couple of weeks to stop myself from checking Teams, emails, and company updates, but it became very clear fast that Clickstop truly wants you to unplug and step back. Which is exactly what I did.” – Keaton
And that is exactly the point. A Freedom Retreat isn’t a working vacation. Our teams plan ahead and cover for one another so the person stepping away can leave with confidence and stay fully present for the people in front of them.
Making time for family and Fun
Of all Clickstop’s values, Keaton says Make Time for Family and Fun is the one most connected to his retreat. The timing made it even more meaningful: his family is expecting their third child, a baby boy, this December.
“It was really important to me that I spent this one-on-one time with them.”
Clickstop understands and honors that life has seasons, and some of them can’t be paused or repeated. A toddler’s first mountain hike. The last summer before a new sibling arrives. By making space for those seasons, Clickstop shows our team that who they are outside of work matters just as much as what they do at work.
Coming Back Recharged
The summer wasn’t only trails and pool days. Keaston also sharpened his video editing skills using footage from recent hiking trips, and he finally finished a DIY bathroom remodel that had been in progress for nine months.
When it was time to return, his team had a plan to help him reintegrate into this work:
“After two or three days of knocking off the rust, it was seriously like I never left. Which I view as a positive.”
That seamless return is a big part of why Freedom Retreats work. When a team trusts each other enough to let someone fully step away, everyone benefits: the person who leaves comes back rested and grounded, and the team proves it can carry the load together.
At Clickstop, we’ll keep making room for the moments that matter most—whether that’s a 500-foot climb in Glacier or a quiet morning walk to the park. It’s embedded in our work culture, reflected in our benefits, and demonstrated in how we show up and care for our employees.
Because life doesn’t happen in neat categories. Work, home, family, adventure, and everything in between are all part of the same story. And we believe people do their best work when they have the space to live a full life, too.
We’re building a place where people can do meaningful work, make meaningful memories, and feel supported through all seasons of life.
Summary of Keaton's Time Away
- Keaton took two months off through Clickstop’s Freedom Retreat
- He spent it as a full-time dad to his two daughters
- The summer built up to a week of hiking in Glacier National Park
- His team covered his work, so he fully unplugged
- He was back up to speed within 2–3 days
FAQ
What is Clickstop’s Freedom Retreat?
An extended stretch of time away, like a sabbatical from work that gives Clickstop team members room to rest, reconnect and focus on family and personal passions.
Do employees work during a Freedom Retreat?
No. Teams plan ahead and cover for each other so the person stepping away can fully unplug from email, Teams and company updates.
How did Keaton Wanninger spend his Freedom Retreat?
He spent two months as a full-time dad to his daughters, ages 2½ and 5. They did daily hikes and pool days, then spent a week hiking in Glacier National Park.
What is it like returning to work after a sabbatical at Clickstop?
Keaton’s team had work ready for me to step into on day one. After two or three days, he said, “it was seriously like I never left.”