At Roots Management Group, we believe that work and fun aren’t opposites, they go hand in hand. This past Halloween, our Dallas and Phoenix offices showed just how that plays out in real life.
In our Dallas office, the Halloween spirit was alive and well. The day kicked off with a costume contest, followed by a pumpkin scavenger hunt and a best-cubicle-decorating competition.
Even our company president and CEO, Tom Stapley, joined in on the fun, dressed as a hot dog!
With lunch catered in for the whole team, colleagues connected, laughed, and relaxed into the afternoon, proving that work doesn’t always have to feel all business.
These events were spearheaded by our Vice President of People Operations, Fabiana Larese, whose vision is rooted in building culture through connection. Fabiana explained:
“At People Ops, we believe culture is built in the moments between meetings — the laughter over food, the shared celebrations, and those little interactions that remind people they’re part of a community, not just a company.”
Meanwhile, our Phoenix team didn’t hold back either. Full decorations, creative costumes, and themed festivities brought the office to life. It was a memorable reminder that leadership can laugh and participate right alongside everyone else.
Fabiana added that it’s more than just balancing fun and work. “It’s not about throwing parties, it’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves. When team members connect on a personal level, collaboration and communication flow naturally. The Dallas and Phoenix Halloween parties are a perfect example of that. They bring everyone together in a relaxed way that strengthens relationships and reminds us why we enjoy working here.”
While our teams celebrated in the offices, many of the communities we serve were also hosting Halloween events and trick-or-treating festivities. It’s all connected, the same community spirit that drives our internal culture also fuels the work we do for residents and partners across the country.
For our office staff who support those communities, events like these are more than just fun they’re foundational. Festivities foster stronger, safer, and more connected workplaces and neighborhoods. When employees and residents feel connected, valued, and seen, they communicate better, collaborate more naturally, and bring greater energy to everything they do.
Because, as Fabiana reminds us...“Culture isn’t built in meetings — it’s built in the moments between them.”
Happy Halloween from all of us at Roots Management Group!