Meet Forge Ambassador Catrice Pruitt

Meet Forge Ambassador Catrice Pruitt

We are excited to introduce our newest Forge Ambassador, Catrice Pruitt!

 

Catrice Pruitt

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

 

A native of Fairfield, Alabama, Catrice is pursuing her Ph.D in Early Childhood Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She completed her Masters in Early Childhood Education at Alabama State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Miles College.
With 15+ years of experience in early childhood education, Catrice uses her expertise to mentor, motivate and educate child care directors, advocate for our youngest learners on Capitol Hill alongside the Women’s Foundation of Alabama and Voices for Alabama’s Children. She is also transcending into other ventures such as finance and health and well-being to help evoke community impact and economic power.

What brought you to Forge?

 

The opportunity to grow professionally and personally, while making new connections.

What are you looking forward to about working at Forge?

 

Learning more about co-working spaces and how to best meet the needs of clients in this setting. Also, making new connections and knowing what services are in the Magic City.

What do you do when you are not working at Forge?

 

Catrice works at a local nonprofit making quality childcare happen for our youngest learners. In her spare time, you can find Catrice active with several committees and focus groups, serving on several Board of Directors, leading several peer groups such as the W.E.D.N (Women Entrepreneurs & Directors Network), mentoring future leaders in 21st Century Skills readiness, reading and listening to audio books, and serving at my church.
You can also find her at local eateries, coffee shops, Barnes & Noble, and most importantly, spending time with her greatest joy, her daughter Erin.

If you could choose to do anything for the day, what would you choose to do?

 

Spend the day in another country enjoying the food and learning the culture.

What is your favorite thing about Birmingham?

 

The legacy of Birmingham and the people who helped shape it.
Level Up Your Work Game in 2025: 5 Reasons to Try Coworking This Year

Level Up Your Work Game in 2025: 5 Reasons to Try Coworking This Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to rethink how and where you work. If you’re ready to elevate your productivity and make 2025 your most successful year yet, it might be time to step out of your home office or local coffee shop and into a coworking space. Forge might be perfect for you if you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur or remote worker.

 

Here are five reasons why coworking at Forge could be the game-changer you need:

 

1. Boost Your Productivity

 

The environment you work in plays a huge role in how productive you are. Coworking spaces are designed to minimize distractions and provide everything you need to focus. With access to high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable workstations, and quiet zones for deep work, Forge helps you get more done in less time.

 

Pro Tip: Use our phone booths for private calls or virtual meetings so you can stay professional and uninterrupted.

 

 

 

2. Say Goodbye to Isolation

 

Remote work can get lonely, but coworking spaces offer the best of both worlds: independence and community. At Forge, you’ll meet like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives who understand your journey. Who knows? You might even make a business connection or two over coffee.

 

 

 

 

3. Access to Professional Perks

 

Coworking spaces aren’t just about desks. At Forge, you can book conference rooms for team meetings, use our event spaces for presentations, and enjoy amenities like complimentary coffee and snacks. These perks add a layer of professionalism to your workday that you simply can’t get at home.

 

 

 

4. Save Money and Stay Flexible

 

Leasing a traditional office can be costly and binding. Forge offers flexible membership options—including our special 25% off deal for January and February —so you can tailor your workspace to your budget and needs. Whether you need a dedicated desk or occasional access, there’s an option for everyone.

 

 

 

5. Fuel Your Creativity and Motivation

 

Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need to spark new ideas and stay motivated. The energy at Forge is contagious, with a mix of professionals from different industries bringing fresh perspectives and inspiration to the table. Not to mention we have monthly Member Only events so you can get connected to the community!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Member Spotlight: Ethan Davis

Member Spotlight: Ethan Davis

 

Tell us a little bit about what you do/your company does.

 

Front Gate Tickets specializes in ticketing and RFID technology for 180 music festivals in North America. We help with everything from building and hosting the ticketing website, wristband fulfillment, and making sure everyone scans correctly on-site for both Live Nation and independent promoters.”

What is your favorite part about your job?

 

 

“The travel for sure! Each year I end up getting to go to about 20 different music festivals, so you probably won’t see me in the office every week.”

What made you decide to join Forge?

 

“That sweet sweet location! It’s hard to beat downtown Birmingham.”

What is your favorite thing about Forge?

 

 

“The absolutely amazing commute from my apartment in the building.”

What is your favorite spot/place to work at Forge?

 

 

“Catch me on the West side overlooking the food hall courtyard OR in a booth on a meeting that should have been an email.”

What are your favorite tech tools to get your job done or keep your life organized?

 

“You gotta have that external monitor and cable bag with you! (I’m borderline useless without a second screen.)”

What is the last show you binge-watched?

 

 

“What We Do In The Shadows”
Forge Members’ Top Business Book Picks to Inspire Your Success

Forge Members’ Top Business Book Picks to Inspire Your Success

Looking for your next great read?

 

At Forge, we’re all about learning, growing, and sharing ideas. That’s why we asked seven of our members to share their favorite business books and why they recommend them. From game-changing strategies to inspiring stories, these books have shaped how our members think, lead, and succeed. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a team leader, or just looking for some fresh insights, you’re sure to find something on this list that sparks your interest!

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki & Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger

Rich Dad Poor Dad teaches you to have more assets than liabilities for wise money management and how to make your money work for you and Be Useful because it teaches you to be a badass and someone that contributes to society.”  Robbie Burdine

 

 

Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal

“It’s a reminder that even in hard times you can still have a good time.” Scott Carl

 

 

 

When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julia Satow

“It is interesting to understand how women in leadership is always a catalyst for innovation and how support for women leaders can yield endless possibilities.” Jacqui Jones

 

 

Exactly What to Say by Phil Jones

“In the world of financial decisions when feelings/emotions are involved, it gives verbiage to use to stay in the lane of business sector but also be understood and be considerate of people. A great tool to navigate my space.” Reggie

 

Exactly What To Say

 

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande

“I honestly think in check lists, so this book does a great job articulating no matter how expert you may be, well-designed check lists can improve outcomes AND it shows the data to back it up.” Ethan Davis

 

 

The E Myth by Michael E. Gerber

“It puts into perspective what it really means to be an entrepreneur and it shines light on all of the aspects that people either overlook or don’t think about before they consider leaving the W2 world.” Shuff Mauldin

 

 

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

“Basic simple advice at how to treat people with respect. Something that can even apply today even though it was written so long ago. Helps outside work too. Hit people with kindness goes along way.” Drew Kirk

 

 

Member Spotlight: Daniel Rock

Member Spotlight: Daniel Rock

 

We love getting to know Forge Members and we are excited to share more about Daniel Rock, Chief Revenue Officer at SuiteFiles.

 

In addition to your job title, tell us a little bit about what you do/your company does.
“I am responsible for the sales and marketing functions at SuiteFiles, we are an intelligent workspace that helps any business that needs to collaborate with others. We do everything from document management, client portals, email management, pdf editing and digital signing all in one platform.”
What is your favorite part about your job?
“Making a difference to our customers – our solution really does make their lives easier.”
What made you decide to join Forge?
“I miss being around people when I work, so the opportunity to network and socialize is key!”
What are your favorite tech tools to get your job done or keep your life organized?
“I have to practice what we preach – so SuiteFiles is key, we use it extensively day-to-day.”
What is the last show you binge-watched?

 

“Reacher series 2”
What is your ideal weekend in Birmingham?

 

“I’m still working this out, we only arrived in April, but it would probably involve a great dinner and some live sport.”