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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434. The Amenity Strategy That Won Josh Kaplan A Lease: Inside Clubhouse Work & Golf
08/12/2026
434. The Amenity Strategy That Won Josh Kaplan A Lease: Inside Clubhouse Work & Golf
What happens when a golf simulator in your garage turns into a 25,000-square-foot coworking business? For Josh Kaplan, founder of Clubhouse Work & Golf, the idea started with a group of friends wondering how hard it could be to rent a warehouse, set up a golf simulator, and have somewhere to work and play during the winter. Three years later, Clubhouse Work & Golf has its first location in Denver, sold out its 50 private offices in less than 13 months, and is opening a second location. In this episode, Josh and I talk about: How he went from an 18-year career in software to launching a coworking business Why it took nearly three years and 30–40 failed deals to finally get the first location open How golf became the hook, but hospitality and design became a much bigger part of the value proposition What Josh learned from his first location and is applying to the second Why he’s deliberately taking a conservative approach to expansion How his team has evolved as he moves away from day-to-day operations And why he believes Clubhouse Work & Golf can eventually scale beyond Denver I love Josh’s story because it’s a great example of building something genuinely differentiated instead of trying to create another version of the same coworking space. And the golf is only part of the story. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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433. Events, Sponsorships, And a Full Café: How Leslie Bailey Diversified Her Coworking Revenue (Best Of)
08/05/2026
433. Events, Sponsorships, And a Full Café: How Leslie Bailey Diversified Her Coworking Revenue (Best Of)
What if the real money in your coworking space isn't the desks at all? That's exactly what Leslie Bailey discovered running Maven Space, a 15,000-square-foot coworking space, event venue, and social club she built in downtown Indianapolis with no private offices at all. Leslie's background wasn't real estate or hospitality. Coworking operators come from all kinds of backgrounds, and hers was journalism, 15-plus years of it before she launched Indy Maven, a media company and community for women, and eventually built Maven Space around it. In this episode, we explore how Leslie diversified her coworking revenue well beyond workspace: a full event venue, an in-house commercial kitchen, and a sponsorship program she ran like an old-school magazine ad department. We talk about: Why her 15,000-square-foot space never had a single private office How a catering liquor license turned her event venue into a bigger draw Running a full commercial kitchen that served the whole building, not just members Selling sponsorships the way a magazine sells ad space, yes, even on the bathroom stalls Why her membership community is still going, even though the physical space isn't One insight that really stood out: sponsorship inventory exists in almost every coworking space, the newsletter, the walls, the events, even the stalls. Pricing it turns it into real revenue. If you're only thinking about your coworking space in terms of desks and offices, Leslie's story is a reminder of how much revenue potential sits in the rest of the building. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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432. How One Coworking Operator Turned Event Space Into a Second Revenue Engine
07/30/2026
432. How One Coworking Operator Turned Event Space Into a Second Revenue Engine
What happens when a coworking operator refuses to think small? Gina Schreck has built far more than a coworking space. Over the years, she's transformed The Village from a 10,000-square-foot workspace into a 50,000-square-foot destination that combines coworking, wellness, events, and community under one roof. In this conversation, Gina shares the story behind that growth, the risks that came with it, and the mindset that's helped her create one of the most unique coworking spaces in the industry. In this episode, we cover: How Gina expanded from 10,000 to 50,000 square feet—and why she nearly walked away from the opportunity The unexpected role her daughter played in managing the expansion Why event space has become an important part of her business model How her podcast studio supports her community What it takes to build a space that's more than just a place to work How she thinks about hospitality, community, and creating an experience members want to come back to Why understanding your ideal member shapes every decision she makes Whether you're thinking about expanding your space, adding new revenue streams, or strengthening your community, Gina offers an honest look at what's worked, what hasn't, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Connect with your Hosts:
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431. How to Maximize Meeting Room Revenue in Your Coworking Space
07/22/2026
431. How to Maximize Meeting Room Revenue in Your Coworking Space
What if your coworking website could become one of your biggest revenue drivers? That’s exactly what Eyal Lasker, Founder and CEO of Flexspace AI, is helping operators do. While many operators focus almost entirely on filling offices, Eyal believes one of the biggest opportunities for growth is optimizing everything else: meeting rooms, day passes, event space, virtual mail, and other on-demand products. In this episode, we explore why treating your website like an e-commerce platform—not just an online brochure—can dramatically increase both revenue and profitability. We talk about: Why meeting rooms are one of the most underutilized assets in coworking How online booking removes friction and creates new revenue opportunities Why great photography has a direct impact on conversion rates The surprising booking patterns operators are missing, including how many reservations happen the same day How dynamic pricing can increase revenue by balancing price and booking volume Why repeat on-demand customers become some of the highest-value users over time The role AI is playing in revenue optimization and pricing decisions Why operators should think about their websites as e-commerce engines instead of digital brochures One insight that really stood out: “Simplicity is hard to build, but it’s what drives conversion.” The easier you make it for someone to discover, book, and pay online, the more opportunities you create to monetize the space you already have. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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430. Why Your Virtual Mail Program Makes 3% and Theirs Makes 30.
07/15/2026
430. Why Your Virtual Mail Program Makes 3% and Theirs Makes 30.
What would it look like if virtual mail made up 30% of your revenue instead of two or three percent? That's the gap this episode of Everything Coworking is built around. The most profitable coworking operators aren't treating mail as a line item nobody revisits. They've built it into a real, growing piece of the business, and the difference in outcome is enormous. I paint a picture of what that looks like, then get into what separates the operators who get there from the ones who stay stuck at two or three percent. We cover: Why virtual mail deserves its own real target, not a vague sense that it should grow Why pricing every mail buyer the same flat rate leaves real money on the table, and what a good, better, best tier structure looks like instead How your Google Business Profile and website can quietly become part of the product itself, not just a place to get found Why "it's too much work" is a routine problem, not a volume problem, and the real number behind processing mail for 100 members Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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429. The Most Underused Coworking Product That Can Double Office Revenue
07/08/2026
429. The Most Underused Coworking Product That Can Double Office Revenue
What if one of the easiest ways to increase your coworking revenue… is already sitting empty in your space? Many coworking operators have offices that are difficult to fill. Maybe they're a little too large, an interior office, or they've been sitting vacant for months. The default solution is often to list them as day offices and hope for a few bookings. But there's a much more predictable way to generate revenue from those spaces. In this episode, we break down why part-time private offices are one of the most underutilized products in coworking today, and how operators are turning a single office into recurring revenue instead of relying on one-off day office bookings. In this episode, you'll learn: Why day offices leave revenue on the table How part-time private offices create predictable recurring revenue Who this product is designed for (and why demand is growing) How operators are earning significantly more from the same office The marketing, pricing, and operational considerations for launching this offer Why this can be the perfect upgrade path for coworking members who need more privacy but aren't ready for a full-time office If you have vacant offices—or members who are constantly living in your phone booths—this episode is full of practical ideas you can implement. Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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428. How the Most Profitable Coworking Spaces Generate 30 to 40% of Revenue Outside of Workspace
07/02/2026
428. How the Most Profitable Coworking Spaces Generate 30 to 40% of Revenue Outside of Workspace
Most coworking operators think they have a sales problem. What they actually have is a revenue mix problem. If almost all of your revenue comes from private offices and coworking memberships, you're making it much harder to build a highly profitable business. The most profitable operators I work with don't stop at workspace revenue. They build multiple revenue streams that continue to grow alongside their memberships. In this episode, I break down: Why the most profitable coworking spaces generate 30–40% of their revenue from non-workspace products The revenue opportunities many operators are overlooking, including meeting rooms, virtual mail, and event space A side-by-side comparison showing how two nearly identical coworking spaces can end up with dramatically different profit margins Why optimizing your offices is only part of the equation if you want a high-margin business The biggest mistakes operators make when selling ancillary products online Practical ways to improve your e-commerce experience, SEO, Google Business Profile, and marketing so these revenue streams actually grow The biggest takeaway? You don't need more square footage to increase profitability. You need to maximize the revenue potential of the space you already have. Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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427. The Coworking Operator Blind Spot: Small Details That Impact Revenue, Retention, and Conversions
06/24/2026
427. The Coworking Operator Blind Spot: Small Details That Impact Revenue, Retention, and Conversions
I was traveling in Europe last week and found myself doing what I always end up doing on trips like this… quietly auditing hospitality systems everywhere I go. Not in a formal way. Just noticing what works, what breaks, and what quietly shapes the experience. And a lot of it translates directly into coworking. This episode is a little different — it’s a solo reflection from the road — but I wanted to share a few observations that came up along the way. In this episode, I talk about: Why small hospitality gaps (like not actually offering a welcome drink that’s sitting right there) change the entire first impression What “good on paper” partnerships look like vs. what actually gets experienced on the ground (gyms, tours, amenities) How easily premium spaces lose quality when no one is actively “seeing” the details anymore (dirty tables, unused areas, neglected touchpoints) The difference between teams that are executing tasks vs. teams that are anticipating guest experience A tour experience that felt completely transactional — and what was missing to turn it into real connection A hotel that got the details right in a way you only notice when you slow down enough to pay attention The overarching theme was simple: anticipation is what separates good hospitality from forgettable execution. And in coworking spaces, it shows up in the exact same way. If you’re running a space, this is worth a quiet audit of your own systems this week. Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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426. The Coworking Pre-Launch Strategy That Filled 30% of a Space Before Opening
06/03/2026
426. The Coworking Pre-Launch Strategy That Filled 30% of a Space Before Opening
What does it really take to build a coworking space that becomes a community asset, not just another office? That was one of my favorite conversations with Rob Archer, CEO of Codebase Coworking in Charlottesville, Virginia. Rob has built something special. Codebase sits inside a larger entrepreneurial ecosystem designed to attract talent, support founders, and strengthen the local community. What struck me most was how intentional every decision has been. We talked about the reality of balancing financial responsibility with a bigger mission. Rob doesn't shy away from the numbers. In fact, he broke down coworking economics better than most MBA professors. But he also understands that some of the most valuable parts of a coworking space can't be measured on a spreadsheet. From giving more than 70 hard hat tours before opening, to building deep relationships throughout Charlottesville, to creating a member mix that reflects the broader business community, Rob has shown what's possible when you lead with both strategy and service. We also dug into: How to think about coworking profitability when your vision is bigger than revenue alone Why understanding your market matters more than copying someone else's model The lessons Rob learned launching a 20,000 sq. ft. coworking space Building occupancy before opening day Developing community managers and investing in your team Creating a coworking experience that attracts and retains local talent If you're building a coworking space, this episode is packed with practical insights on growth, positioning, community engagement, and long-term sustainability. And if you've ever wondered whether coworking can be both profitable and deeply connected to its community, Rob's story is a masterclass. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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425. What This Operator Did Differently When He Rebuilt His Coworking Business in a New Market
05/20/2026
425. What This Operator Did Differently When He Rebuilt His Coworking Business in a New Market
Some coworking operators close one space and swear they’ll never do it again. Matt Irvin closed his first coworking space during COVID...packed up his family, drove from California to Chicago in the middle of the pandemic...and opened another one anyway. Matt and I go way back to our CrossFit days in the Bay Area. We used to do Murph together, and I still remember him air squatting faster than everyone else while we talked about his idea to open a coworking space in Menlo Park. At the time, he and his wife Meg were trying to solve a very real problem: how do you create beautiful, welcoming workspace for therapists and small businesses without the cold, corporate feel? That idea became Cocial in Menlo Park. Then came COVID. This episode is packed with gems for operators: How Matt turned a massive curved-window flex space into an events business with 100+ events a year Why community matters more than ever in suburban coworking markets What operators miss when they focus only on desks and offices instead of creating a culture people want to belong to How he bootstrapped both spaces, negotiated free rent and TI, and built the first location himself with “burritos and beers” labor One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how much heart Matt brings to the business. You can feel how deeply he cares about creating spaces where people feel comfortable, connected, and supported. If you’re thinking about suburban coworking, events, hospitality, or simply what it takes to start over and build again, this one is worth your time. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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424. Google Reviews: What Coworking Spaces Must Stop Doing Immediately
05/12/2026
424. Google Reviews: What Coworking Spaces Must Stop Doing Immediately
If your coworking space lost its Google Business Profile tomorrow… how long would it take before your pipeline dried up? That might sound dramatic, but after digging into Google’s latest review policy changes, I don’t think it is. Google quietly rolled out major updates in April that completely change how coworking operators can ask for reviews. And some of the tactics many of us have used for years? They now violate policy. This episode is a wake-up call for coworking operators because your Google Business Profile is not just another marketing channel. It is the top of the funnel for your business. It drives local search visibility, social proof, SEO, and ultimately leads. I recorded this episode immediately after learning about these changes because the implications are huge. If your automations, signage, onboarding materials, or team scripts are out of compliance, you could start losing reviews… or worse, lose review functionality altogether. In this episode, I walk through: - The 8 major Google review policy changes coworking operators need to know right now - Why common review strategies are suddenly risky - How to audit your automations, QR codes, onboarding materials, and CRM workflows - What Google’s AI enforcement tools are actually looking for - The safer, compliant ways to continue generating reviews and protecting your search visibility If your coworking business depends on local search traffic (and it does), this is one of the most important episodes I’ve recorded this year. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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423. From Underwater to 95% Occupied: A Coworking Turnaround Story
05/06/2026
423. From Underwater to 95% Occupied: A Coworking Turnaround Story
What would you do if you bought a coworking space that was losing money… on purpose? That’s exactly what Lea Latham did. She walked into a 13,000 square foot executive suite business that was underwater, knowing full well she’d likely have to take it over. And when the time came? She moved into her RV, parked it outside, and got to work. I loved this conversation with Lea because it’s such a real look at what it actually takes to turn a space around: Making the hard call to replace a team member (and wishing you’d done it sooner) Installing systems, structure, and accountability from scratch Leaning into technology to create visibility and control Understanding that relationships matter—but they’re not everything And focusing on the fundamentals that so many operators overlook (like actually responding to leads…) I’ve had the privilege of working with Lea through our programs, and she is exactly the kind of operator you want in this industry: curious, decisive, and willing to take action. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could take over an underperforming space and turn it into something profitable… this episode will give you a very honest look at what that actually requires. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Everything Coworking Featured Resources: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space
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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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