Forge News and Updates |
With so much growth in businesses today, new and innovative ideas are leading to more startups and independent businesses. According to Huffington Post, 33% of the current workforce is independent or freelance, and this number is projected to grow to 40% by 2020. Because of this, more people are ditching traditional office spaces and overcrowded coffee shops and moving into the flexible atmosphere of a shared workspace.
With Birmingham quickly becoming a growing hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, people are constantly searching for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and communal place to work.
The answer? Coworking spaces.
We’ve sifted through the options and compiled a list of the top coworking spaces in Birmingham.
1. Forge
Located right above the Pizitz Food Hall, Forge offers a unique layout that is both architecturally captivating and engaging with its members. Lots of natural light, free Revelator coffee, and a modern atmosphere overlooking the city gives Forge an edge over other spaces.
A membership at Forge includes a number of things: a flexible workspace, conference rooms, private offices, member events and best of all, a network of business leaders. With breakthrough sessions, Lunch and Learns, and Member spotlights, Forge encourages member engagement and creates a network that leaves a lasting impact on the community.
As the first professional coworking space in downtown Birmingham, Forge finishes as number one on our list. So head to the Pizitz, grab a bite to eat, and come work at Forge!
2. The Hub
Located in West Homewood, The Hub is a coworking spot that offers a communal work space, conference rooms, and event spaces.
Aside from free Wifi and unlimited Seeds coffee, The Hub offers a community. The Hub takes it a step further in redefining the value of collaborative coworking – with a lounge area, putt putt course, and communal garden, the Hub encourages collaborative relationships within its members. Their focus is on the people, making it a rich experience.
“We build together, create together, dream together, imagine, re-imagine, redefine, and give life to the unimaginable.”
3. MAKEbhm
A makerspace in the heart of Avondale is the perfect spot for creatives and artists looking for a place to work. With studios, class offerings, and retail spaces, MAKEbhm draws in creatives and gives them access to equipment they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
Though primarily a studio space, MAKEbhm does have the option for a creative coworking membership. With an entire floor dedicated to coworking, members have access to the lounge area, conference rooms, community tables, and private offices.
MAKEbhm provides the free Wifi, coffee, tools, and space – you provide the inspiration.
4. Innovation Depot
Innovation Depot: Birmingham’s home for startups. With all 140,000 square feet dedicated to housing technology, startups, and entrepreneurs in the Birmingham area, Innovation Depot gives business owners a competitive advantage in growing their business.
Innovation Depot provides a coworking space for members to work alongside other entrepreneurs. With conference rooms and assigned desks available, members are able to take advantage of space and resources needed to promote their business. Want access to seminars and events, fast Wifi, and an affordable spot to work? Check out Innovation Depot.
Forge News and Updates |
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Forge for our first ever pitch night! We love hearing about the exciting businesses that are growing out of the Magic City! Your Big Idea was a huge success and we are excited to start planning the next one. If you weren’t able to join us, here’s a recap of the event!
Our 3 Panelists: Buddy Palmer, Lakey Boyd and Jacqueline Jones
First, happy hour of course! Drinks and snacks provided by our sponsor, ServisFirst Bank! Then we heard 4 minute pitches from 4 different presenters. We allowed for a quick Q&A with the crowd and our 3 panelists gave feedback on each presentation.
Donnie Garvich with Two Ravens
The Two Ravens team is based out of Forge! They are a technical innovation firm that provides R&D and Product Development services. Two Ravens works with partners to solve their most complex problems. By combining decades of technical experience with an empathetic, research-based approach, they aim to improve lives by creating not just great products, but engaging experiences.
Kala Northrup with Match Chocolate
Match Chocolate is a small batch bean-to-bar chocolate maker right here in Birmingham! They take cocoa beans and thoughtfully craft chocolate with a sense of place, highlighting the natural flavors of different parts of the world. With just cocoa beans and cane sugar Kala makes single origin chocolate bars, truffles and pastry provisions. The name Match Chocolate comes from the pairings created that showcase the differences found within just two ingredients ethically sourced, separated by geography and matched in flavor.
Erin Holtz with Refueled
Refueled is an all inclusive fitness app partnering with the best health and wellness businesses to provide members with their very own customizable fitness, health, and wellness plans. The Refueled technology offers packages to relax, to recover, and to refresh because we feel as though it is important to refuel your body in each of these ways. You can choose the fitness package that best fits your needs. Each week you will pick your classes that will fit into your schedule. Then simply walk in the studio, check in or purchase your service!
Stanley Stevenson of Stevenson Design
Stevenson Design works to improve home and business environments through thorough, thoughtful design. With a Bachelors degree in Interior Design, Stanley began working as a draftsman and 3D modeler. He moved into space planning and logistics management. With a decade of experience in managing people and processes, Stanley is available to help small businesses with anything from interior design to web design and digital strategy.
Thank you to ServisFirst Bank for sponsoring the first Your Big Idea event! We loved hosting and meeting new professionals in Birmingham. We’re already looking forward to the next event with another group of entrepreneurs!
Forge News and Updates |
We wanted to highlight this article written by James Ozment for Bham Now! Learn more about Race Quest and why their co-founder decided to base this global business out of Forge.
RaceQuest orients itself around one idea: “train and race with the pros.” I interviewed Co-Founder Kelli Eldridge to learn how this world-class training camp and race touring company based itself in Birmingham!
Offering training camps, active vacations, retreats, and providing custom training camps for individuals, RaceQuest helps people have fun and enjoy their race day. After training comes travel. A RaceQuest coach goes over the race, especially the cycling aspect with all its twists and turns, and give them an insider’s edge.
The night before Race Day, the coach also leads a guided, calm, visualized mapping of race day so competitors will be mentally prepared. It’s a long day, no matter how gifted you are! But the endeavor doesn’t just challenge the athlete. Their families also need a plan, and often a guide.
“We take care of everything for the athlete and their family, and the only thing we can’t do is race for them.”
An especially popular trip is Challenge Roth, which is the world’s most popular triathlon (it’s like Germany’s Super Bowl). RaceQuest helps people get out of their comfort zone, have fun, and enjoy their race day. The company handles food, lodging, even transportation. And the results are obvious: “Many people have joined our tours and had their best performance, ever. And they’ve generously credited us with being able to help them achieve that.”
When was your company founded?
In October of 2012, I think like any good entrepreneurial endeavour, it started with fulfilling a need, and then sketching it out on a napkin. All our clients say the same thing, “we will never do another triathlon like this without RaceQuest.”
There’s so much around the race that draws your energy away, and you need every bit of energy you can muster for race day. My Co-Founders and I met, actually, in Hawaii. We all happened to be at the IRONMAN world championships, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Krista and I were both there as “sherpas,” helping friends. We had this same idea for the business, and within the hour we had formed our company on the Queen K highway in the middle of a lava field! Just lava and ideas, it was remarkable. Looking back, it means even more.
How long have you been at Forge?
We started a LLC in Virginia in 2012. We went live January of 2013. We based in Virginia because my business partner lived there. We realized quickly that really all we needed was a good internet connection and a good airport. We laugh now because we call ourselves “Two Chicks and a Laptop!” We decided after five years that it was a really great time to move the company to Alabama, and to Birmingham specifically. Birmingham is white-hot, it’s a great atmosphere, it’s a great community.
How has working at Forge helped your business process?
Having some experience in Alabama, I’ve always had a bit of a foot in Birmingham. I saw this starting to take shape, I’ve always had an eye on Forge. When they opened, I thought that when we relocate the business, this could be a good fit.
I came on a free Friday, met people, experience Forge, and was just so productive. It’s a great space to work, but they also provide things like mail retrieval, which as travellers, we have to have that. It’s great to have someone getting our mail, those are practical needs that are being met by Forge. We have the support system in place for us to go out into the world and do our business.
Is there a sense of community working adjacent to other entrepreneurs? Have you collaborated with any of your Forge neighbors?
This is a really great atmosphere. It’s not just a place to work, it’s a real community of entrepreneurs. Our attorney is around the corner, our accountants are around the corner. We have a terrific setup here.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in the food hall?
Absolutely! My favorite place in the food hall is Ono Poke, there’s a place in Kona that’s a poke bar, that serves exactly that type of food. I love going down there for lunch, it reminds me of Hawaii. It’s very fitting, since we first got started in Hawaii.
What’s the biggest challenge of working independently?
It was a big leap, we went all in. We invested our time and money to make this, and it’s a really awesome thing to be a part of. The reward is that I can’t imagine being anywhere else. It’s a real privilege that we get to do this. I can’t believe we’ve come this far.
My advice to anybody who’s out there in corporate America, looking out a window and feeling unfulfilled, my best advice is to organize yourself around what it is you want to do, and surround yourself with like-minded people. Don’t put it off another day, do whatever you have to do to make it happen. We worked side jobs, freelance gigs.
What does 2018 look like for RaceQuest? They’re finishing their official move to Forge. Later this year, over 100 athletes are going with the company to this year’s Challenge Roth!
Forge News and Updates |
For our fourth Business Breakthrough Session, we had the pleasure of learning from Andrea Snyder, Founder of Urban Cookhouse and Farm Bowl + Juice Co. Urban Cookhouse is known for their fresh, locally sourced food and amazing customer service. Farm Bowl + Juice Co. is their newest creation with juice, smoothies and açaí bowls. Andrea mentioned that they are currently working on their third concept but she couldn’t give any hints at this time as to what it will be!
The foundation of their restaurants is about relationships. They focus heavily on the relationships with their farmers, employees and customers. Obviously buying local means that their food tastes better but they are able to have a huge economic impact to keep these farms in business. Their main egg farmer started with 9 chickens when Andrea first hired him and now he has over 9,000 chickens total!
Another huge component of their foundation is their commitment to developing great employees. They now have a total of 175 employees with the combination of Urban Cookhouse and Farm Bowl. Andrea said they focus on hiring right because one bad employee can cost them a lot of time and money in the long run. They want to train and teach their employees well and incentivize them through franchising opportunities and bonuses. Offer your employees a growth track!
Andrea talked about something she calls “drive by reviews.” They want to continually encourage employees in the moment- as soon as she sees them doing something good. And from time to time, she also has to be direct when someone needs improvement. Encouragement goes a long way!
Andrea provided a great analogy for us. If you think of each day having a total of 150% of available time, most business owners will spend the first 50% on the tyranny of the daily urgent tasks. Then the next 50% is spent on gathering and analyzing metrics of the business while the third 50% would be developing your employees.
But Andrea totally flip flops this structure. The first 50% must be spent on developing and pouring into your employees. She believes this is what has created a great culture for Urban Cookhouse so she will continue to prioritize their employees with Farm Bowl as well.
Over the last 8 years, Andrea has continued to come back to this same quote from Samuel Johnson:
“Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one step of success to another, forming new wishes and seeing them gratified.”
What about customer acquisition? Andrea believes the real estate of your restaurant is the most important. You must be in the center of the customer population you want and parking is so important- that is one reason they just relocated their Homewood Urban Cookhouse spot. Plus they were able to add a drive thru!
In order to truly give their customers the best experience possible, they hire a CEO at each location. But this specific CEO stands for Customer Experience Owner. Even though this position may not be the highest paid, this person is extremely important to the success of the location. This employee does anything from holding the door open for customers to getting a high chair for a baby. Adding this position to their company has had immeasurable benefits!
Andrea has a wealth of knowledge about what it truly takes to build amazing restaurants! We are so grateful she spent time with us at Forge. If you haven’t already, go check out their restaurants! And look out for whatever restaurant they develop in the near future!
Forge News and Updates |
If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or small business owner, you know the struggle of keeping everything organized. With so many tasks to balance, business-owners are constantly searching for ways to save time and make their life easier.
There are thousands of mobile apps that help with scheduling, finances, and group communication… but with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
Sound overwhelming? We feel you. That’s why we asked our members and they gave us the best apps for managing their business.
1. Slack
If you’re apart of a team, Slack is perfect for keeping everyone engaged and informed. Slack simplifies communication and gives people the platform to share ideas.
Our member Connor Hand with Big Lead Gen Inc. says, “It’s perfect for segmenting conversations into channels. That way, it replaces email and keeps things from getting convoluted and messy.”
Not only are conversations organized… they’re also always accessible, so you can stay informed at any time.
“It’s great because it helps our team 24/7, like if we had a real office. We’re always virtually connected.”
So next time you miss a meeting, don’t worry – Slack has got you covered!
2. Linkedin
Looking for the best way to connect with other business leaders around the world? Luckily, there is a platform created just for that. With Linkedin, you are able to follow inspirational business leaders, find and attract talent, advertise jobs and grow your business.
“I think social media in general is important, but especially Linkedin. I’ve realized the importance of it and how effective it is in reaching people and building connections… then later following up and meeting those people.”
Wade Cline with Bham Now share his opinion on Linkedin, and we agree – as the world’s largest professional network, there is endless opportunity for every member.
3. Later
It’s no secret that social media is crucial to a new business – but not many businesses can spend all their time on figuring out what to post on Instagram next.
Jacqueline’s answer? Later!
Later allows brands to visually plan and schedule content for Instagram. As the #1 Marketing platform for Instagram, this app is perfect for companies wanting to grow their social media presence but need to optimize their time.
Additionally, setting up queues within the app saves you from scrambling for another picture to post. It also allows you to be more consistent with posting and gives the option analyze and track post data.
Our member Jacqueline Jones with One Degree Marketing says, “Later lets you see your Instagram feed so you can plan it visually. You can move things around to create the aesthetic you want, while still figuring out how to promote and sell accordingly.”
4. Lastpass
Everyone can understand the frustration in seeing the words ‘incorrect password’ pop up on your screen – and that’s why this app is one of our favorites.
The idea? Simple.
Gary Purdy, Pastor at Church City Midtown says, “I use Lastpass so I don’t have to remember passwords – and I’m able to share passwords with my virtual assistant so she can access any information she needs.”
Just choose a master password, and Lastpass does the rest. You can rest easy knowing your information is safe, secure, and will never be forgotten.
5. Google Drive
There’s no denying that one of the most difficult things about running a business is keeping everything organized. With so many different moving parts, it helps to have one place where everything is kept together.
Our member Brandon Loper says, “The Google Drive app is definitely my number one… it helps me keep all my documents in one place and share them easily.”
In addition, Google Drive allows access from any server. This means you’re able to synchronize files between a computer, tablet, smartphone, etc… and the best part is, you get 15GB of free storage.
Not only does the app allow access to information easily on your smartphone, but you never run the risk of losing any documents. All files are backed up, stored securely, and within reach.
6. Pocket
Have you ever read a good article and couldn’t find it later? Frustrating – we agree.
That’s where Pocket comes in. It allows you to find something you like and put it in your pocket! Whether you’re looking at articles, videos, or images online, anything can be saved to be accessed again later.
Kate Newbill with 2FishWeb LLC. calls it her favorite. “What I’ll do is read through things; I’ll see something like ‘How to improve your SEO.’ I’ll save it, and go back and read it later.”
Pocket takes the pressure off of content creating and allows you to save time in the future. Ideas, inspiration, you name it – this app allows you to bookmark it all.
7. Google Keep
With so many tasks to keep up with every day, Google Keep has the perfect solution for keeping it all in one place. As a note-taking service designed to save your thoughts, this app sets reminders, creates checklists, and keeps it all within reach.
Kathy Drewien of Kathy Drewien & Company says, “With Google Keep, I can record a note on my device and it will be transcribed (fairly accurately in my experience) into a searchable, editable note. I like to use Keep for short-term information retrieval – reminders, quick lists, brilliant ideas – and my Android app is always on, always live.”
Step up your to-do list and download Google Keep!
8. GoToMeeting
If you’re anything like our member Shannon Striver with OneSouth Financial Group, you’ve got a lot going on during your day. One way he’s able to stay on top of it is with GoToMeeting.
This app allows you to attend a meeting… from your mobile device. With screen sharing capabilities and high quality video, GoToMeeting lets you feel like you’re in the room with the presenter. You can listen in on conference calls, share a document or presentation, and set reminders for future meetings. With this app, everything is kept organized before, during, and after your meeting.
Shannon puts it to use often. He says, “As soon as I get in my car, I open GoToMeeting. I’m on my way, but still able to listen in.”
9. Dropbox
Our member Anoop Mishra of Mishra Consulting LLC takes teamwork to the next level with Dropbox.
“Dropbox is something I’ve used for years for photos, but now I rely on it so much more for my business. We’ve got so many large files we have to share and I’m able to exchange lots of different information and sites easily. It’s such an important part of being able to work with clients so we don’t have to email documents back and forth or copy 20 people on an email.”
This app provides a secure way to store and share large files of information to your team members. It’s easy to use and free for 30 days!
10. InShot
If you’re looking for ways to vamp up your social media advertising, look no further. Josh Rhodes from Big Lead Gen Inc. gives us his perfect app for photo and video editing.
InShot has it all: fun buttons, easy texts, stickers to promote subscribing to social media accounts. It allows you to create videos that have much more of an attention-grabbing effect than your typical Instagram story.
“It combines features of Instagram and Snapchat and gives you so much more but on a produced level.”
So many different features add a creative edge for Big Lead Gen Inc.’s marketing. It could do the same for yours!
Got any more to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
