David Goldstein is the founder of TeamBonding, North America’s premier team building company. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in communication studies at Emerson College, David began designing interactive experiences like ski and rafting trips, unique scavenger hunts, and America’s very first murder mystery dinner theater. In 1988, he launched TeamBonding with a philosophy centered on the “power of play,” using creative, engaging activities to build stronger teams. Under his leadership, the company has evolved with industry trends, introducing virtual events, charity initiatives, and breaking into the Inc. 5000 list. When he’s not innovating, David enjoys poker, cheering on the Red Sox, and spending time with family and friends.
Get to know David Goldstein
Honestly, it all started out of necessity. Back when I was running my previous business, Mystery Café, I was competing with 37 dinner theatres in the Boston area alone. I realized that audiences weren’t looking for the same old mystery dinner format anymore. I went to one of those big shows—300 people celebrating a “wedding”—and I couldn’t see or hear a thing. Yet everyone around me thought it was the greatest event ever. That’s when it hit me: if that was the bar, I needed to completely reinvent what I was doing.
I started focusing on custom, private events like corporate murder mysteries, scavenger hunts, and immersive experiences that weren’t open to the public. We found there was a real demand for what I call “justifiable fun”—events that were entertaining but had a deeper purpose, something companies could justify as team building rather than just recreation. Eventually, I rebranded from Comedy Theater Productions to TeamBonding. It was a name that reflected our true mission: creating fun with a purpose and helping people work better together through shared experiences.
I love experimenting and trying new things with the team. We often test new events ourselves before offering them to clients—everything from ice cream making to ice sculpting to scavenger hunts. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job because I get to see an idea go from a spark of inspiration to a full-blown experience, and I get to test it with people I know and trust. Those sessions help us connect, brainstorm, and give honest feedback—and sometimes they turn into our next big hit.
When I first started, team building was mostly about fun. One-off outings like ropes courses or trust falls. It was a morale booster, a day away from the office. Today, it’s so much more than that. Team building has become a business strategy and a way to strengthen company culture, increase engagement, and build belonging.
Companies don’t just want an event anymore; they want an outcome. They’re looking to bridge generational gaps, reinforce their values, and bring hybrid teams closer together. We’ve helped evolve the industry from simple “fun and games” to “fun with a purpose.”
Ice sculpting—hands down. I came up with the idea about 15 years ago, and at the time, everyone thought I was crazy. But once we tried it, it became one of our most popular events. We’ve even done it on center ice at the Boston Garden.
It starts with a cold, solid block of ice. Through collaboration, communication, and trust, it transforms into something extraordinary. It’s a perfect metaphor for teamwork: taking something raw and unshaped and turning it into something beautiful together.
It’s tactile, creative, and just risky enough to keep people engaged. One wrong move and the piece can crack, just like a fragile team dynamic. Watching people who’ve never held a chisel create something amazing together is magical. It’s a literal and symbolic reminder of how collaboration can unlock creativity.
Ted Lasso. He’s a culture builder who leads with optimism, humor, and heart. His style blends perfectly with our mission to help people work better together. He turns complex goals into simple, human experiences and shows that kindness and strategy aren’t mutually exclusive. He’s relentlessly positive, deeply thoughtful, and a perfect embodiment of what great leadership looks like.
Creative. Purpose-driven. Connector.
I’m constantly inventing or reimagining things, from new programs to marketing ideas. Purpose-driven, because everything we do ties back to making people’s lives better. And connector, because I love bringing people together, whether that’s through events, partnerships, or shared experiences.
“With a Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles. It perfectly sums up what we do: building experiences where people rely on one another and grow stronger together.
For me, success is about impact, not income. It’s those meaningful moments when a team laughs together, when a facilitator finds their purpose, or when an event genuinely makes a difference in someone’s life. Success is always sweeter when it’s shared.
It’s about collaboration over competition, living your values, and bringing ideas to life that make people feel something real. The thrill comes from creating something that didn’t exist before and watching others connect through it.
“Be nice to the people on your way up because you’ll meet them on your way down.”
That one stuck with me. It’s a reminder to lead with humility and integrity. Success is never permanent, and how you treat people when things are going well matters most when things aren’t.
When TeamBonding was just starting out, my previous business, Mystery Café, was struggling. Some of the same people who worked with us at our peak turned their backs when we hit hard times. That experience taught me a lot about respect, loyalty, and character. It’s why I choose partners and collaborators differently now. I value the people who stick with you through both the wins and the challenges.
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