At CDK Global, we’re constantly creating possibilities for our customers by developing and implementing solutions to the challenges they face. Our bi-annual Hackathons engage employees from varying disciplines, allowing them to collaborate and get creative in positively impacting CDK and its customers. The options are limitless: from product to implementation, our Hackathon teams have the freedom to innovate by choosing which sector of the business could benefit from modernization.

This past year, with over 100 teams participating in our Spring Hackathon, Team Crux took home first place. Composed of eight CDK employees, the team created possibilities for the future of the digital retail market through collaboration and camaraderie. The team was so successful that their final product was sold to customers, helping them conduct transactions in a remote environment.

A Chance to Innovate

Ethan Huesser, software engineer I, Product & Technology, and member of Team Crux, found his participation in our Hackathon to be particularly empowering. “That spirit of how to make it happen, how to carve through doubt and create possibility, that’s something we can bring to the job every day,” he said of his experience. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our Hackathons provide employees with the opportunity to get curious about what the future of technology could look like at CDK.

Teaming up to Create Possibilities

Our Hackathons encourage connection among CDK employees. Daniel Green, associate software engineer, Product and Technology, and another member of Team Crux, said that his teammates had the opportunity to own it by “working within their strengths” to push their project over the finish line. Ethan and Daniel likened the event to a week-long team-building activity that allowed them to see the tremendous achievements that can arise when CDK employees come together for a common purpose.

Freedom to Fail

No idea is too far-fetched for our Hackathon teams. By eliminating the traditional framework under which our employees operate, Hackathon participants are encouraged to stay curious by putting their most inventive ideas to the test. Daniel Green viewed the Hackathon as “a chance to strip away the stress and the pressure to ask, ‘what can I actually do?’”.  

Ready to own it by bringing your innovative ideas to life? Join CDK today.