Forge News and Updates |
At Forge, our members are constantly discovering new tools to help them work smarter, stay organized, and grow their businesses. So we asked them: What’s your favorite tech tool right now? The responses did not disappoint. From productivity powerhouses to design favorites and game-changing apps, here’s a roundup of the tools our community swears by—and why they love them.
#1 – Monday.com
“Our company uses Monday.com, which helps our teams with workflow management. It’s very helpful with organizing tasks individually and in a group setting.” – Drew
Monday.com is a project management and collaboration platform that helps teams plan, track, and manage their work in one centralized workspace.
#2 – Grasshopper
“Grasshopper for client calls. I get 1200 calls a day so I couldn’t imagine them coming to my personal cell!” – K’la Inman
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system that allows small businesses to use a professional business number on their existing mobile phones, with features like call forwarding, voicemail, and custom greetings.
#3 – Asana
“I’d be lost without Asana. That is where all of my “To Dos” & “Tasks” live that I need to execute or ideate on.” – Michael Testa
Asana is a project management tool that helps teams organize, track, and manage their work by creating tasks, assigning deadlines, and collaborating all in one place.
#4 – Loom
“Loom for sharing processes/feedback with the team.” – Rosie Stafford Smith
Loom is a video messaging tool that lets you quickly record your screen, voice, and face to create and share video updates, tutorials, or walkthroughs—perfect for clear, async communication.
#5- Airtable
“Airtable is a fantastic tool for tracking projects.” – Murray Lee
Airtable is a flexible, spreadsheet-database hybrid that helps you organize, track, and collaborate on everything from project management to content calendars, all in a visually intuitive interface.
#6 – ChatGPT
“Probably ChatGPT. It’s helped me speed up my data analysis by providing help on complex formulas, insights, dynamic OKRs/KPIs updates and more.” – Melissa Ralph
ChatGPT is an AI-powered assistant that helps you brainstorm ideas, write content, solve problems, and get answers—basically your smart, friendly sidekick for work and life.
#7 – Google Suite
“Google Suite because of all the different things that it offers to work and stay organized!” – Grace Lockett
Google Suite (now called Google Workspace) is a collection of cloud-based productivity tools—including Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, and more—that help individuals and teams collaborate and get work done from anywhere.
Whether you’re managing projects, streamlining communication, or just trying to stay on top of your to-do list, these tools are helping Forge members do it all with a little more ease and a lot more efficiency. From well-known platforms like Google Suite to favorites like Asana, Monday.com, and Grasshopper, there’s something here for everyone. We love seeing how our community works—and sharing their go-to tools might just help you find your next favorite too.
Forge News and Updates |
On March 7, Forge was buzzing with energy as we gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day with an inspiring morning of connection, conversation, and celebration. Our Celebrate Women event brought together an incredible group of women for an engaging panel discussion, networking, shopping, and more.
Photo by Matthew Niblett
The Ladies of Forge- Photo by Matthew Niblett
A Powerful Panel Discussion
The highlight of the morning was our panel of three accomplished Birmingham women business leaders, who shared their experiences, challenges, and insights on this year’s theme: Accelerate Action. We were honored to hear from:
- Amber Hooks – Accounting Manager at Immediate and Co-Founder of Happenins in the Ham
- Meredith Calhoun – Founder of Tessa Commercial Real Estate
- Cierra Belser – Founder of Enspire Executive Solutions
Their stories resonated with the audience as they shared lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and pushing past obstacles to build successful careers and businesses.
Photo by Matthew Niblett
Swag Bags, Shopping & Giveaways
Of course, no celebration is complete without a little fun! Attendees enjoyed fabulous swag bags filled with goodies from local women-owned businesses.
Swag Bag Sponsors:
Our mini market featured a curated selection of vendors, allowing guests to shop and support local female entrepreneurs. To top it off, we gave away some exciting door prizes, adding an extra touch of excitement to the day!
Mini Market Vendors:
Photo by Matthew Niblett
Photo by Matthew Niblett
Photo by Matthew Niblett
Thank You to Our Community
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and supported this event! It was an amazing reminder of the power of women coming together to share knowledge, uplift one another, and create meaningful connections. We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebration!
Stay tuned for more upcoming events at Forge!
Photo by Matthew Niblett
Forge News and Updates |
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!
Forge News and Updates |
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
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
Forge News and Updates |
At Forge, we know the heart of our community beats with the passion of small business owners. Throughout the last year, we’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible entrepreneurs during our events like How I Did This and various Lunch & Learns. From marketing insights to legal guidance, these sessions have been a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. This Small Business Saturday, we’re shining a spotlight on a few of the companies who’ve generously shared their expertise with our Forge family. Join us as we celebrate their impact and the incredible value they bring to Birmingham!
#1 Holland & Birch
Suzanne Jones of Holland & Birch started creating her jewelry after a beauty from ashes story. She loves to create pieces that hold meaning and that her customers can purchase with a purpose. Most of her line is handcrafted by her and her small team in Birmingham, AL using new and old pieces from her buying trips in NYC and beyond.
#2 House Plant Collective
House Plant Collective is Alabama’s neighborhood indoor plant shop. Founded in 2020, HPC’s mission is to make healthy, unique indoor plants and related products more widely available at a reasonable price. We have retail store in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham and a converted school bus that pops up at breweries and events all over the state of Alabama.
#3 Ramlea Partners
RamLea Partners are dynamic business leaders with 20+ years of experience and success. Their unwavering commitment is to reach the most valuable resource within an organization: the human spirit. RamLea Partner’s initiative not only develops heightened self-awareness, both professionally and personally, but also yields exponential growth. This is driven by intentional connections, which they cleverly term as “Connection Growth.”
#4 Eugene’s Hot Chicken
When you’re looking for Nashville-style hot chicken done right, you can’t go wrong with Eugene’s Hot Chicken. Founded in 2015, Eugene’s has become famous for its hot chicken sandwiches, wings, fingers, fries and more delicious bites in Birmingham. We loved having Zebbie Carney, Eugene’s owner and the mind behind the restaurant’s soulful Southern dishes, share at our How I Did This event.
#5 The Heavenly Donut Co.
The Heavenly Donut Company is a Donut shop unlike any other. Their donuts are well-known for their distinctive shape and flavor. Heavenly donuts are handcrafted to perfection daily. Since its opening in January 2013, The Heavenly Donut Company has added a donut food truck that can be found at various locations all around the Birmingham area.
#6 One Degree Marketing
One Degree is a boutique marketing firm providing effective marketing services and education to small businesses, brands, and organizations. One Degree believes that investing in small businesses and growing brands is essential to our economy. They view every client as a partner by supporting their vision and goals through effective marketing services and knowledge.
#7 Lunar Lab
LunarLab was founded as a bit of an ultimatum. Co-founders Elizabeth Anderson and Kelli Lucas were fed up with the tech industry. The wasted time and money, the lack of diversity, the inefficient work and the resulting lackluster products. It was either leave the industry—or stay, and fix it. So they built a different kind of company. One that prioritized their customers’ needs (and those of their customers) over profit.
#8 Gatehouse Law
Gatehouse Law is a boutique firm. Though they are lawyers, Gatehouse built their advice and counsel around the understanding of what it means to be a business owner. They focus on innovative and creative ways to serve their clients because Gatehouse is never satisfied with the way things have always been. They work to create a better way for their firm to partner with clients to help them grow strategically. Josh Andrews at Gatehouse Law has graciously sponsored a lot of events at Forge throughout the years!
Supporting small businesses is at the heart of what we do at Forge, and we’re honored to have so many incredible entrepreneurs and leaders in our community. This Small Business Saturday, we encourage you to celebrate the businesses that make Birmingham thrive—whether it’s through shopping local, sharing their stories, or connecting with them on social media. Let’s continue to grow and support the small businesses that make Birmingham so amazing!
