Entrepreneurs Vaney Hariri and Tamien Dysart of Think 3D Solutions took a break after conducting a retreat for clients in Washington, D.C.
Sitting on the steps of the Washington Monument, the business partners discussed the burdens of leadership, and how they wished there was something in South Dakota designed to be a safe space for leaders to learn, rest, and grow.
Three years later, Hariri and Dysart opened Culture Cove—a retreat space crafted to inspire growth and collaboration.
The name stemmed from “culture”—what Think 3D specializes in their everyday approach—and cove, which by definition is a “small, sheltered bay.”
“We loved the idea of providing shelter to develop leaders and culture,” said Hariri.
“We have enjoyed being in Clay County and meckling, which is the Hay Capital of the world.”
-Vaney Hariri
Culture Cove is a renovated hunting lodge in Meckling, which was found via manifestation.
“We always try to speak our visions into existence, and one of the benefits of doing that is people hear you,” said Hariri.
A friend had heard their need for a retreat location, and suggested they look at the lodge after another project had fallen through.
Hariri and Dysart fell for the property, and even became close with the family of the former owners, who still live next door.
“We are very lucky that they keep an eye on the land and also help us manage the property,” said Hariri. “They’re great.”
PUTTING THE REST IN RELAXATION
12 ROOMS (11 with two double beds).
Sleeps up to 23 guests.
Each room has its own bathroom.
“The mind-body connection is an important part to growth, as well as managing and preventing stress many of the professionals and leaders deal with. Having a gym where people can still keep their fitness routine, as well as work through some frustrations is incredibly helpful in a retreat experience.”
–Vaney Hariri
Vaney Hariri and Tamien Dysart
With an open canvas to get creative, the Think 3D owners wanted to keep elements of the hunting lodge, but modernize it for retreat clients. Hariri says it was nice that the highend lodge started with good bones.
“There were some spaces like a full commercial kitchen, and the Great Hall was already designed for facilitation and community with many seating areas for breakouts and a beautiful bar for social time after,” he recalled.
Teaming up with local vendors, the crew came together to put Culture Cove branding touches throughout, and to create intentional spaces with new, modern furniture and a reenvisioned outdoor patio overlooking the prairie grass.
“The patio was designed with a similar intent to the Great Hall with purgalas and three firepits, so that large groups can spread out and allows groups to have multiple conversations,” said Hariri.
Then there’s his “baby”—the gym. Filled with state-of-the-art equipment, Hariri spent months accumulating a variety of workout sceneries and amenities, like a cold plunge and sauna.
One highlight is the boxing ring, surrounded by custom murals for inspiration by South Dakota artist Walter Portz.
“Sure people want to focus during a retreat and be relaxed, but a lot of times people want to stay in their fitness routine,” said Hariri. “We wanted to make sure if someone wanted to do a fitness-focused retreat or stay on their fitness regimen, they wouldn’t be limited.”
E.L.I.T.E. MIND ”SET” RETREAT SEPTEMBER 4-7 // NOVEMBER 13-16
Discover your next level through an immersive three-day retreat. There are 60 actionable take-away steps, and experience a tailored path to fulfillment after the retreat.
COMBAT CULTURE SEPTEMBER 26-28
Expect to leave with increased confidence, a stronger mindset, and the tools to tackle life’s challenges head-on. Culture Cove’s intimate retreat model fosters lasting connections, offering support and accountability long after you leave. Plus, you’ll gain access to ongoing leadership and personal development opportunities through Think 3D.
QUIET AT THE COVE OCTOBER 3-5
Join Think 3D for a transformative two-night, two-day silent retreat, where you can finally take that time.
On this retreat, you’ll have access to a self-paced guide for deep reflection, connection, and projection, with materials designed for introspection, mindfulness, and personal growth. You’ll also have the freedom to simply be with your own thoughts and ideations about the future you want to create.
Take this unique opportunity to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself. Discover the power of intentional silence and the profound insights it can bring.
ART OF INFLUENCE OCTOBER 24-26
Influence (n.): The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
Join Think 3D for The Art of Influence Retreat—a transformative two-day experience dedicated to mastering authentic influence in your life, leadership, and community. Set in the inspiring space of Culture Cove, this retreat blends strategy, science, and self-awareness to help you lead with purpose and make a lasting impact.
After months of keeping it quiet, an episode of HGTV’s Down Home Fab aired on July 8 showcasing the renovation of the Great Hall and bar at Culture Cove.
“Working with Down Home Fab—specifically Chelsea and Cole DeBoer—was fun and especially meaningful, because Chelsea is from the area and this was their first commercial space as well,” recalled Hariri.
Implementing Dysart and Hariri’s vision, the DeBoers took it even further with reimagined rustic charm and modern elegance style they have become known for. The fireplace was transformed, taken down to its skeleton and starting over, the bar was given a face lift with modern arches and new lighting, and the hunting lodge light-wooden walls were painted a dark, moody green.
“It was important for us that people knew they were in South Dakota, but with current, timeless trends,” said Hariri. “The DeBoers did a good job of modernizing the lodge with that South Dakota chic feel.”
This opportunity was important to help Culture Cove get the word out and draw national clients who want to experience a retreat, while also experiencing South Dakota charm and peaceful nature.
“We’re already receiving calls from folks around the country,” said Hariri.
Retreats are completely customizable, and Hariri says there are three main ways clients can experience “the Cove.”
One is to rent the space and conduct the business’s own retreat or event for their team, family, or friends.
The second is to participate in one of the specific Think 3D-themed retreats like E.L.I.T.E. Mind “SET,” The Art of Influence, Combat Culture, or Quiet at the Cove.
Lastly, businesses can utilize their concierge service in partnership with their partners at Jane Rae Events where their team can support the client’s needs in designing their retreat.
“Culture Cove is an extension of Think 3D, and our focus is leadership development and organizational culture. Those that come to the Think 3D-themed retreats can look forward to high level leadership development and coaching with a focus on community, relaxation, and much needed peace.”
–Vaney Hariri
“Our plan is in five years for Culture Cove to be one of the premier retreat spaces in the nation, and for Think 3D to be thought of as one of the most trusted names, organizational culture, and leadership development.”
-Vaney Hariri
Hariri says watching connections happen live at Culture Cove is what makes it special.
“Moments that always stand out for me at the Cove are the fire pit conversations after people have learned, broken bread, and socialized,” he said. “It’s always nice to see how peoplecome together around the fire to draw closer to each other.”
As Think 3D is turning 10 in January 2026, Hairiri says it’s always wild to see how far they have come since their inception.
He reminisced, “Every time we stop to think about how far we have come, we are grateful and amazed going from two guys in a broom closet to being able to host transformative experiences on a farm in the middle of prairie South Dakota.”
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