Our guest on this episode is Kane Willmott, co-founder and CEO of IQ Offices and a prominent figure in the flex office industry.

We dive into Kane's journey from aspiring accountant to leading the largest Canadian-owned coworking operator.

The dialogue covers the intricacies of the flex office market, the impact of COVID-19, and the evolution of coworking models. Kane also shares his personal journey into triathlons and marathons, highlighting the parallels between personal challenges and entrepreneurial resilience.

We also talk about the importance of community and mentorship within the coworking industry, offering valuable insights into the future of work spaces and the enduring power of passionate involvement in one's work.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Kane Willmott on LinkedIn

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Jarred Schenke is a flexible office/coworking reporter for Bisnow. His job is to cover industry news from a variety of vantage points.

He shares his informed, but outside-the-industry insight on Yardi's acquisition of WeWork.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Follow Jarred on BisNow

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

In this comprehensive conversation, Ben Wright discusses his journey in the flex space industry, including his promotion to Global Head of Partnerships at Instant and his thoughts on the dynamic shifts in coworking spaces. The discussion touches on the challenges of acquisitions and consolidating the industry, with a special focus on the recent acquisition of WeWork by Yardi. Ben emphasizes the importance of understanding business value from both a buyer's and seller's perspective, the role of curiosity, trusting others, and taking personal risks in professional growth. Additionally, the conversation covers strategies for regional operators and the impact of digital platforms on the industry. Personal anecdotes, including Ben's reflections on life changes and advice he would give to his younger self, provide a holistic view of his journey in the flex space and beyond.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Ben on LinkedIn

The Instant Group website

Kurt on LinkedIn

Essensys website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Michael Feinstein opened his first location in Miami’s midtown…before coworking was popular and before midtown was cool. Michael had been living in London where office space was intentionally designed. He was surprised when he moved to Miami and discovered that office space was pretty bland and uninspiring. He decided that Miami needed an upgrade and he would try to provide it. Eight locations later, Buro has built a brand known for…great office space. Thoughtful design, great lighting, compelling locations…and touches of hospitality Michael brings from his pre-coworking background.

Michael shares how his international travel influenced the design of his locations, his real estate structure for each his eight locations, why he keeps his team lean, and more.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Michael on LinkedIn

Büro website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

• Brandon on LinkedIn

• Ryan Dononhue on LinkedIn

• REKalibrate website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

We talk to Nick about:

• How his experience in traditional commercial real estate as a broker shaped his vision for an easier leasing process.

• How his first ten hires and the startup culture of their early days shaped their culture.

• Nick’s penchant for experimenting/pushing the envelope with…bespoke design, adding a coffee brand to their portfolio, buying a fitness brand, setting up a meeting room in an AirStream…and pursuing an asset-light business model through landlord partnerships.

• How he thinks that there will be a segment of people that will pay a premium for really great service/hospitality and design.

• His admission that he built Commondesk to live forever and had no plan to sell it until the pandemic created obstacles they just couldn’t overcome on their own.

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Nick on LinkedIn

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast

Lawrence Gellerstedt (LG) is the Managing Director + ATL Boss @ Foundry Commercial.

We talk to LG about:

• His transformative time at WeWork

• His journey as an entrepreneur starting his own boutique brokerage firm

• His bet on the Switchyards, a 24/7 neighborhood work club

• His commitment to being genuine and authentic

• His transparency about mental health struggles

• The tradeoffs he’s willing to make at work to keep his family a top priority

Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:

Lawrence on LinkedIn

Foundry Commercial website

Connect with your Hosts:

Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast