Building Community-Focused Coworking Spaces in Small Towns with Brandon Houston

In this episode of the This Week In Coworking podcast, host Hector Kolonas chats with Brandon Houston, the driving force behind Collingwood Foundry.

Brandon shares his journey from starting a coworking space in Chatham to shaping a vibrant community in Collingwood, Ontario.

Get more details and links in the official show notes at TWIC.co/smalltowns

Discover the unique challenges and opportunities of operating a coworking space in a small town, and learn about innovative strategies for building strong communal ties, leveraging local partnerships, and automating operations to maintain a personal touch.

Whether you're a coworking space operator or someone interested in community building, Brandon's insights offer valuable lessons on fostering authentic connections in rural environments.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:40 Brandon's Coworking Journey

01:57 Why Collingwood?

03:03 Collingwood's Community and Evolution

04:38 Key Takeaways from Coworking Canada Talk

05:44 Building Connections at Collingwood Foundry

08:25 Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Coworking

09:16 Revenue Opportunities in Rural Coworking

11:56 Automation and Technology in Coworking

16:05 Balancing Full-Time and Drop-In Members

20:27 Advice for Aspiring Coworking Space Owners

25:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this weekly recap episode of This Week in Coworking, hosts Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa celebrate surpassing 1 million clicks on the newsletter and discuss the implications and insights from this milestone. 

Follow along with Week 43’s newsletter at https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-43-2025/

They share experiences from the Global Workspace Association's annual conference in Chicago, featuring key conversations with industry leaders Anna Squires Levine and Jessie Glew. The episode dives into the value of community in coworking, the challenges in capital markets, and strategies for making coworking spaces more accessible. They also touch on the rise of new apps and aggregators in the coworking space, and the importance of benchmarking data for better valuation and growth. Stay tuned for exciting future collaborations and live interviews from Coworking Europe 2025 in Berlin.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:25 Celebrating 1 Million Clicks

02:36 Sponsorship and Digital Mail Solutions

03:40 Highlights from GWA Conference

06:20 Industry Insights and Capital Markets

08:21 Upcoming Coworking Europe Event

10:28 Challenges in Coworking Accessibility

19:40 The Future of Coworking Spaces

26:41 Conclusion and Newsletter Highlights

In this episode of 'This Week In Coworking,' from the Global Workspace Association Conference, we welcome back Jessie Glew, who shares exciting updates.

Jessie discusses their innovative approaches to coworking and other space partnerships, such as BubbaDesk, a creche facility allowing parents to work while caring for their children.

Additionally, insights are shared on the partnerships with health spaces and the launch of a flexible kitchen space. Get more links and notes in the official show notes at https://twic.co/otherspacesListen in to learn how these initiatives are enhancing member retention and expanding community engagement. Get valuable takeaways on integrating auxiliary services to create a holistic coworking environment.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Global Workspace Association Conference00:50 Innovative Coworking Solutions01:44 BubbaDesk Partnership04:32 Exploring Health Spaces05:30 Launching Flexible Kitchens11:12 Future of Coworking and Adjacent Industries14:14 Conclusion and Future Plans

Just minutes after taking the stage at the 2025 Global Workspace Association conference in Chicago, Anna Squires-Levine explores human connection & leadership in coworking with Hector Kolonas.

This episode of This Week in Coworking was recorded from Preferred Office Network’s Lounge at the conference.

Anna shares her perspectives on the importance of human connection in coworking environments, recounts her unique journey from consulting to leading a major coworking company, and provides invaluable advice on leadership. We also dive into the impact of the CBRE acquisition on Industrious and hear about exciting developments such as the introduction of the firm’s new Indy space offering. 

To get the show notes, and more links, hop over to https://twic.co/anna

Don't miss out on Anna's fascinating insights and experiences!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:22 Keynote Takeaways and Human Connection

02:15 Anna's Journey to Leadership

03:22 Leadership Advice for Aspiring Leaders

04:56 CBRE Acquisition and Its Impact

06:47 Expanding to New Markets

07:35 Early Days and Business Strategy

09:09 Key Metrics for Coworking Success

11:35 Indy Spaces and Upcycling Offices

12:53 Misconceptions in the CRE World

14:43 Conclusion and Future Plans

Welcome back to 'This Week In Coworking' with your host Hector Kolonas. In this episode, Hector sits down with Greg Miley, who has an extensive career in the coworking industry, having worked at companies like Flexioffices, Instant, WeWork, Kits, Desana, and now Clockwise.

Get all the links and show notes at https://TWIC.co/everyseat

Greg shares insights into his career progression, the evolution of the coworking industry since 2013, and the increasing opportunities for growth and learning within it.

The conversation delves into the challenges and changes in the market, including the rapid adoption of flexible workspaces by corporate enterprises and the need for better alignment and understanding between brokers and operators.

Greg also discusses his new role at Clockwise, the company's growth plans, and the strategic approach to serving their members. Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that explores the dynamic world of coworking.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:32 Greg Miley's Career Journey

02:37 Career Growth and Opportunities in Coworking

03:39 Changes in the Coworking Industry

10:18 Corporate Adoption of Flexible Workspaces

12:25 Understanding Different Roles in the Industry

15:26 Incentive Misalignment in Flexible Workspaces

16:10 Challenges and Misalignment in Broker Commissions

18:54 The Role and Value of Brokers in the Industry

21:04 Standardization and Future of Workspace Operations

23:01 Joining Clockwise: Motivations and Goals

25:43 Future Plans and Iterative Improvements

27:54 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Join Mike LaRosa and Hector Kolonas, along with special guest Sophia Stolberg from Piloto, as they discuss week 41 of 2025 in the coworking industry. 

Follow along with this week’s newsletter at https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-41-2025/

This episode dives into FreedomFromSqFt.com, a new hub for making coworking spaces more profitable through various business lines beyond just square footage, highlighting the success of virtual offices. The conversation then shifts to AI innovations, specifically OpenAI's integration of major apps into ChatGPT, and what this means for the coworking industry. They also discuss the recent closure of Google's Madrid campus and the potential opportunities it creates for local coworking operators. In addition, the episode explores NORNORM’s circular economy furniture model and its implications for coworking spaces. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:51 Courses and Offerings at FreedomFromSqFt

04:51 OpenAI's New Integration with ChatGPT

05:49 Implications of AI for Coworking Spaces

16:43 Google Campus Closures and Opportunities

21:10 Circular Economy in Furniture for Coworking Spaces

26:21 Challenges and Opportunities in Flex Spaces

28:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Join us as we go behind the news with Alison Rogers from Blush Cowork.

Learn about Alison's journey in creating Blush Cowork during the pandemic to meet her own childcare needs while working from home.

Grab the show notes and more at https://TWIC.co/covencary

Discover the exciting milestones they have achieved, including winning the Lenovo Evolve Small Award and the NCID Ecosystem Grant Award.

Alison shares the challenges of managing a coworking community alone and announces her exciting new partnership with The Coven, a move aimed at expanding her support network and community offerings.

Don't miss out on hearing how this partnership will shape the future of coworking with childcare in Cary and beyond.

00:00 Introduction to Alison Rogers and Blush Cowork

00:31 Alison's Journey to Creating Blush Cowork

01:40 Achievements and Recognition

03:56 Challenges in Building Blush Cowork

05:35 Expansion and Franchising with The Coven

12:47 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'This Week In Coworking,' host Hector welcomes Bryce Hill, an experienced coworking space operator from Colorado.

See this week's newsletter: https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-40-2025/They discuss recent merger and acquisition activities within the coworking industry, including the sale of an Office Evolution location in Longmont and the acquisition of a Venture X space in Denver South. The conversation also covers innovative networking concepts, the importance of EOS smart goals, and operational efficiencies. Bryce provides insights into the benefits of a reciprocal membership program within the Ohana Network and shares some unique networking event ideas. Tune in for an insightful discussion about the coworking industry's growth, challenges, and exciting developments.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:20 Bryce's Role in the Coworking World00:43 Merger and Acquisition Activities01:04 New Guest Co-Host Program02:05 Bryce's Recent Transactions05:47 The Ohana Network and Reciprocal Memberships15:18 Challenges and Benefits of Networking Events20:40 Operational Efficiency and EOS System26:18 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Join Hector as he interviews Tim Slaughter from Caddo Office Reimagined on a special Behind The News episode of the This Week In Coworking podcast. 

For more links and full show notes head over to https://TWIC.co/tim

Dive into Tim's journey from traditional office space to coworking, the challenges and successes along the way, and the impact of technology in the coworking industry. Explore their innovative approach, vertical integration, and insights on the future of coworking. Whether you're interested in real estate, coworking, or business growth, this episode offers valuable lessons and reflections.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:31 Celebrating 16 Years in Business

01:19 Diving into Coworking

01:34 The First Building Purchase

02:38 Managing Multiple Tenants

03:56 Transition to Coworking

04:48 Acquiring Jager Office Suites

07:56 Embracing Technology in Coworking

10:55 Marketing Strategies in Coworking

16:12 What Hasn't Changed in Coworking

16:56 Challenges with Large Clients

17:17 The Value of Small Businesses

18:02 Human Connection in Business

19:24 Caddo's Business Model

21:49 Financial Strategies and Market Trends

24:43 The Future of Coworking Spaces

30:42 Technological Trends and Self-Service

32:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

Join Hector Kolonas and guest co-host Ethan Laub from ⁨OfficeRnD as they break down the highlights of the coworking industry for week 39 of 2025.

Follow along with the newsletter and links at https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-39-2025/In this episode, they discuss AI adjustments, shifts in coworking spaces, a tech report from OfficeRnD, and the balance between hospitality and hosting. They also touch on a unique case study about running a coworking space remotely due to unexpected circumstances, as well as key news from WeWork and the coworking market in India. Dive into emerging trends in AI adoption, the importance of seamless tech integration, and how coworking spaces can optimize their operations. Plus, get a sneak peek into exciting upcoming events and much more.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:29 Overview of This Week's Topics01:13 OfficeRnD Tech Stack Survey Report03:39 Challenges in Tech Integration06:17 Emerging Trends in Coworking Tech08:18 AI and Automation in Coworking11:03 Balancing Hosting and Hospitality15:45 Remote Operations and Automation21:48 Global Coworking Market Insights23:03 WeWork's Network Expansion24:26 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

In this Behind the News episode, host Hector Kolonas interviews Wybo Wijnbergen & Andrea Pirrotti-Dranchak from InfinitSpace about their unique approach to coworking spaces. See the full(er) show notes at https://twic.co/privatelabelflexTheir mission focuses on fostering human connection and creating vibrant communities by partnering with landlords to provide flexible workspace solutions. The duo discusses their backgrounds in the coworking industry, with Wybo bringing experience from WeWork and Andrea from Regus (and 30+ other operators). They elaborate on InfinitSpace’s innovative model that integrates technology and enhances user experience, while also maintaining partnership with landlords. The conversation highlights InfinitSpace’s ambitious growth plans and the importance of adapting to market demands to create positive impacts in various locales.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:48 InfinitSpace Mission and Vision02:42 Andrea and Wybo's Background in Coworking07:12 InfinitSpace's Unique Model and Partnerships18:31 Future Plans and Expansion25:08 Technology and Innovation in Flexible Workspaces32:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this Weekly Recap episode of This Week in Coworking, hosts Mike LaRosa and Hector Kolonas are joined by guest co-host Anne Olsen, Director of Coworking at the Domain Companies. 

Follow along with Week 38’s newsletter at https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-38-2025/

The discussion covers a range of topics, starting with Ann’s update on The Shop BK’s new Brooklyn location and its innovative community-focused features, including art studios.

The podcast also delves into strategic insights on swag, sharing perspectives on whether it should be given away or sold.

Hector and Mike examine recent market moves from companies like Industrious and Convene, and they tackle the data on member acquisition timelines.

Tune in for a comprehensive recap of the latest coworking trends and strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:42 This Week's Newsletter Highlights

01:30 Spotlight on The Shop Brooklyn

04:05 Art Studios and Community Focus

06:07 Data Insights: Member Sign-Up Trends

11:06 Debate: The Value of Swag

20:20 Market Moves and Industry Trends

27:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Weekly Coworking Recap: Franchise Moves, AI Developments, and Coworking Insights

In this week's episode, hosts Mike LaRosa and Hector Kolonas recap notable happenings in the coworking industry. They discuss the hectic week that led to 35 items in their newsletter, touching on back-to-work trends, AI advancements, and market moves. 

Follow along with Week 33’s newsletter at https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-33-2025/

Highlights include parallels between coworking and the hotel industry, the importance of non-traditional deal structures, and leveraging digital mail services. They dive into franchise news, including Blush Cowork joining The Coven and Office Evolution's expansion into Canada. They also spotlight new and reopening coworking spaces like BLANKSPACES in Santa Monica and Switchyards in Houston. The episode wraps up with insights into AI's impact on coworking spaces and the potential of local AI training to revolutionize the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap

01:22 Sponsor Shoutout and Congratulations

02:28 Hotels and Coworking: A Deep Dive

07:00 AI Innovations in Coworking

16:52 Franchise and Market Moves

21:44 Closing Remarks and Announcements

In this week's coworking recap, hosts Mike LaRosa and Hector Kolonas are joined by guest Shane Lee from Vast Coworking to discuss franchise developments, industry trends, and emerging technologies. 

Follow along with Week 31’s newsletter at https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-31-2025/

The episode covers Vast Coworking's partnership with DenSwap to streamline coworking space transactions, celebrates OfficeRnD's 10th anniversary along with their founder’s big promotion, and highlights Africa Works' ranking as Africa's fifth fastest-growing company. Insights from Yardi's commercial real estate data and challenges in engaging enterprise clients are also discussed. Additionally, the potential of AI agents to optimize coworking operations is explored.

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap Overview

01:04 Special Guest: Shane Lee from VAs Coworking

01:48 VAs Coworking and Den Swap Partnership

02:22 Franchise Expansion and Opportunities

07:43 Celebrations and Achievements in Coworking

11:36 Insights from the Leasing Market

19:42 Engaging Enterprise Accounts

24:52 AI Agents in Coworking Management

27:35 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Exploring Coworking Insights: Breaks, Funding, and Industry InnovationsIn this episode of 'This Weekend Coworking,' hosts Hector Kolonas and Mike LaRosa cover essential coworking industry updates. Follow along with Week 30’s newsletter at https://thisweekincoworking.com/week-30-2025/They discuss strategies for taking breaks, a significant $20 million funding round in the industry, a Romanian firm's new categorization of coworking spaces, ad revenue opportunities from digital signage, and ideas for celebrating International Coworking Day.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:34 Weekly Highlights and Personal Updates01:22 Sponsor Spotlight: Syncaroo02:20 Taking Breaks and Mental Health Tips04:21 Market Study on Coworking Spaces09:27 Kadence’s $20 Million Raise13:26 Revenue from Digital Signage Ads21:48 Celebrating International Coworking Day23:25 Conclusion and Sign-Off

In this episode of our Unpacking APAC: Australia mini-series, host Tashi Dorjee, a startup enthusiast and head of Flex for Australasia at JLL, chats with Ashneel (Ash) Sharma, a senior customer success manager at OfficeRnD, about the evolving dynamics of flex workspace tech. We learn about Ash's journey from corporate real estate to PropTech, explore the impact of AI and data on workspace optimization, and discover innovative ways coworking operators are navigating through challenges in a post-COVID world. From private offices to event spaces, this episode is packed with insights into maximizing revenue and enhancing member experiences in today's flex workspace industry.Learn more about the Unpacking APAC miniseries at https://twic.co/apacThis pilot miniseries was brought to you by ⁨essensys⁩, officernd⁩ , and ⁨Syncaroo⁩

Hector Kolonas introduces our first phase of Coworking People.

See the full list at https://TWIC.co/people

Join us in building personal brand profiles at https://TWIC.co/creators

In this episode of the Unpacking APAC miniseries, host Tashi Dorjee sits down with Kasia Stelmach, the New South Wales Manager at tech coworking hub, ⁨Stone & Chalk, and flex workspace strategist and community consultant.

This discussion is part of our Unpacking APAC: Australia mini-series.

Get more info about the miniseries and other episodes at https://unpackingapac.com

Officernd, Essensys, and Syncaroo are presenting sponsors of this miniseries.⁩

They discuss the evolution of coworking and flex spaces, touching on the history from cubicles to dynamic work environments.

Kasia shares insights on how the design and purpose of workspaces have shifted over the decades and the critical role these spaces will play in the future of work. They also examine the broader social and economic implications of flexible spaces and how these environments foster innovation and collaboration across various industries.

Tune in to explore the fascinating journey of coworking and the exciting possibilities lying ahead!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Host Introduction

00:21 Sponsor Messages

01:01 Guest Introduction: Kasia Stelmach

01:20 Discussion on Flex Workspace Evolution

01:27 Camera Choices and Tech Talk

02:21 The Future of Workspace Design

12:14 Elastic and Malleable Workspaces

16:34 Impact of Working from Home and Future of Flex Spaces

19:33 Balancing Remote and On-Site Work

20:57 The Rise of Libraries as Workspaces

22:58 Economic and Social Impact of Flexible Workspaces

25:10 The Role of Flex in Urban Development

32:16 Stone & Chalk: Nurturing Tech Innovation

38:11 Closing Thoughts on the Future of Workspaces