Everything Coworking

Jamie Russo
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Everything Coworking

The Everything Coworking podcast shares trends and how-tos for coworking operators and anyone following this exploding trend. Jamie owned coworking spaces in Chicago and Palo Alto under the brand Enerspace Coworking. She was the Executive Director of the Global Workspace Association for 5 years. Since 2018, she's been helping coworking spaces start and run profitable coworking spaces.

  1. 15H AGO

    391. Serving Purpose with Profit: How Joel Ballew is Doing Good and Doing Well with Coworking in Latin America

    Ever wonder what it’s like to build a coworking space outside the U.S. from scratch, in another language, with a whole new playbook? Joel Ballew is the Chief People Officer at Coventus Space in Barranquilla, Colombia, and he’s not your average operator. He moved his family from Georgia to Colombia, sold his dream business, learned Spanish from the ground up, and launched what is now the largest privately held coworking space in a city of nearly 2 million people. In this episode, Joel shares the highs, the lows, and the “wait, you did what?” moments of creating a thriving, purpose-driven business in an emerging market. We talk about: The cultural and operational curveballs of launching a coworking space in Colombia—including why recurring payments aren’t really a thing. How Joel built lead volume through WhatsApp, Instagram, and literal flyers on car windshields (and why it's working). What it takes to educate a market on coworking while creating a strong local brand. How his space combines private offices, day passes, event rentals, and even a coffee shop run by a third party. Why doing good while doing well isn’t just a tagline—it’s a business model that fuels impact and sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned operator or dreaming of launching in a new market, this conversation is a masterclass in adapting, listening to your audience, and building community on your own terms. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Joel's LinkedIn profile Coventus Space website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

    1h 2m

  2. JUN 13

    390. Mail That Makes Money (and Sense): Inside Kim Lee’s Coworking Mail Strategy

    How Kim Lee Turned Virtual Mail into a High-Value Revenue Stream Kim Lee has been in the coworking game since 2017—and she’s one of those operators who’s truly in it. From understanding her numbers to tweaking her team structure to building out a profitable mail program, Kim brings equal parts heart and hustle to the table. In this episode, Kim walks us through her journey with virtual mail—from opening with it in place, to running the numbers year after year to make sure it still makes sense (spoiler: it does). She now has over 200 virtual mail clients, including some premium customers that contribute thousands per month. Kim is also one of our coaches in the Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge, and she shares why even seasoned operators can find big wins by putting focus on their mail program. What we cover: Why Kim almost didn’t add a second mail platform—and how it paid off The tweaks that helped her team cut mail processing time in half The customer who brought in 40+ pieces of mail a day—and how they handled it How to keep your team from burning out on details (hint: structure matters) Why virtual mail is one of the most scalable revenue streams for coworking spaces Her secret to tracking ROI and knowing when to pivot on event space vs. office conversions What changed when she added IPostal—and why that was the right move Thinking about launching or optimizing your virtual mail program? Kim’s story is the perfect combo of honest insight, operator-tested tips, and encouragement to just get started. And if you're ready to finally put this on your “done” list, join us for the Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge. Registration closes Friday, June 13th. 👉 www.mailboxchallenge.co Resources Mentioned in this Episode: MoneyMaker Mailbox Challenge Kim's LinkedIn profile Forge website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

    41 min

  3. JUN 10

    389. From Side Service to Scalable Revenue: How Christine Tosi Built Spoke’s Mail Business

    Christine Tosi didn’t just open a coworking space—she invented one out of necessity. What started as a creative way to use extra space in a building she and her husband David bought for their first business has grown into a full-on coworking success story in Tucson, Arizona. Now, they’re gearing up to open a second location—this time under a management agreement—with a pipeline full of mail clients, a waitlist for dedicated desks, and a family-run team that includes their college-aged daughter (and some pretty savvy Canva support from their son). In this episode, Christine shares how she turned her virtual mailbox business into a revenue stream that’s bringing in up to $195/month per customer—with no paid marketing. Plus, how a landlord partnership that was almost too good to be true opened the door (literally) to their second location. What we cover: Why Christine and David traded snow shovels in Wisconsin for solar glare in Tucson How a side business turned into a full-time coworking brand The landing page tweaks that took their virtual mail business from 0 to 50+ customers How they got 10 members at $195/month… and hardly ever see them 👀 The “mail-only” customer bundle that actually works (and the perks they threw in) A referral partner that sent them 50 clients—yes, 5-0 Their new management agreement deal: what the landlord’s handling, and how Christine negotiated it Why their team structure (and travel goals!) made hiring early a smart move How a family of introverts built Tucson’s friendliest coworking community Plus: 9 HVAC units, Duolingo-induced competitiveness, and how Christine wins massage swaps through creative bartering. You’re going to love this one. 🚨 Heads-up: Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge registration closes Friday, June 13th. If Christine’s story got your wheels turning, this is your nudge to get in there before doors close. 🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to grow your own virtual mail revenue—and maybe snag a massage along the way. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Register for the Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge Christine's LinkedIn profile Spoke Coworking website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

    49 min

  4. JUN 6

    388. Mailbox Money & More: 3 Quick Win Ways to Keep Coworking Cash Flowing All Summer

    Summer is here—and while the kids are out of school, your pipeline might be slowing down too. But don’t worry, I’ve got three ideas to help you bring in extra revenue during the slower months, and even build momentum heading into fall. Whether you’ve got open offices sitting empty, a virtual mail program that’s been collecting dust, or phone booths that aren’t pulling their weight, I walk you through how to turn these underused assets into revenue-generating machines. I also share some creative packaging and pricing ideas and how to test new concepts without getting stuck in analysis paralysis. What You’ll Learn: Why now is the perfect time to start—or focus on—your virtual mail program How to turn an unused office into a styled-up part-time rental for parents and travelers A clever way to monetize your phone booths (yes, really) How to sublet your members’ offices while they’re out of town—win-win The importance of clearly communicating your phone call setup to prospective members Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Register for The Mailbox Moneymaker Challenge Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

    32 min

  5. MAY 21

    387. Scale, Sanity, and Strategy: Craig Baute's Real Talk on Merging his Coworking Business with Another Brand

    Craig Baute is a familiar name in the coworking world—and he’s got a big update. After 13 years of running Creative Density, he made the leap and merged his coworking brand with Thrive, another local Denver operator. In this super candid chat, Craig dishes on what led him to walk away from day-to-day operations, what the structure looks like now, and why he’s finally embracing weekly meetings. Whether you’ve hit the scale ceiling or you’re just wondering what it looks like to not be the boss anymore, this episode is a must-listen. What we get into: Life with two kids, four coworking locations, and one burnt-out founder Why losing a trusted team member forced Craig to rethink everything The call that changed it all: how a casual “Let’s do lunch” turned into a merger The power of middle management (yes, it’s a thing in coworking now) Thrive’s operating structure and how Craig fits in post-merger The mental shift from “owner” to “team member” — and how that changes everything Why most spaces stall at 2–3 locations and how combining forces helps you scale 68 fake plants, a $6,500 coffee machine, and why Switchyards has everyone’s attention Thinking about selling? Merging? Scaling beyond your comfort zone? This episode might be the nudge (or reality check) you need. Bonus: Yes, Craig and Jamie share a birthday. Yes, that makes this episode extra fun. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Get on the Waitlist For The Mailbox Money Maker Challenge Craig's LinkedIn profile Creative Density website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

    53 min

  6. MAY 14

    386. The Future of Demand Gen in Coworking: AI, E-Commerce & Operator ROI with Miro Miroslavov

    If you're still asking people to "fill out a form" to book a meeting room—this episode is for you. I’m joined by Miro Miroslavov, CEO and co-founder of OfficeRnD, to talk about why e-commerce is no longer optional for coworking spaces, and how their new Growth Hub is making it easier than ever to meet customer expectations—and convert website visitors into paying members. We cover how consumer expectations have shifted, why friction kills revenue, and how the most successful operators are rethinking their websites and booking flows for today’s demand. In this episode, we cover: Why meeting room bookings, day passes, and even small offices need to be available for instant online purchase. The two user personas your coworking website must serve—and how to optimize for both. Why booking friction is leaving money on the table, and how to reduce it. How OfficeRnD’s Growth Hub helps operators capture and convert demand in a competitive market. What’s changing in demand gen as users move from Google to AI-powered search—and how to stay visible. Miro also shares how operators are already using the Growth Hub to boost bookings and better measure ROI, and what features (like dynamic pricing and deeper CRM integration) are coming next. If your goals include better marketing performance, more bookings, and a more profitable bottom line—you don’t want to miss this conversation. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Miro's LinkedIn profile OfficeRnD website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

    54 min

  7. MAY 8

    385. Tech That Pays: Boost Coworking Profits with Better Booking and UX

    If you’re not optimizing your coworking space for quick, seamless online bookings—especially for meeting rooms and day passes—you’re leaving serious money on the table. In this solo episode, I break down the real numbers behind poor user experiences, what the latest coworking tech can actually do for your bottom line, and why every single operator needs to rethink how they serve the on-demand customer. Whether you're in a small market or managing multiple locations, this episode will help you see your website, your phone booths, and your meeting rooms in a whole new light. We cover: Why conversion rate optimization on your website is the fastest path to more revenue—and what’s getting in the way Real math on what a 5% improvement in booking conversions can do for your bottom line How operators are using new tools like Elumo and Growth Hub to monetize amenities and eliminate friction Why the traditional “tours-first” mindset doesn’t match today’s on-demand buyer behavior Why your meeting rooms (and phone booths) should be treated like products with real dollar value—and how to make that happen with minimal effort Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

    41 min

  8. APR 23

    384. Smart Access, Smarter Revenue: How Elumo Is Revolutionizing Meeting Room Access with James Shannon & Kurt Patrick

    Operators are seeing growing demand for meeting rooms and private call space—but squatting, no-shows, and friction-filled booking systems continue to cost time and revenue. James Shannon and Kurt Patrick from Essensys join the podcast to share how they’re tackling those pain points with Elumo, a new product that simplifies access, booking, and billing in one smart, user-friendly system. In this conversation, we cover: The real cost of squatting and how much revenue is lost from underutilized shared space. Why Essensys built Elumo and how it's solving both revenue leakage and poor user experience. How Elumo uses Apple and Google Wallet integration to streamline access and eliminate the friction of traditional booking systems. The role of dynamic pricing and data-driven utilization in maximizing revenue from shared spaces. How Elumo works with (not against) your existing tech stack, including OfficeRnD and other booking platforms. If you’ve ever wondered how to monetize your meeting rooms without creating more headaches for your community managers, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Kurt's LinkedIn profile James’ LinkedIn profile essensys website elumo by essensys website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube

    47 min
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4.8
out of 5
94 Ratings

About

The Everything Coworking podcast shares trends and how-tos for coworking operators and anyone following this exploding trend. Jamie owned coworking spaces in Chicago and Palo Alto under the brand Enerspace Coworking. She was the Executive Director of the Global Workspace Association for 5 years. Since 2018, she's been helping coworking spaces start and run profitable coworking spaces.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Russo
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Everything Coworking 2023
  • Show Website
    Everything Coworking

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