In the Spotlight: Industrious Coworking
You'll quickly realise with an online search that Industrious coworking is a big deal in America, on par with flex space bigwigs such as WeWork. However, these guys operate on a different business model - something we'll get to later.
CEO and founder Jamie Hodari describes his empire as redefining the workplace experience. By exploring avenues to improve flex spaces and make them suitable for every company and professional, not just in the USA but the world at large, the entrepreneur has turned the industry upside-down.
This article looks at how Industrious coworking transpired, what makes it different from the rest and what the future holds (spoiler: it looks pretty bright).
The vision
Industrious was born out of frustration and embarrassment when its founder Jamie Hodari, uncomfortable about bringing his partners to his coworking space, settled for a coffee shop instead. For some, this may be an all-too-familiar feeling, where one’s local coworking space, for all its merits, isn't a place for serious business or all-day concentration.
Stereotypical coworking spaces, synonymous with bright and buzzing open spaces geared for collaboration and instilled with a fun and vibrant office atmosphere, don't always consider different work styles.
Knowing there had to be an alternative to the archetypal coworking space, Hodari came up with Industrious, a sort of hybrid flexible workspace provider.
With over 100 locations in 50 cities, Industrious coworking has successfully created diversified offices nationwide by merging collaborative areas with private spaces to work sedately and impress visitors.
Offering shared meeting points for casual conversation and individual work hubs you can be proud of, Industrious is a game-changer and major disruptor in real estate.
With over 100 locations in 50 cities, Industrious has successfully created diversified offices nationwide by merging collaborative areas with private spaces to work sedately and impress visitors.
What makes Industrious different?
Industrious are serviced-orientated. Their vision is to operate like a hotel, not only with its upscale offerings, modern amenities and a wide array of office setups but how these spaces are being managed behind the scenes and front of house.
Industrious go above and beyond to make their clients happy, from offering friendly smiles at reception and stockpiling the kitchens with beverages to running business-related errands.
Even during the early stages of COVID, Industrious worked hard to improve members' workdays with services extending beyond an office's four walls. One shining example of this is their partnership with Continuous, a COVID-19 response program that supplied lifestyle, wellness and health services to help people adapt to their strange, new working environments at home.
Other ways employees are at the forefront of Industrious coworking are that they're empowered to say how they work and from where. This way of thinking existed pre-pandemic and has been further emphasised as we set our sights on a post-COVID world.
Industrious go above and beyond to make their clients happy, from offering friendly smiles at reception and stockpiling the kitchens with beverages to running business-related errands.
How has Industrious cowokring remained on top during a tough 2020?
Industrious' business model and philosophies differ from their competitors. Instead of signing leases with different landlords, more robust partnership agreements are being forged instead. This has worked to their advantage during a rocky past year.
Their most recent venture has been to join forces with Cushman and Wakefield, a dominating commercial real estate services firm.
Industrious' modus operandi during these trying times has been to convert unused retail space throughout America into beautifully, carefully designed workspaces by cooperating with landlords and following a revenue share model.
To that end, Industrious coworking are specialists in developing partnerships with companies, imparting their expertise onto larger firms looking to build and manage efficient workspaces.
It’s a win-win for both sides, Industrious have experienced untapped growth in the flex space market and their partners are the receivers of invaluable support.
How does the future look for Industrious?
Before the pandemic hit, the coworking scene enjoyed the fruits of its success. Since 2010, the sector has averaged a 23% growth rate yearly, which was expected to reach 30% before life as we knew it changed.
Sadly, many have shuttered their doors with the onslaught of COVID, and the introduction of anti-epidemic measures have jeopardised the very essence of community-based offices.
Where the industry as a whole is taking enormous strain in 2020, Industrious has seemingly thrived by doing what they do best: being innovative. As pioneers for the term "offices that work from anywhere", Industrious quickly sprang into action.
With people tired of the work-from-home-novelty that hard lockdowns brought, they're looking to return to the office in some shape or form at some point. The demand is there but is taking a different tack. Alternative workspace solutions to traditional offices have taken precedence and
Industrious has been listening.
Now more than ever, employees have a say in where they'd like to work and to what capacity; some choosing to work at flexible workspaces closer to home. By offering multiple locations across America, Industrious coworking turns these visions into reality.
Moreover, people miss the office but only want to come back in bite-size chunks. Because of this, short-term rentals supersede long-term leasing. With Industrious' various memberships, you have the option to book flexible workspaces on the days you feel like coming in anywhere in the country.
What are Industrious current workspace solutions?
Coworking setups featuring overcrowded offices are on their way out for safer options that follow health protocols.
Industrious's focus has always been to people and companies in different growth stages in flex spaces that prioritise community with privacy. Whether you're a dedicated professional needing a desk, a small team after an enclosed space or something more extensive, you'll have your everyday needs attended to in private rooms.
By signing up, you're at the receiving end of all-inclusive amenities, plenty of business support, plus access to share common areas for coffees and a socially distanced chat.
Whatever tenants decide on, they're guaranteed design-led workspaces they'd be proud to showcase and from where they're at their most productive.
Whether you're a dedicated professional needing a desk, a small team after an enclosed space or something more extensive, you'll have your everyday needs attended to in private rooms.
Why we love Industrious
We love Industrious because, like us, they’re people-orientated and service-driven. It’s not about the paycheck that keeps Industrious going, but the strive to form strong relationships built on trust with landlords and tenants - which is something Office Hub ascribes to firmly.
Industrious is also passionate about the industry, something our team can relate to strongly. They’re experts in their sector and only want to make the flex space scene more accommodating for everyone!
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3 conference rooms, deck on 3rd floor for members and guests, speakeasy
"Conveniently located in the heart of Downtown LA, walking distance from the 7th and Metro Station Industrious is located on the 5th floor, with stunning downtown city view Fitness center with full locker room, towel service & showers Large conference
