Everything Coworking

Switchyards has become one of the most talked-about concepts in the coworking world, a self-described “neighborhood work club” that blends the feel of a coffee shop, library, and boutique hotel lobby. The model looks simple, affordable, and wildly attractive. But is it really as easy and profitable as it seems? In this episode, I sit down with Kane Willmott, CEO of IQ Offices, to reverse-engineer the Switchyards model. We walk through their pricing, staffing, buildout approach, and growth strategy to uncover what works, what’s risky, and whether this is a concept you should try at home. We cover: What makes Switchyards different from traditional coworking spaces. Their $100/month membership model, no offices, and minimal staffing. Why the aesthetics and “cool factor” are central to their brand success. The financial realities of launching and sustaining this model at scale. Risks operators should consider before trying to replicate Switchyards. If you’ve been intrigued by Switchyards’ rapid growth and cult-like following, this episode gives you the numbers, context, and reality check you need before testing the model yourself. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Switchyards Swithyards on LinkedIn Kane's LinkedIn profile iQ Offices website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Coworking operators often assume that flex desks and memberships will drive the business model, but what if that’s not actually true? In this episode, I share insights from boutique gyms and play cafes that reveal how different business models generate sustainable revenue. These parallels highlight why private offices, events, and other add-ons are often the true engines of coworking profitability. What we cover: Why flex desks are often overestimated in pro formas, and why they rarely drive long-term revenue. The boutique fitness analogy: why high-value services (like private offices) outperform low-cost memberships. What play cafes teach us about add-ons and event revenue as reliable income streams. The challenge of churn in coworking memberships and how to offset it with longer-term commitments. Why operators need to look under the hood of successful models instead of assuming what’s working from the outside. Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Balancing career and parenthood isn’t easy, and for many parents, traditional childcare options just don’t fit. Megan Donovan, founder of Shift Work and Play, set out to change that. After leaving a career in policy and advocacy, Megan built a coworking model that offers parents dedicated work time while their kids enjoy structured play sessions, filling a gap most childcare and coworking models miss. In this episode, Megan shares her journey, the challenges of running a coworking + childcare business, and why her members say the model has been life-changing. We cover: Megan’s unconventional career path and the “lightbulb moment” that led to Shift Work and Play. How the childcare model works, and how she balances staffing with flexibility for parents. Why part-time, flexible childcare is such a missing piece in most communities. The types of members attracted to this model, and how it impacts their mental health and productivity. What she’s learned about programming, community building, and diversifying revenue streams. Megan’s story is a great reminder that coworking is at its best when it solves a very real problem for its community. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Megan's LinkedIn profile SHIFT Work + Play website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

What happens when a dietitian starts a private practice, sees a gap in support for clinicians, and decides to fix it herself? You get The Practice Collective - a coworking model built specifically for practitioners in nutrition, wellness, and mental health. In this episode, Samantha Barash shares how she went from running her own nutrition practice to creating a thriving coworking community for private practice professionals. Her story shows how powerful niche coworking can be, and how keeping things simple and community-focused leads to strong growth. We cover: How Samantha’s nutrition practice inspired her to launch a coworking space designed for private practice professionals. Why focusing on authentic connections and referrals beats traditional marketing. How she reached 45 members in just 800 square feet with a mix of in-person and virtual memberships. The unexpected role of virtual offices in her business model. Key lessons from completing the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and how it shaped her growth plan. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Samantha's LinkedIn profile The Practice Collective website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

One of the toughest parts of running a coworking space is managing people. What do you do when your community manager—or any team member—isn’t living up to expectations? Do you settle, or is it time to make a transition? In this episode of the Everything Coworking Podcast, Jamie Russo walks through the signs that your team member may not be a fit, what to check before you make a change, and how to confidently prepare for a transition without losing your sanity—or your members’ trust. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The common symptoms of underperformance (SOPs ignored, leads lost, disorganization, poor service). How to evaluate whether the problem is training and leadership—or true misalignment. Why “settling” for a mediocre fit costs more than you think. Options for outsourcing parts of the role if only 20% isn’t working. How to make SOP documentation a requirement to protect your business. Why the community manager role is often a two-year position—and how to plan for turnover. Steps to take when preparing for a transition, including consulting with an employment attorney. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Transitioning to a new team member doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Community Manager University is your easy button for onboarding and developing new CMs. The program: Trains on industry standards and role expectations. Connects your CM to a global network of peers. Provides expert coaching and real-world support. Learn more at everythingcoworking.com/communitymanager. Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

If you’re launching a coworking space and feel like you’re doing everything out of order, welcome to the club. In this episode, I share the “chicken or egg” paradox of starting a space. That messy, exhilarating, and sometimes disorienting phase where you’re working on your vision, talking to brokers, crunching numbers, and trying to figure out what comes first. Whether you’re just getting started or expanding, you’ll hear why feeling uncertain is actually a sign you’re on the right track, and what you do need in place before committing to a lease. What we cover: Why the early stages of launching a coworking space will always feel messy, and why that’s normal. The essential pieces to have in place before you start looking for space. How to work with brokers who understand the coworking model. Balancing your vision, budget, and capital with your ideal product mix. The role of due diligence, test fits, and realistic build-out estimates in avoiding costly mistakes. Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Your sales funnel can only work if you know where your leads are coming from — and how to make the most of each source. But for many operators, coworking marketplaces, lead gen partners, and even Google Business Profiles feel like a confusing alphabet soup of options. In this episode, I break down the four core lead source categories, demystify the biggest marketplace players, and help you prioritize what’s worth your time (and what isn’t). We cover: The four main types of coworking lead sources: organic traffic, member referrals, brokers, and marketplaces What platforms like Deskpass, LiquidSpace, Gable, and Peerspace actually do — and who they’re best for Why your Google Business Profile may be your most valuable (and underutilized) lead source The truth about Flexspace.ai, how it works, and how it’s not a lead gen platform How to track your lead sources effectively and decide which platforms deserve your attention If you’ve ever wondered whether marketplaces are worth it or how to build a lead strategy that actually converts — this episode is your roadmap. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Syncaroo Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

You’ve nailed your location. Your marketing’s dialed in. But if your leads aren’t turning into members… there’s a good chance your speed to lead is the culprit. In this episode, Jamie breaks down why fast lead response is more than a “nice to have”; it’s one of the biggest drivers of sales success (or failure) in your coworking business. And it’s one of the easiest things to improve without adding headcount. We cover: Why slow response time might be quietly killing your conversion rate — even if you’re getting leads. How to optimize lead response without hiring a full-time salesperson. Practical tools (like AI chatbots and SMS automation) to bridge the gap. Why phone and text should beat email every time when responding to inquiries. How to help your team prioritize lead response, even if they wear all the hats. If you’ve ever wondered why your sales funnel feels leaky, this episode will help you plug the holes — and close more deals. Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

In this episode, I talk with Leslie Bailey, founder and CEO of Indy Maven and the powerhouse behind Maven Space, a coworking space that was as bold and layered as Leslie herself. Leslie never set out to run a coworking space. What began as a media company and newsletter for women in Indianapolis quickly snowballed into a full-on community, and eventually a physical space with coworking, a cafe, a gym, an event venue, and yes, cauliflower soup that apparently had a fan club. We talk about: How Leslie went from lifestyle editor to community builder and coworking operator, almost by accident. The business model behind Maven Space: combining coworking, hospitality, events, and sponsorships into one seamless experience. What worked (and didn’t) in her 15,000 sq ft downtown space, and what she planned to change in her next location. How she used sponsorships and her media background to unlock non-traditional coworking revenue streams. Why her digital membership community is still going strong, and what the future looks like post-coworking. Whether you’re dreaming about layering more revenue streams into your coworking business or wondering how to build community with or without a physical space, this one’s packed with takeaways you can use. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Leslie's LinkedIn profile Indy Maven website Leslie Bailey’s personal website Leslie’s 10 Lessons Learned article Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Ever wonder what it’s like to build a coworking space outside the U.S. from scratch, in another language, with a whole new playbook? Joel Ballew is the Chief People Officer at Coventus Space in Barranquilla, Colombia, and he’s not your average operator. He moved his family from Georgia to Colombia, sold his dream business, learned Spanish from the ground up, and launched what is now the largest privately held coworking space in a city of nearly 2 million people. In this episode, Joel shares the highs, the lows, and the “wait, you did what?” moments of creating a thriving, purpose-driven business in an emerging market. We talk about: The cultural and operational curveballs of launching a coworking space in Colombia—including why recurring payments aren’t really a thing. How Joel built lead volume through WhatsApp, Instagram, and literal flyers on car windshields (and why it's working). What it takes to educate a market on coworking while creating a strong local brand. How his space combines private offices, day passes, event rentals, and even a coffee shop run by a third party. Why doing good while doing well isn’t just a tagline—it’s a business model that fuels impact and sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned operator or dreaming of launching in a new market, this conversation is a masterclass in adapting, listening to your audience, and building community on your own terms. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Joel's LinkedIn profile Coventus Space website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

How Kim Lee Turned Virtual Mail into a High-Value Revenue Stream Kim Lee has been in the coworking game since 2017—and she’s one of those operators who’s truly in it. From understanding her numbers to tweaking her team structure to building out a profitable mail program, Kim brings equal parts heart and hustle to the table. In this episode, Kim walks us through her journey with virtual mail—from opening with it in place, to running the numbers year after year to make sure it still makes sense (spoiler: it does). She now has over 200 virtual mail clients, including some premium customers that contribute thousands per month. Kim is also one of our coaches in the Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge, and she shares why even seasoned operators can find big wins by putting focus on their mail program. What we cover: Why Kim almost didn’t add a second mail platform—and how it paid off The tweaks that helped her team cut mail processing time in half The customer who brought in 40+ pieces of mail a day—and how they handled it How to keep your team from burning out on details (hint: structure matters) Why virtual mail is one of the most scalable revenue streams for coworking spaces Her secret to tracking ROI and knowing when to pivot on event space vs. office conversions What changed when she added IPostal—and why that was the right move Thinking about launching or optimizing your virtual mail program? Kim’s story is the perfect combo of honest insight, operator-tested tips, and encouragement to just get started. And if you're ready to finally put this on your “done” list, join us for the Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge. Registration closes Friday, June 13th. 👉 www.mailboxchallenge.co Resources Mentioned in this Episode: MoneyMaker Mailbox Challenge Kim's LinkedIn profile Forge website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Christine Tosi didn’t just open a coworking space—she invented one out of necessity. What started as a creative way to use extra space in a building she and her husband David bought for their first business has grown into a full-on coworking success story in Tucson, Arizona. Now, they’re gearing up to open a second location—this time under a management agreement—with a pipeline full of mail clients, a waitlist for dedicated desks, and a family-run team that includes their college-aged daughter (and some pretty savvy Canva support from their son). In this episode, Christine shares how she turned her virtual mailbox business into a revenue stream that’s bringing in up to $195/month per customer—with no paid marketing. Plus, how a landlord partnership that was almost too good to be true opened the door (literally) to their second location. What we cover: Why Christine and David traded snow shovels in Wisconsin for solar glare in Tucson How a side business turned into a full-time coworking brand The landing page tweaks that took their virtual mail business from 0 to 50+ customers How they got 10 members at $195/month… and hardly ever see them 👀 The “mail-only” customer bundle that actually works (and the perks they threw in) A referral partner that sent them 50 clients—yes, 5-0 Their new management agreement deal: what the landlord’s handling, and how Christine negotiated it Why their team structure (and travel goals!) made hiring early a smart move How a family of introverts built Tucson’s friendliest coworking community Plus: 9 HVAC units, Duolingo-induced competitiveness, and how Christine wins massage swaps through creative bartering. You’re going to love this one. 🚨 Heads-up: Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge registration closes Friday, June 13th. If Christine’s story got your wheels turning, this is your nudge to get in there before doors close. 🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to grow your own virtual mail revenue—and maybe snag a massage along the way. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Register for the Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge Christine's LinkedIn profile Spoke Coworking website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Summer is here—and while the kids are out of school, your pipeline might be slowing down too. But don’t worry, I’ve got three ideas to help you bring in extra revenue during the slower months, and even build momentum heading into fall. Whether you’ve got open offices sitting empty, a virtual mail program that’s been collecting dust, or phone booths that aren’t pulling their weight, I walk you through how to turn these underused assets into revenue-generating machines. I also share some creative packaging and pricing ideas and how to test new concepts without getting stuck in analysis paralysis. What You’ll Learn: Why now is the perfect time to start—or focus on—your virtual mail program How to turn an unused office into a styled-up part-time rental for parents and travelers A clever way to monetize your phone booths (yes, really) How to sublet your members’ offices while they’re out of town—win-win The importance of clearly communicating your phone call setup to prospective members Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Register for The Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Craig Baute is a familiar name in the coworking world—and he’s got a big update. After 13 years of running Creative Density, he made the leap and merged his coworking brand with Thrive, another local Denver operator. In this super candid chat, Craig dishes on what led him to walk away from day-to-day operations, what the structure looks like now, and why he’s finally embracing weekly meetings. Whether you’ve hit the scale ceiling or you’re just wondering what it looks like to not be the boss anymore, this episode is a must-listen. What we get into: Life with two kids, four coworking locations, and one burnt-out founder Why losing a trusted team member forced Craig to rethink everything The call that changed it all: how a casual “Let’s do lunch” turned into a merger The power of middle management (yes, it’s a thing in coworking now) Thrive’s operating structure and how Craig fits in post-merger The mental shift from “owner” to “team member” — and how that changes everything Why most spaces stall at 2–3 locations and how combining forces helps you scale 68 fake plants, a $6,500 coffee machine, and why Switchyards has everyone’s attention Thinking about selling? Merging? Scaling beyond your comfort zone? This episode might be the nudge (or reality check) you need. Bonus: Yes, Craig and Jamie share a birthday. Yes, that makes this episode extra fun. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Get on the Waitlist For The Mailbox Money Maker Challenge Craig's LinkedIn profile Creative Density website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

If you're still asking people to "fill out a form" to book a meeting room—this episode is for you. I’m joined by Miro Miroslavov, CEO and co-founder of OfficeRnD, to talk about why e-commerce is no longer optional for coworking spaces, and how their new Growth Hub is making it easier than ever to meet customer expectations—and convert website visitors into paying members. We cover how consumer expectations have shifted, why friction kills revenue, and how the most successful operators are rethinking their websites and booking flows for today’s demand. In this episode, we cover: Why meeting room bookings, day passes, and even small offices need to be available for instant online purchase. The two user personas your coworking website must serve—and how to optimize for both. Why booking friction is leaving money on the table, and how to reduce it. How OfficeRnD’s Growth Hub helps operators capture and convert demand in a competitive market. What’s changing in demand gen as users move from Google to AI-powered search—and how to stay visible. Miro also shares how operators are already using the Growth Hub to boost bookings and better measure ROI, and what features (like dynamic pricing and deeper CRM integration) are coming next. If your goals include better marketing performance, more bookings, and a more profitable bottom line—you don’t want to miss this conversation. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Miro's LinkedIn profile OfficeRnD website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

If you’re not optimizing your coworking space for quick, seamless online bookings—especially for meeting rooms and day passes—you’re leaving serious money on the table. In this solo episode, I break down the real numbers behind poor user experiences, what the latest coworking tech can actually do for your bottom line, and why every single operator needs to rethink how they serve the on-demand customer. Whether you're in a small market or managing multiple locations, this episode will help you see your website, your phone booths, and your meeting rooms in a whole new light. We cover: Why conversion rate optimization on your website is the fastest path to more revenue—and what’s getting in the way Real math on what a 5% improvement in booking conversions can do for your bottom line How operators are using new tools like Elumo and Growth Hub to monetize amenities and eliminate friction Why the traditional “tours-first” mindset doesn’t match today’s on-demand buyer behavior Why your meeting rooms (and phone booths) should be treated like products with real dollar value—and how to make that happen with minimal effort Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Operators are seeing growing demand for meeting rooms and private call space—but squatting, no-shows, and friction-filled booking systems continue to cost time and revenue. James Shannon and Kurt Patrick from Essensys join the podcast to share how they’re tackling those pain points with Elumo, a new product that simplifies access, booking, and billing in one smart, user-friendly system. In this conversation, we cover: The real cost of squatting and how much revenue is lost from underutilized shared space. Why Essensys built Elumo and how it's solving both revenue leakage and poor user experience. How Elumo uses Apple and Google Wallet integration to streamline access and eliminate the friction of traditional booking systems. The role of dynamic pricing and data-driven utilization in maximizing revenue from shared spaces. How Elumo works with (not against) your existing tech stack, including OfficeRnD and other booking platforms. If you’ve ever wondered how to monetize your meeting rooms without creating more headaches for your community managers, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Kurt's LinkedIn profile James’ LinkedIn profile essensys website elumo by essensys website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Roseline and Merlinn are the sister-duo behind Holistic Executive Suites in Boynton Beach, Florida. With backgrounds in healthcare and project management, they took their unique coworking model from concept to reality—serving holistic health practitioners and wellness-focused professionals. In this episode, they share how they built a space that goes beyond office rentals, creating a supportive business environment tailored to their members' needs. We dive into their journey, the challenges of launching a niche coworking space, and the strategies that have helped them grow. We cover: How they turned their personal need for space into a thriving coworking business. Why they chose a "wellness-first" niche and how it impacts their operations. The challenges of marketing a specialized coworking space—and what actually works. Lessons learned about community-building before and after opening. Why they chose not to list pricing on their website and how they guide prospects to the right membership. If you’re thinking about launching (or refining) a niche coworking space, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Roseline's LinkedIn profile Merlinn’s LinkedIn profile Holistic Executive Suites website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

The biggest real estate operator in the world—the U.S. federal government—is making a bold move toward flexible work. Mark Gilbreath, CEO of LiquidSpace, joins us to break down what this means for the coworking industry, why it signals a major shift in how large organizations view their real estate portfolios, and what coworking operators should be doing right now to prepare. In this episode, we cover: How the GSA’s new enterprise-wide marketplace for flexible work could change the coworking industry. What it means when a government agency starts thinking like an enterprise occupier. How coworking operators can position themselves to capture demand from this shift. Why flexible office space is becoming a critical piece of workplace strategy for major organizations. Mark’s insights on how the coworking industry is evolving—and what’s next. This is a huge step forward for the coworking and flex space industry. Don’t miss this conversation! Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Mark on LinkedIn LiquidSpace website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

Coworking spaces often promise community—but what does it really take to build one that’s engaged, vibrant, and truly member-driven? Liz Barney, Director of Marketing & Community at Cahoots in Ann Arbor, Michigan, joins us to share how her journey from remote worker to coworking leader led to a game-changing experiment: a member-led approach to building community and social events. In this episode, we dive into: How Cahoots launched its “Community Committee” and empowered members to take ownership of events and initiatives. Why structured, member-led engagement can be more effective than traditional coworking social events. Lessons learned from different types of community-building experiments (what worked and what didn’t!). The surprising ways introverts and extroverts engage in coworking spaces—and why a variety of offerings matters. How this approach fosters deeper connections, improves retention, and makes coworking spaces truly feel like home. This episode is packed with practical takeaways for coworking operators who want to level up their community strategy—without putting everything on their community team. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: GCUC discount code: EVERYGCUC for 20% off - https://na.gcuc.co/ Liz's LinkedIn profile Blog post describing the experiment: How Shared Purpose Creates Community For Remote Workers Cahoots website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube