About Team-Building.org
History of Team-Building.org
Welcome to Team-Building.org, the team-building powerhouse behind some of the most memorable corporate team events worldwide. As the team-building arm of The Leaders Institute, LLC, based in Dallas, Texas, we’ve been sparking connection, collaboration, and a whole lot of fun since 1998. Our story is one of innovation, impact, and a passion for making work feel like play—while giving back to communities along the way.
Here’s how we became the go-to experts for team building that actually works.
Our Roots in Leadership Development. (1998 – 2004)
It all started with our founder, Doug Staneart, who kicked things off in 1998 with a vision to help people unlock their leadership potential. Back then, we were D. M. Staneart and Associates, Inc., delivering leadership and public speaking workshops in Dallas.
By 2000, we had expanded across Texas to cities such as Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. In 2002, we rebranded as The Leaders Institute, taking our high-energy training to cities like Chicago, Washington DC, New York, and Los Angeles.
In those early days, we noticed something very important. People learn faster and the content sticks longer when they’re having fun. That spark ignited our mission to make serious skill-building more fun. It also laid the groundwork for the upcoming team-building revolution that was just about to take place.
Inventing Charity Team Building (2005)
In 2005, we changed the team-building game forever with the launch of Build-A-Bike®. Before this, corporate team building meant picnics or ball games—fun, but not always impactful.
We had a wild idea. What if teams could bond, solve problems, and give back to their community in one unforgettable event? Build-A-Bike® was born, bringing teams together to assemble bicycles donated to local charities.
It was a hit, creating the charity team-building industry and setting a new standard for corporate events. Today, over 80% of large corporate meetings include a philanthropic activity, and we’re proud to have started that trend.
Growing Global, Giving Big (2006-2019)
The success of Build-A-Bike® fueled our growth. By 2006, we were delivering events in over 60 cities worldwide and partnering with 325+ Fortune 500 companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Microsoft. We also did our first programs overseas in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal.
And we didn’t stop at bikes. New activities like Rescue Bear® (building teddy bears for firehouses) and The Ace Race® (a golf-themed team challenge) joined the lineup. Our events were more than just fun. They were transformative, fostering communication and collaboration while making a difference.
By 2019, we’d donated over $5 million in goods to charities and served over 400 of the Fortune 500 companies, proving we could scale impact without losing our spark.
Pivoting with Purpose: The Virtual Era (2020-2022)
When COVID-19 hit in 2020, in-person events came to a halt. But we don’t back down from a challenge. We pivoted fast, rolling out virtual activities like Virtual Build-A-Bike®, Poseidon’s Plunder Virtual Treasure Hunt, and Virtual Charade Murder Mystery.
These weren’t just stopgaps—they were engaging, interactive experiences that kept remote teams connected. By 2021, our virtual offerings were a hit, and the final months of that year were our busiest ever. In 2022, we delivered a record number of charity team activities, showing the world that great team building knows no boundaries.
Today: Still Leading (Pun Intended) with Fun and Impact
Now, over 25 years strong, we’re still the team-building experts you can trust to make your event unforgettable. We’ve donated over $8 million to charities worldwide, from bicycles to teddy bears, touching lives in communities across the globe. Our roster of activities—Build-A-Bike®, Rescue Bear®, The Ace Race®, and virtual gems like My Rich Uncle Virtual Escape Room—is designed to fit any team, anywhere. We work with the biggest names in business, from Abbott Labs and Alphabet to Yum! Brands and Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity.
Our secret? We combine decades of facilitation expertise with a knack for fun. Our facilitators bring energy and insight to every event, earning rave reviews from clients. Whether it’s a high-stakes corporate meeting or a virtual team huddle, we craft experiences that build trust, spark creativity, and leave everyone smiling.
Why Choose Us?
At Team-Building.org, we’re not just about games—we’re about results. We’ve pioneered an industry, partnered with the world’s top companies, and given back millions to those in need.
Our events are backed by years of experience, a global reach, and a commitment to making every moment count. When you work with us, you’re getting a team that knows how to turn a meeting into a movement.
Ready to build a stronger team? Let’s make it happen—with fun, purpose, and a whole lot of impact.