Everything Coworking
The Everything Coworking podcast shares trends and how-tos for coworking operators and anyone following this exploding trend. Jamie owned and operated coworking spaces in Chicago and Palo Alto for eight years under the brand Enerspace Coworking. She was also the Executive Director of the Global Workspace Association for five years.
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422. How This Coworking Space Cut Days on Market From 140 to Under 30
04/29/2026
422. How This Coworking Space Cut Days on Market From 140 to Under 30
Most people don’t start their coworking career thinking they’ll become president of the company. Jessie Hathcock did. When I sat down with Jessie Hathcock from The Loading Dock, I couldn’t stop thinking about how rare her story is. She started as a community coordinator… and six and a half years later, she’s leading the entire company. We talked about: What it really looks like to grow up in the coworking industry (and why those career paths are finally becoming more common) How their co-warehousing model is opening doors for entrepreneurs you might not expect… including tradespeople and small businesses that need space to grow The messy, real behind-the-scenes of implementing EOS and building a healthy, aligned team (not as easy as it sounds) Why “unreasonable hospitality” isn’t just a philosophy for them… it’s a budget line item And how they’re creating a level of connection that leads to 82.5% of members reporting improved wellbeing One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how honest Jess is about the messy middle. Rapid growth. Team tension. Launching new initiatives before you’re fully ready. Learning (sometimes the hard way) how to lead at a higher level. And still choosing to build something that puts people first. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to scale a coworking business without losing your culture… this episode is such a good one. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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421. The Lead Follow Up System Every Coworking Space Needs to Fill Faster
04/22/2026
421. The Lead Follow Up System Every Coworking Space Needs to Fill Faster
You don’t have a lead problem. You have a follow-up problem. Leads are coming in. Marketing is working. But deals aren’t closing at the rate they should be and the issue is almost always the system behind the leads. In this solo episode, Jamie breaks down where coworking sales funnels tend to fall apart and how to fix them. You’ll learn: Why leads get stuck in your CRM and never convert Where follow-up typically breaks down (especially mid-funnel) How inconsistent systems cost you real revenue The four essentials for optimizing your sales process If your “needs follow up” column is overflowing or you feel like you should be closing more deals with the leads you already have, this episode will give you a clear path forward. Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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420. How One Coworking Space Hit an 80% Tour Show Rate (And the Tech Behind It)
04/15/2026
420. How One Coworking Space Hit an 80% Tour Show Rate (And the Tech Behind It)
What happens when a coworking operator gets completely fed up with their tech stack… and decides to build their own solution? That’s exactly what Dan Wesson and Chelle Peterson did. Dan and Chelle are the co-founders of The Post Workspace and CoLevel, and I’ve known them since they went through Coworking Startup School back in 2018. It has been so fun to watch their journey from launching their space in Tucson to building a platform that’s now helping operators all over the world. They didn’t set out to create software. They just wanted to run a better coworking space. But after juggling Calendly, DocuSign, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, social schedulers, answering services… and still missing leads, still feeling overwhelmed, still wondering what was falling through the cracks… they hit a breaking point. So they fixed it. We talk about: – What they were actually dealing with behind the scenes before building CoLevel – The moment they realized their tech stack was holding them back – Why speed to lead is one of the biggest missed opportunities in coworking – How automation can increase hospitality (not replace it) – What it looks like to compete with larger operators without a big team If you’ve ever felt like your tech stack is running you instead of the other way around… this one will hit home. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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419. How to Use AI in Your Coworking Space Without Losing the Human Touch
03/25/2026
419. How to Use AI in Your Coworking Space Without Losing the Human Touch
What if AI didn’t replace your community manager… but actually made them better at their job? That’s exactly what Courtney Schwartz is doing at FireWorks Coworking—and it’s such a refreshing take on a topic that can feel overwhelming (or even a little threatening) in our industry. Courtney is deeply passionate about people, community, and creating meaningful connections. And instead of letting AI take over, she’s using it to take admin work off her plate so she can spend more time doing what actually matters inside her space. In this episode, we cover: How Courtney uses AI to streamline time-consuming tasks like blog writing and content repurposing Why “garbage in, garbage out” is the reality of AI—and how to get better outputs How indie operators can use AI for local SEO and even demographic research The role of AI in helping you identify and reach your ideal member Why community managers who embrace AI will have a huge advantage How to use AI as an extension of your voice, not a replacement I’ve had the chance to work with the FireWorks team through Coworking Startup School and Community Manager University, and Courtney is such a great example of what happens when you invest in your people and give them space to grow. She’s curious, driven, and clearly all-in on her community—and this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can actually use. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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418. Yardi's Peter Kolaczynski shares Coworking Growth Data Drivers
03/18/2026
418. Yardi's Peter Kolaczynski shares Coworking Growth Data Drivers
Most people don’t spend 13 years quietly building one of the most comprehensive datasets in commercial real estate. But that’s exactly what Peter Kolaczynski has been doing at Yardi. In this episode, Jamie sits down with Peter Kolaczynski, Associate Director of Yardi, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface of the coworking and office markets. And this one gets… data-heavy in the best way. We get into: Why coworking is still only ~2.3% of total office space—and why that number could 5x How Yardi tracks over 80,000 office buildings and what that unlocks for the industry The surprising reality of physical office occupancy (hint: it’s still under 60%) Why enterprise demand for flexible space keeps growing despite return-to-office pressure How AI could reshape not just coworking—but total office demand One of the most interesting takeaways: even if office demand shrinks overall, coworking may expand. Why? Because uncertainty drives flexibility—and flexibility is exactly what coworking offers. We also get into: Office-to-residential conversions. Why “downtown” may matter less than ever. The rise of smaller, hyper-local office hubs. And why building owners—not just operators—may drive the next wave of growth. If you care about where the office market is actually heading (not just headlines), this is a must-listen. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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417. How Glen Hicks Built a Self-Serve Coworking Space (and Runs It From 3 Hours Away)
03/11/2026
417. How Glen Hicks Built a Self-Serve Coworking Space (and Runs It From 3 Hours Away)
What if you built a coworking space… designed so you barely had to be there? That’s exactly what Glen Hicks did. After 27 years in IT leadership and a life-changing heart attack at 34, Glen completely rethought how he worked. Instead of jumping into another executive role, he became what he calls a “digital independent.” But he couldn’t find a workspace that actually fit the way he wanted to work. So he built USTATION — a beautifully designed, mostly self-serve workspace in New Brunswick that runs with almost no staff (and Glen lives three hours away). In this episode we talk about: How he runs a 3,500 sq ft coworking space with almost no on-site staff Why smaller spaces can actually create better community The simple tech setup that avoids the dreaded 5-minute meeting room startup Why he installed a private work pod in an airport Glen is thoughtful, unconventional, and very intentional about how he spends his time (he works about 20 hours a week now). If you’re thinking about building a simpler, smarter coworking model — you’ll enjoy this conversation. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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416. Flexibility with Boundaries: Nicole Antolino on the Real Role of a Community Manager
03/04/2026
416. Flexibility with Boundaries: Nicole Antolino on the Real Role of a Community Manager
What if the secret to running a thriving coworking space isn’t fancy software or a massive team… but one incredibly grounded, genuinely caring community manager? I finally got to sit down with Nicole Antolino, Community Manager at Fireworks Coworking in Marietta, Georgia and this conversation was long overdue. Nicole has been part of our Community Manager University program since 2022 and I’ve watched her grow into one of those rare unicorn operators who can truly do it all. She talked about the real balancing act of this role. When to extend flexibility and when to hold the line. How to juggle task lists with real human connection. What it’s like to be a working mom running a space. And why she believes customer service experience matters more than industry background when hiring. We also dig into: Why 30 percent meeting room utilization might actually be normal How she and her teammate divide and conquer to grow the business The evolution of Fireworks’ ideal customer profile What it really takes to stay energized in this role year after year If you’re an owner wondering what makes a great community manager, or you are a community manager trying to figure out how to build longevity in this career, this one is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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415. 6 Things Coworking Space Owners Are Underspending On
02/25/2026
415. 6 Things Coworking Space Owners Are Underspending On
What's worse than overspending on things that don't deliver ROI? Underinvesting in the areas that actually make or break your business. This week, Jamie flips last week's episode on its head and tackles the critical areas where coworking operators consistently underspend—and pay the price in lost revenue, lower margins, and frustrated members. From soundproofing decisions during construction to the size of your private offices, Jamie breaks down the build-out choices that seem expensive upfront but deliver massive ROI over time. She explains why an 80-square-foot office will always outperform a 120-square-foot one when you're trying to hit $70 per square foot in revenue, and why phone booths aren't optional—they're essential to selling flex memberships. This episode is packed with specific, actionable advice on where to invest, how to evaluate ROI, and what trade-offs to consider based on your market, lease term, and access to capital. We talk about: Why soundproofing should be built into construction from day one (and what to do if you're already open) How small private offices (80 sq ft vs 120 sq ft) dramatically impact your revenue per square foot Why phone booths are essential for selling flex memberships—and how to finance them if budget is tight The critical importance of professional photography for meeting rooms and day offices (users buy visually online) Why SEO is a must-have investment alongside paid ads—and how AI search is changing the game How to use a CRM to track every lead and achieve "radical responsiveness" in 2026 The three audits every operator should run quarterly: customer journey, sales funnel, and competitive market Why investing in your team's training and your own professional development always delivers ROI If you're trying to figure out where to allocate budget, what's worth the investment, and how to avoid the costly mistake of underspending in critical areas—this episode is essential listening. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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414. 4 Things Coworking Space Owners Are Overspending On
02/12/2026
414. 4 Things Coworking Space Owners Are Overspending On
What happens when good intentions meet bad ROI? This week, Jamie tackles the spending decisions that quietly drain coworking operators' margins—and shares what to do instead. Fresh from working with clients who are making these exact mistakes, Jamie breaks down the four most common areas where operators overspend: marketing agencies that don't understand local business, IT retainers that sit unused, social media managers in markets where Instagram doesn't drive leads, and $20,000 custom websites that look beautiful but don't convert. This episode is direct, practical, and yes—a little bit of a rant. But if you've ever wondered whether you should hire an agency, pay for an IT retainer, or invest in a custom site, you need to hear this. We talk about: Why most marketing agencies can't deliver ROI for single-location operators (and the one exception) How to set up your IT infrastructure once and stop paying monthly retainers The truth about social media for coworking spaces—and when it actually works What makes a website convert versus just look pretty Why studying marketing as a business owner will save you tens of thousands of dollars If you're a new operator trying to figure out where to invest—or an experienced one wondering why your margins feel tight—this episode will help you make smarter decisions with your budget. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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413. Is "Community Manager" the Right Title for the Person Running Your Coworking Space?
02/04/2026
413. Is "Community Manager" the Right Title for the Person Running Your Coworking Space?
This week, Jamie Russo tackles a slightly uncomfortable question—especially for someone who runs a program called Community Manager University. But if you're struggling to find quality candidates when you post that job title, this episode might change how you think about recruiting. Here's the problem: the community manager title anchors candidates on member interaction and engagement. But the actual job? It's pipeline management, CRM updates, billing follow-up, vendor coordination, office turnovers, social media, sales tours, and—oh yeah—also community building. When you hire someone expecting to spend their day chatting with members and they end up spending three hours in HubSpot, you've got a mismatch. And that mismatch starts with the title. We talk about: Why "Location Manager" might attract better candidates (and who's testing it successfully) How to prioritize the five hats: operations, community building, sales & marketing, finance, and leadership The front-of-house vs back-of-house split when you have two people on site Why the biggest gap is CRM use—and how the title sets the wrong expectations How to design a daily schedule based on what actually matters most in your business right now When community manager IS the right title (and when it's not) The downloadable template to help you prioritize hats and write a job description that matches reality This conversation is for operators who are tired of hiring people who don't fit the role—or who lose great team members because the job wasn't what they expected. If you're about to post a job or wondering why your last hire didn't work out, this episode will help you rethink your approach. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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412. Should You Answer When IWG Calls? What Landlords Need to Know About Regus Partnership Deals
01/28/2026
412. Should You Answer When IWG Calls? What Landlords Need to Know About Regus Partnership Deals
IWG (the parent company of Regus) just cold called you about turning your office building into a coworking space—and you have no idea how to evaluate their offer. This week, Jamie Russo breaks down exactly what landlords and building owners need to know before signing a management agreement with IWG, Regus, or any other operator offering a partnership model. Spoiler: they're not calling because your building is special. They're calling because you own a building. And that distinction matters—a lot. Jamie walks through the IWG partnership model, why they're pursuing landlords so aggressively right now, and the 13 critical questions you need to ask before even considering their offer. Because while IWG is incredibly good at sales, marketing, and designing efficient spaces, their incentives are not the same as yours. We talk about: Why IWG wants dots on the map—and what that means for your building How management fees work (and why they get paid even if you don't make profit) Why smaller spaces (under 15,000 sq ft) rarely work under a management agreement What happens if the space loses money—and who covers operating expenses The termination clause question you absolutely must ask How to evaluate demand assumptions, pricing, and occupancy ramp in their proforma Why you need to validate their numbers with a third party (and how to do that) When an IWG partnership might actually make sense What other options exist beyond IWG—and why you should explore them This episode is essential listening if you're a building owner considering flex, an operator who's been approached about a partnership, or anyone trying to understand how management agreements actually work in the coworking industry. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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411. The "Why Not?" Approach: Sue Reardon on Experimenting Her Way to Success at Suite Spotte
01/07/2026
411. The "Why Not?" Approach: Sue Reardon on Experimenting Her Way to Success at Suite Spotte
What happens when a small business coach realizes her clients need more than advice—they need a place to actually work? She converts the loft she's been living in with her family into a coworking space. This week, Jamie Russo sits down with Sue Reardon, co-founder and community connector at Suite Spotte in Forest Park and La Grange, Illinois, for one of the most fascinating origin stories we've heard on this podcast. In this episode, we talk about: How Sue went from coaching micropreneurs to realizing coworking was the missing piece Why it took two years to get the Forest Park location rezoned Her "test and invest" mindset—constantly experimenting with flexible memberships Why she stopped doing evening events and started showing up with soup and wine instead The "Team Mashup" concept—bringing remote and in-office teams together This conversation is proof that coworking works best when you stay curious, listen to your members, and aren't afraid to test unconventional ideas. If you're an operator wondering how to create authentic community without forcing it, or navigating flexible memberships, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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410. The Day Pass Experience: A Checklist for Turning Drop-Ins into Long-Term Members
12/24/2025
410. The Day Pass Experience: A Checklist for Turning Drop-Ins into Long-Term Members
What happens when a coworking expert walks into a national coworking brand as a day pass user—and the experience falls flat? This week, Jamie shares her recent day pass experience and turns it into a practical checklist for operators who want to treat every day passer like a potential long-term member (because they might be). It's the holiday season, which means travelers are staying with family, needing to get work done, and looking for a place to escape for the day. Day passers might be transient—or they might become your next member, referral source, or meeting room regular. But if your onboarding process is clunky, your team isn't asking questions, and nobody offers a tour, you're leaving money (and relationships) on the table. Jamie walks through exactly what went wrong in her experience and what should have happened instead—from the moment she walked in the door to the moment she left without anyone noticing. We talk about: Why signage, parking info, and wifi instructions should be crystal clear on your website The Shop app effect: why consumers expect frictionless checkout (and how Flexspace.ai makes this possible) Why your day pass booking process should never require 20 minutes and multiple steps The power of a simple tour—even if someone's rushing to a call How to read the room and offer help without being pushy Why introducing day passers to members creates instant belonging The one question your team should always ask: "Has this person been here before?" How to use your CRM to track referral potential and pain points Why seasonal offers and meeting room packages are perfect day pass conversion tools The Enneagram lens: why some people want to be seen and others want to be left alone Designing your space so people have to pass the front desk (and why that matters) If you've been treating day passes as transient revenue instead of relationship opportunities, this episode will shift how you think about every single person who walks through your door. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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409. The Invisible Flex Model: How Andrea Pirrotti Helps Landlords Activate Space Without the Friction
12/17/2025
409. The Invisible Flex Model: How Andrea Pirrotti Helps Landlords Activate Space Without the Friction
What happens when a flex workspace veteran with decades of global experience decides the future isn't about branded coworking takeovers—but about making flex invisible so the building itself can thrive? In this episode, Andrea Pirrotti, Head of Real Estate at infinitSpace, shares her unconventional approach to helping landlords activate underutilized space without heavy CapEx, long lease-up timelines, or the friction that comes with traditional flex operators. Andrea's background is extensive—she ran global marketing for IWG across 65 countries, led operations at Office Evolution, and now she's bringing a Dutch operator's profitable, partnership-first model to the Americas. We cover: Why spec suites look like a solution but often lose money for landlords How infinitSpace's semi-white-label model (Beyond) blends into a building's existing design and brand The fatal mistakes operators make that Andrea's team capitalizes on when taking over failed spaces Why "high optics, low friction" (like a barista at the entrance) creates outsized value without blowing budgets The magic 10% rule: why every building should dedicate at least 10% of inventory to flex Why banks still don't know how to value flex revenue—and what needs to change If you're a landlord wondering whether flex makes sense for your building, or an operator curious about partnership models that actually work, this conversation is essential listening. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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408. The Power of Fractional Offices: How Vena Boddy Built The Foundry Workspaces
12/10/2025
408. The Power of Fractional Offices: How Vena Boddy Built The Foundry Workspaces
What happens when a lifelong hairstylist-turned-life-coach steps away from the salon and builds one of the most flexible, hyper-local coworking models I’ve ever seen? You get The Foundry Workspaces, created and operated by Vena Boddy, who brings an action-oriented, community-centered approach to coworking that works beautifully in her Michigan suburb. In this episode, Vena shares her unexpected journey into coworking, how her husband’s early entrepreneurial experiences inspired their model, and why she leaned fully into fractional private offices instead of the typical dedicated office or open coworking setup. If you’ve ever wondered whether part-time private offices can actually work, Vena is proof that they can—not only functionally, but profitably. We talk about: How her background as a hairstylist and certified life coach shaped her philosophy as an operator How she runs a mostly unstaffed space while still delivering a boutique, high-touch experience Why her day passes and conference room rentals have become an unexpectedly strong revenue driver The power of being embedded in the local community—especially in smaller markets Why her 24 five-star Google reviews in year one are no accident The Foundry Workspaces’ next chapter: a new workshop space coming in 2026 Vena’s story is such a refreshing reminder that coworking doesn’t have to look one certain way. You can take the space you already have, design around the needs of the people in your community, and create something that is profitable, personal, and sustainable. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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407. Building Coworking Where It Doesn’t Exist Yet: Jodie Gallant's Story
12/03/2025
407. Building Coworking Where It Doesn’t Exist Yet: Jodie Gallant's Story
What happens when a lifelong marketer and multi-business entrepreneur realizes she’s tired of working alone — and decides to build the space she wishes existed? In this episode, Jodie Gallant, CEO of WORK Lakes Region, shares the remarkable story behind launching the first coworking space of its kind in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region — and why the idea lived in her for nearly a decade before becoming real. Jodie’s journey is full of surprising turns, smart marketing insights, and honest lessons about opening a coworking space in a smaller market. We cover: How growing up inside a family-run corporate environment shaped her entrepreneurial instincts The marketing tactics that actually work in small markets (including radio and direct mail) How chambers, connectors, and partnerships accelerated her visibility What she learned about the fears people bring into coworking spaces (including what to wear) Why 60 percent of her revenue comes from day passes and meeting rooms — and how she nurtures those users If you want to understand what it really takes to open a coworking space outside a major metro — and do it with heart, clarity, and creativity — this episode is a must-listen. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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406. Planning for 2026: Themes Every Operator Should Be Thinking About
11/28/2025
406. Planning for 2026: Themes Every Operator Should Be Thinking About
In this episode, Jamie shares the key themes she’s taking into her 2026 planning — and why now is the moment to shift from working in your business to working on it. She also walks through what to expect in this year’s Q1 planning workshop and pop-up community. In this episode you'll learn: • Why “radical responsiveness” is becoming a major differentiator • How to plan for outcomes instead of tactics • What owners should keep close instead of delegating • Why carving out R&D time (especially around AI) matters • How to think realistically about projects, KPIs, and capacity Join the Q1 2026 Planning Workshop: Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Q1 2026 Planning Workshop: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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405. From Antiques to Coworking: Carol DiGiovanni’s Journey to Building onFlume Coworking
11/05/2025
405. From Antiques to Coworking: Carol DiGiovanni’s Journey to Building onFlume Coworking
What do antiques and coworking have in common? For Carol DiGiovanni, more than you’d think. Carol never set out to run a coworking space. With a degree in material culture and a long career as an accredited antiques appraiser, she loved researching the stories behind old treasures—not managing HVAC contractors or setting up a member portal. But when the pandemic hit, Carol and her husband—owners of a full city block of office space in downtown Chico, California—knew they’d need to pivot. In this episode, Carol shares her journey from antique expert to community builder, and how she’s doubled the size of onFlume Coworking while keeping it intentionally local, friendly, and low-fuss. We talk about: Why her quiet, dog-friendly coworking model works perfectly in her market How she expanded from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet (and filled it fast) Why pre-marketing matters—and what she’d do differently next time How owning the building changes her approach to pricing and expansion What she learned about patience, marketing, and negotiating from the operator’s seat If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when a building owner takes coworking into their own hands—and falls in love with it—this episode is a must-listen. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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404. When It's Time to Hire a Business Coach
10/29/2025
404. When It's Time to Hire a Business Coach
In this episode, Jamie dives deep into how to choose the right business coach for where you are in your coworking journey — whether you’re just dreaming about opening your first space or you’re years in and ready to grow profitably. She shares personal stories from her own coaching experiences, from mindset breakthroughs to painful early mistakes that could’ve been avoided with coworking-specific guidance. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why the type of coach you choose depends on your stage of business The difference between general business coaching and industry-specific coaching How a coach can accelerate decision-making, confidence, and ROI When one-on-one coaching makes sense — and when a group program is a better investment How Jamie’s early coaching experiences shaped her approach to helping coworking operators today Jamie also introduces two new coaching programs — the Revenue Playbook and the Profit Accelerator — designed specifically for coworking operators who want hands-on support, accountability, and a proven roadmap to grow and optimize their spaces. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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403. What Every Coworking Operator Should Track (and How Often)
10/15/2025
403. What Every Coworking Operator Should Track (and How Often)
Most coworking operators didn’t open their doors because they love spreadsheets — but the truth is, what gets focus gets results. In this episode, Jamie Russo breaks down the essential rhythm every coworking business needs for reviewing its numbers. You’ll learn what to track weekly, monthly, and quarterly so you can make better decisions, spot opportunities early, and grow profit with intention. No spreadsheets, no overwhelm — just a practical framework that helps you stay connected to your business and confident in your next move. In This Episode: Why your numbers aren’t something to fear — they’re your clearest path to clarity and control. The simple weekly metrics that keep you connected to your pipeline and cash flow. The monthly insights that reveal trends and show where your biggest opportunities lie. The quarterly reviews that help you see the big picture and plan with confidence. How to build a tracking habit that empowers your team and keeps you focused on results. If you’re ready to make smarter, data-informed decisions about your coworking business, join Jamie for The Coworking Scorecard: Measure What Matters, a free live event happening on October 23 at 1 PM ET. You’ll learn how your space stacks up against industry benchmarks and where to focus next for sustainable growth. 👉 Save your seat at Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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402. Gut Feel Isn’t a Strategy: How to Make Smarter Decisions With Data
10/09/2025
402. Gut Feel Isn’t a Strategy: How to Make Smarter Decisions With Data
Most coworking operators make decisions based on instinct — pricing, marketing spend, staffing, space allocation — all guided by gut feel. But when you dig into the data, it often tells a completely different story. In this episode, Jamie shares examples of how metrics can reveal blind spots that gut feel misses — like when vacant offices aren’t the real problem, or when ad spend is working but lead follow-up isn’t. You’ll learn why the right data brings confidence and clarity to your decision-making and helps you prioritize what will actually move the needle. If you’re ready to make smarter, data-informed decisions about your coworking business, join Jamie for The Coworking Scorecard: Measure What Matters, a free live event happening on October 23 at 1 PM ET. You’ll learn how your space stacks up against industry benchmarks and where to focus next for sustainable growth. 👉 Save your seat at Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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401. The Small-City Strategy: How Jeff Goronkin, CEO of Urban Co-Works, Builds Thriving Coworking Hubs
10/01/2025
401. The Small-City Strategy: How Jeff Goronkin, CEO of Urban Co-Works, Builds Thriving Coworking Hubs
Ever wondered how to build a successful coworking business in smaller markets that the big players ignore? Jeff Goronkin cracked the code by targeting overlooked cities and mastering the art of community-first growth. Key Topics Covered: How Jeff leveraged a "sandbox period" to learn coworking before committing to major investments Why targeting smaller markets (populations 50-70k) can be more profitable than competing in saturated metros The power of revenue-share lease agreements and how to negotiate them with landlords Building relationships with economic development offices to secure grants and support Why PR and community engagement are secret weapons for coworking success Smart hiring strategies for community managers who can truly own their role The importance of downtown revitalization as a core business strategy Lessons learned from expanding to three locations across NY, PA, and MA Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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400. Should I Copy the Switchyards Model?
09/24/2025
400. Should I Copy the Switchyards Model?
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: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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399. What Boutique Gyms and Play Cafes Can Teach Us About Coworking Revenue
09/17/2025
399. What Boutique Gyms and Play Cafes Can Teach Us About Coworking Revenue
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: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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398. Creating Space for Parents: Megan Donovan on Coworking + Childcare
09/10/2025
398. Creating Space for Parents: Megan Donovan on Coworking + Childcare
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: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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397. Creating Access + Community for Private Practice Professionals: Samantha Barash on The Practice Collective
09/03/2025
397. Creating Access + Community for Private Practice Professionals: Samantha Barash on The Practice Collective
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: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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396. The Hidden Cost of Settling: How to Handle a Team Member Who’s Not a Fit
08/20/2025
396. The Hidden Cost of Settling: How to Handle a Team Member Who’s Not a Fit
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 . Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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395. The "Chicken or Egg" of Opening a Coworking Space
08/14/2025
395. The "Chicken or Egg" of Opening a Coworking Space
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: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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394. Lead Sources 101: What Coworking Operators Need to Know About Brokers, Marketplaces, and More
08/06/2025
394. Lead Sources 101: What Coworking Operators Need to Know About Brokers, Marketplaces, and More
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: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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393. Speed to Lead: The Simple Habit That Closes More Deals
07/23/2025
393. Speed to Lead: The Simple Habit That Closes More Deals
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: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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