Meet Forge Member Roberts Scott

Meet Forge Member Roberts Scott

Roberts Scott works in Business Development and Sales at EIC!
Q: In addition to your job title, tell us a little bit about what you do/your company does.
A: “EIC provides ERP Software for Wholesale Food Distributors”
EIC helps your company create an end-to-end system for tracking products from source to destination; by batch, shipment, item, customer, or vendor. They equip your business with tools to automate your operations, streamline processes, and reduce waste — so you can maximize the full value of your business.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
A: “My team and our customers”
Q: What made you decide to join Forge?
A: “Great facilities and management”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Forge?
A: “Convenience and amenities”
Q: What is your favorite spot/place to work at Forge?
A: “My office, sometimes the roof” [The Pizitz has an amazing rooftop pool AND conference room!]

Q: Is there a product you cannot live without?
A: “Surin’s coconut soup”
Q: What is the last show you binge-watched?
A: “Shogun”
Q: What is your ideal weekend in Birmingham?
A: “Home with the family”
We’re thankful to have Roberts part of the Forge community! We would love for you to join our vibrant workspace. Book your tour of Forge here! 
Meet Forge Member Sam Evans

Meet Forge Member Sam Evans

 

What is your job title?

In addition to your job title, tell us a little bit about what you do/your company does.

Rhythm Creative is a one-stop shop for marketing assets and strategy. I believe that creativity and efficiency aren’t opponents but teammates in clear and memorable communication. Services I provide include photography, videography, branding, web design, and consulting.

 

 

What is your favorite part about your job?

In short, the variety. When I started Rhythm Creative in 2020, every article I read and podcast I listened to instructed me to do one thing — pick a lane. Determine what one thing you want to provide and one type of client you want to work with, and don’t deviate. But variety and freedom were two of the main hidden treasures I was looking for back in 2020, so I said screw it and just started doing whatever I could for whomever I could. Four years later, I’ve learned a lot, including that if you’re passionate enough and have a dream, it’s worth throwing logic to the wind.

 

 

What made you decide to join Forge?

Honestly, I was weary from working at our dining room table and desired some boundaries for my work. I found that and more at Forge.

What is your favorite thing about Forge?

That’s hard to narrow down, but my top three are the environment, the people, and the aroma from the automated air-fresheners that greet you right when you step off the elevator.

 

 

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

My desk overlooking the McWane Center!

 

 

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

1. Productivity – Otter.ai for meeting note taking and synthesizing
2. Videography – I’ve been using Frame.io for video reviews and approvals, and it’s been a game-changer
3. Gear – I have a DJI drone that I film with, and it’s honestly just super fun

 

Is there a product you cannot live without?

The notes app on my phone

 

 

What is the last show you binge-watched?

What is your ideal weekend in Birmingham?

Brunch at Zaza. See a matinee with friends East West for dinner. Finish the night off at Trim Tab or GhostTrain.

Meet Forge’s New Community Manager: Grace Lockett

Meet Forge’s New Community Manager: Grace Lockett

 

 

 

Meet Grace Lockett! Grace grew up in Birmingham and graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in Hospitality Management and a minor in Business. After she graduated, Grace worked in campus ministry for 3 years with Campus Outreach in Oxford, MS.

 

She moved back to Birmingham when her daughter, Hallie, was born to be closer to family. Grace is excited about this new opportunity to work at Forge and she is looking forward to learning and growing in this next step of her career!

 

What do you do at Forge?

“I am the new community manager! I will be helping members with whatever they need to make this space the best place for them to work. From making coffee, to onboarding members, booking the different spaces we offer, giving tours, helping when members have questions and a lot more. I am excited to learn and grow in this role and build connections with so many different people in various fields of business.”

What brought you to Forge?

“I connected with Kim, the CEO and Founder of Forge. After meeting with her and hearing about the mission, values and culture of Forge, it seemed like a great opportunity and amazing place to work!”

What are you looking forward to about working at Forge?

“I am excited to meet new people, build connections and learn about all the different things that people are passionate about.”

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

 

“I love spending time with my friends and family, going out to eat and being with my 10 month old baby girl!”

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

“Go to the beach!”

What is your favorite thing about Birmingham?

“I grew up in Birmingham and am so excited to be back! It is such a great city with amazing people. It is so fun to see all the new things and changes since I left in 2016 but also appreciate the things that have been around as long as I can remember.”
Spotlighting 5 Remarkable Businesses Thriving in the Forge Community

Spotlighting 5 Remarkable Businesses Thriving in the Forge Community

In the heart of Forge’s collaborative workspace, ideas are evolving, and businesses are flourishing. We want to shine a spotlight on five exceptional members who are leading the charge with their exciting ventures. From tech startups to creative agencies, our diverse community is a hotbed of talent and innovation, and these entrepreneurs exemplify the spirit of success that permeates our coworking space. Join us as we take a closer look at the stories of these remarkable individuals and their businesses, and discover how Forge serves as the launchpad for their inspiring journeys.

 

Vero Skills

 

The aim of Vero Skills is to train disadvantaged individuals in values-driven corporations’ unique entry-level qualifications to resolve the tech talent deficit facing America. Vero Skills provides underserved students access to on-demand training and mentoring by top industry professional software developers who work for the biggest companies in the world.

 

Vero Skills

 

By working with their community partners, Vero Skills aims to help every student overcome the barriers they face and achieve their goals of entering the tech industry.

 

Project EMS

 

Project EMS motivates and supports under-resourced students from multiple socioeconomic demographics on their journey towards a successful academic education. Project EMS, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit organization that believes they can create a future in which every student will have equal access to educational resources and opportunities.

 

Project EMS

 

Project EMS hosts a STEAM Camp in the summer! (STEAM represents STEM plus the arts – humanities, language arts, dance, drama, music, visual arts, design and new media.) Project EMS, Inc. proudly hosted their Second Annual STEAM Camp, immersing students in an exhilarating week of hands-on learning. From suturing and dissections to 3D printing, rollercoaster dynamics, and drones, the campers had an incredible experience!

 

Golightly Landscape Architecture

 

John Wilson of Golightly Landscape Architecture has been a member at Forge from the very beginning! From tidy courtyard gardens and exterior renovations to master plans for new construction and estates, Golightly Landscape Architecture provides comprehensive and site-specific designs that draw their clients into the garden.

 

Golightly Landscape Architecture

 

From master plans for new construction and estates to courtyard gardens and exterior renovations, Golightly Landscape Architecture has designed more than 80 residential gardens in Birmingham and beyond. Check out some of their work here.

 

Stafford Smith Group

 

The Stafford Smith Group prides themselves on helping busy social impact leaders get their ideas out of their heads and into the world. Rosie Stafford Smith has a knack for simplifying complexity and she has a lifelong commitment to social justice. Rosie works with a variety of leading families, nonprofits and companies across the United States.

 

Rosie Stafford Smith

 

The Stafford Smith Group has worked with clients like Jones Valley Teaching Farm, Protective Life and United Way. They most often are hired for strategic planning, philanthropy advising and strategy coaching.

 

AMZ Atlas

 

At AMZ Atlas they have a depth of knowledge and singular focus on Amazon that allows them to create more value for their clients- clients who are in desperate need of hyper-focused Amazon services.

 

AMZ Atlas

 

The AMZ Atlas team is made up of strategists and tacticians, from former brand managers with hard-earned Amazon success, to specialists who live and breathe the world of Amazon commerce, and veterans in areas like retail pricing, inventory, brand protection, and operational experts who thrive on efficiency.

 

At Forge, innovation and collaboration thrive, and the stories of these remarkable businesses serve as a testament to our community. From empowering underserved students through tech training to inspiring the next generation of scholars with STEAM education, and from crafting beautiful landscapes to catalyzing social impact, these entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they’re shaping a better future.

 

As we continue to grow together within our collaborative workspace, we’re inspired by our Forge members. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them and all the other incredible members who make our coworking space a hub of innovation and success.

Coworking Office vs. Traditional Office

Coworking Office vs. Traditional Office

For entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, making a decision about office space is no easy task. There are so many options to consider and factors to weigh. Before you begin your search for a home base for your business, it’s critical to determine what you’re looking for: are you going to go with a coworking space or a traditional office?

 

 

 

If you are given the options of an office in a coworking space vs. traditional office work, which suits you better?

 

One of the most important benefits of coworking is its flexibility as compared to traditional offices. At Forge you can rent an office for one year, 6 months or month-to-month. You don’t have to commit to a long-term lease. And your rent at Forge includes things like utilities, internet, professional business address, meeting room credit, and even coffee.

 

Flexible lease options give you the ability to use the space on a short-term basis and to grow or shrink your physical space requirements as needed. Coworking offices can offer a more tailor-made solution when it comes to lease and space requirements.

 

Forge Rooftop Conference Room

 

 

Another perk? You can occupy your fully-furnished space right away. Forge private offices come with desks, chairs, filing cabinet, whiteboard and internet… plus a variety of amenities (like unlimited coffee!) and on-demand meeting space arrangements.

It’s not all about the physical space. Coworking spaces mean you have the opportunity to join forces with people with complementary skills and/or people who require your skills. Working from Forge makes it easy to network and grow your business connections and friendships!

 

Team office at Forge

 

Now let’s talk about traditional offices…

 

Leasing a traditional office usually represents a long-term commitment. Also, you need to think about your upfront costs with a traditional office. When you lease a traditional office, you will have to furnish and equip your space. This may also include expensive investments like building out amenities and meeting rooms.

 

And what about management of the space? You’ll have to take on the task of managing the office which can include maintenance and cleaning.

 

Forge Office For Rent

 

 

Not only that, but you have fewer opportunities to network and collaborate. You have less of a chance of connecting with people from other companies or industries.

 

 

Whether you’re considering a traditional office or an office in a coworking space, make sure the physical space you choose reflects the image you want to project for your clients, potential employees and partners, and the type of business you’re in!

 

 

Interested in touring a private office at Forge? Click below!