Stephen Roberts never envisioned a career in puzzle-making. With a background in computer science and film studies, his career took an unexpected turn following the birth of his daughter, leading him to leave his full-time job for freelance opportunities.
Roberts now creates large-scale puzzle hunts designed for companies to use during orientations, team-building activities, and retreats from his home in Salt Lake City. With packets of materials and specific ground rules, teams embark on an adventure involving clues, interactions with live characters, and problem-solving.
His passion for puzzles began in high school, where he connected with others who shared a love for games and approached the world from a different perspective. “I think that’s part of what sparked my love of games, is the connections that they can create,” Roberts reflected.
His puzzle hunts are designed for team participation, which fosters communication among coworkers who may be unfamiliar with each other. Each individual’s unique way of thinking contributes to the overall experience. Much like the varied components of his puzzles, the teams created through these games come together cohesively.
Roberts and his wife, Gretchen Case, first bonded over their shared passion for puzzles, even organizing a scavenger hunt for their wedding weekend. “It was in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, and we got people in the shops involved, and did things on the street,” Case recalled. Nostalgically, she noted, “I remember thinking I spent more time on the puzzle hunt than I did on the wedding ceremony.”
Artifacts from his games clutter the family’s dining room table, including fake campaign signs and signaling flags. Roberts often turns to Gretchen for support when he encounters challenges while designing his puzzles. “Every time I work on these, I find myself with something that I need help with, and often Gretchen steps in to help me,” he expressed.
Puzzle-making has become a family project; Gretchen assists with voiceovers, transports materials, and clears spaces. Their 14-year-old daughter also participates, testing the puzzles. “I love seeing how she thinks and what she comes up with, and that really helps me in the design process,” Roberts stated.
The unconventional nature of Roberts’ work allows his family to appreciate a variety of career possibilities. Gretchen maintains a more traditional job, stating, “I go to an office and I do traditional things, and I think that’s fun. But I love that Steven has a totally different idea of work.”
Through his creations, Roberts strives to foster connections with both his family and clients by leveraging the power of play. He conveyed, “We as human beings, we tell stories, and a lot of these, and all of these games have some kind of narrative arc to them, where we want to make sense of things. And these games give us a chance to do that.”
Roberts’ father-in-law, Alan Case, recently moved in with the family after a career as a chemist. He shared his perspective, stating, “This is certainly not what I would have considered work when I started. This was a game, and it didn’t fit with my concept of what was work. But he’s made a successful venture of it. I’m proud of him.”
As the day comes to a close, the family reunites around the table, which is an ideal size for a game of puzzles. This gathering not only strengthens their family bond but also serves as a reminder of how Roberts has turned his unexpected career path into a fulfilling journey.
image source from：https://www.kuer.org/business-economy/2025-06-10/teamwork-is-the-dream-work-for-this-salt-lake-city-puzzle-maker
