Proworking vs Coworking

Teresa Nichols
meeting space, shared workspace, workspace
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What is the difference between Coworking and Proworking?

Many people ask if OfficeKey is a coworking space. The simple answer is yes. The coworking industry has many definitions but can essentially be described as the flexible use of an office by people who are self-employed or working for different employers in order to take advantage of the shared resources of space, equipment and support services.

The industry has evolved very rapidly over the past 5 or so years and has produced many different types of niche operations. Many of these coworking spaces focus first and foremost on the “co” part of coworking, that is the community aspect of things. While OfficeKey certainly incorporates a vibrant and connected community, that is not the main driver.

We like to categorize ourselves as being in the “proworking” niche. The “pro” indicates a primary focus on providing a space that is professional and productive. We certainly have a great community that we hope all of our clients will plug into, however that is secondary to setting them up for success in their business by creating a space that represents them well, provides distraction-free work and meeting space and a support staff that is second to none.

Soccer in Cincinnati

Teresa Nichols
Cincinnati, major league sports
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For our March Key Connections lunch, we were fortunate to have FC Cincinnati President and General Manager Jeff Berding present to our group. Jeff shared with us the incredible story of FC Cincinnati’s rise from the minor leagues to become the city’s 3rd major league level professional sports franchise in just 3 short years.

Jeff shared that there are three core values that FCC is built upon:

Winning
Family Friendly
Community Engagement

The winning culture is evident by the results on the pitch. In three years in the 2nd division USL, they had winning records and made the playoffs each season. In 2017 they made it to the semifinals of the US Open Cup. Jeff spoke about the transition to the MLS and challenges of building a team to compete in the highest league as soon as possible. He plans to build the roster such that by the time they get into their new West End stadium in 2021 they will be ready to compete with the top teams in the league.

Jeff shared that family-friendliness is a huge priority for their organization. He told a story that occurred in the “Bailey” which is the section of the stadium where the most ardent supporters sit. He said that the team encouraged the supporter groups that sit there to create a rowdy atmosphere. However, he said there can be no cursing, it has to be family friendly. In one of the first games, the group self-policed their area and kicked out a fan that was cursing and suspended his attendance for the next three games.

Their third core value is community engagement. One example of that is that FC Cincinnati is taking over the Marvin Lewis Community Fund. The organization focuses on youth education goals in the Greater Cincinnati area. With Lewis’s departure as the Bengals head coach, Jeff and FCC have taken it upon themselves to continue that legacy.

What’s in store for FC Cincinnati?

They are working on a new stadium in the West End that will hold about 25,000 fans. It is expected to be completed by the beginning of the 2021 season.
Their first MLS game at home will be on Sunday March 17 at 5pm at Nippert Stadium against the Portland Timbers.
More community engagement with youth soccer academies for girls and boys that compete at the global level.

If you weren’t able to join us, please like the OfficeKey Facebook page where you can watch the presentation or view more photos.

Meet Cincinnati United Executive Director, Scott Rodgers

Teresa Nichols
Clients
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Cincinnati United Soccer Club is an unprecedented unifying of soccer at all participation and skill levels in the Greater Cincinnati area. It brings together four of the area’s top, most recognized Clubs, Cincinnati United Premier (CUP), Lakota United Soccer Club, Sycamore Soccer Club (Arsenal), and SCSA and combines them into one exceptional program. Employing top coaches and trainers in a player-centric environment that focuses on training, development, and fostering a life-long love of the beautiful game at all levels make Cincinnati United the destination soccer club in Ohio South.

It is our commitment that Cincinnati United Soccer Club seeks to provide children and young adults of Butler County, Clermont, Hamilton County, Warren County, and all other neighboring communities throughout the Greater Cincinnati and South Dayton areas, a full range of opportunities to enjoy and develop in soccer, at a level appropriate for their age, ability and interest. We recognize that different children play the game for different reasons and that Cincinnati United must, therefore, provide a variety of programs which address the needs and interests of all children in the communities we serve.

The Premier Program:
The purpose of our ‘Premier Program’ is to provide an educational and competitive environment that consistently produces the most mentally, physically, technically, and tactically accomplished players in Ohio South, USYSA Region II, and the nation, recognized for their superior quality of play, knowledge, and ability to articulate the game, sportsmanship, and passion for the sport.

The Competitive Program:
The purpose of our Competitive Program is to provide higher levels of training and competition in community-based locations to those players interested in select soccer. While always striving to be competitive, team sports teach the importance of teamwork. Good programs and coaches teach children, teenagers, and young adults the way to compete with passion, skillful play, teamwork, sportsmanship and respect for themselves and others.

The Recreational Outreach Program:
The purpose of our ‘Recreational Outreach Program’ is to provide a robust coaching education program designed specifically for volunteer coaches. Our program will support existing Recreational Organizations throughout the Greater Cincinnati Area.

The Juniors Academy Program:
We strongly support 6, 7, and 8 year-olds playing recreational soccer in their communities with our Recreational Outreach Partners. We are also, however, aware that there are a select few that seek additional soccer experiences. Therefore, Cincinnati United has created three programs to provide additional opportunities for these young players. All Academy Programs will be organized and managed within the training sites of the Competitive Program. All training within the Academy Programs is with our professional staff.

The U-8 Academy – Select Soccer Option
The U-8 Academy – Recreational Support Option
The Juniors Academy Program – Six and Seven Year-olds

Read on to learn more about Scott Rodgers in his Q & A below:

Q: What is your background in soccer and how did you come to be the Executive Director of Cincinnati United?

Cincinnati United Soccer A: I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old. This great game has given me some amazing opportunities. Below is a quick map of how I ended up working with this great organization.

-Played at Centerville High School (Dayton, Ohio)

-Played in the US Youth Soccer’s National Team Program

-Played at Akron University and Wright State University

-1994 to 1997 Men’s Assistant Coach Soccer Wright State University

-1998 to 2004 Head Coach Women’s Soccer Wright State University

-1993 to 1997 Director of Coaching for a youth soccer club named Soccer Centerville

-1994 to 2005 Worked for US Youth Soccer in the Olympic Development Program at the State, Regional and National level

– For the past 14 years, I have been the Executive Director for Cincinnati United Soccer Club

Q: Has FC Cincinnati’s success had any impact on your organization?

A: FCC has shined a light on the amazing soccer culture that exists in Cincinnati. FCC gives our youth players a team to watch and learn from, a team to cheer for and a professional team to dream about playing for.

CU is honored to have had several players play professionally. Below are a few:

Austin Berry- Chicago Fire/ 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year/ 2016 FC Cincinnati

Luke Spencer- 2013 New England Revolution/ 2016 FC Cincinnati/ 2017 Louisville City

Nick Hagglund- 2014 Toronto FC/ 2019 FC Cincinnati

Matt Walker-2014 Columbus Crew/ Michigan Bucks/ Dayton Dutch Lions

Rose LaVelle- Current US Women’s National Team player/ number one overall draft pick at the 2017 NWSL College Draft by the Boston Breakers./ 2018 Washington Spirit

Q: What do you like most about your partnership with OfficeKey and (how long have you been here)?

A: Cincinnati United became a member of OfficeKey a little over a year ago. Justin and his staff have been amazing to work with. OfficeKey gives us the flexibility we need to work and meet with people all over the city. We have an office in the Blue Ash building. This gives us a central location to work from daily. Our organization, however, has divisions in the North, Southeast and Central parts of Cincinnati. OfficeKey gives us the ability to meet and work in those sites when need.

Q: How do you spend time outside of work?

A: When I get free time, I like to spend time with my family. My wife Jen, son Kirk, daughter Zoe and our boxer Kai.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: My family and I enjoy the outdoors and all that it has to offer. If we had our choice, we would head off to Colorado and get lost in the mountains.

Q: What is your favorite movie or tv show?

A: The Godfather

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: I enjoy reading and I have several favorites but a book that applies to what we do at CU is:

Games Do Count: America’s Best and Brightest on the Power of Sports by Brian Kilmeade

Q: What is your favorite singer or band?

A: I love all types of music. My wife and I really enjoy going out and hearing live music whenever possible.

Visit the Cincinnati United website for more details

Dr. Rea Waldon – KDDK Legacy Group

Teresa Nichols
business consulting, Cincinnati, Clients
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KDDK Legacy Group came about after 25+ years working with business owners and their firms. The company was named with an intention: The letters represent the first initials of my grandchildren; the purpose is to create a legacy for them. For the firms, I serve it is sharing the knowledge I have obtained through the years as a commercial lender so that others can create their legacy.

Q: Who is your ideal client?

A: My ideal client is an individual or leadership team that is seeking to grow and expand its operations. They should have an established product and customer base. Many ask what sales size; my response is that a $1MM graphic design firm is not the same as a $1MM construction firm. So while sales size doesn’t matter the stage of the business does.

Q: You have degrees in multiple academic fields and have work experience in several industries. Which of those experiences has had the most profound impact on what you do today?

A: All of my education and experiences impact what I do today. The diversity of knowledge allows me to bring forth best practices from multiple industries and apply them to individual customer needs. For instance, the regulatory environment in banking provides a solid understanding of how to establish process and procedures; the IT education allows me to help identify areas where technology can enhance operations. I have worked in for profit and not for profit firms and each is a business. I always say “non-profit” is a tax status not how you do business. Regardless of how it is structured; there are still five major components of running an organization.

Q: What is the best career advice you ever received?

A: I am one of those type A persons with lots of ideas. My manager told me to slow down, wait for people to catch up….basically he told me I needed to learn how to listen.

Q: What do you like most about your partnership with OfficeKey?

I like the flexibility; my office is my home, however, OfficeKey provides a venue for me to meet with one person or host a large group for training. In addition, the technology is well-suited for my needs and the staff is great!

Q: How do you spend time outside of work?

I am Granny Extraordinaire and I like to make jewelry.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: Any place near the ocean. Though I do like visiting my sister in Switzerland.

Q: If you could have dinner with one historical figure (living or dead) who would it be and why?

A. Martin Luther King or Gandhi; I am working hard to find that peace of mind that comes with having faith in what could be.

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

A: I don’t know if it’s a superpower but I would love to be like Jeannie and blink.

Q: What is your favorite movie or tv show?

A: Mystery Theater 1000, 2000, 3000.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Q: What is your favorite singer or band?

A: Hum, that depends…Prince, Luther, Mary J Blige.

Learn more about Dr. Waldon and KDDK Legacy Group

OfficeKey Holiday Observances

Teresa Nichols
office ammenities, Office Hours
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2020 OfficeKey Holiday Schedule*:

Wednesday, January 1 – New Year’s Day

Monday, January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Friday, April 10- Good Friday (closing at 12:30)

Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day

Friday, July 3 – Independence Day

Monday, September 7 – Labor Day

Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 27 – Thanksgiving (Day After)

Thursday, December 24 – Christmas Eve
Friday, December 25 – Christmas Day

*It’s important to note that OfficeKey is not “closed” on these days. It simply means that the offices will not be staffed. Our facilities can still be used as they are any other time via the typical after-hours procedures. And phone calls will still come through, however, they will be routed through the after hour greeting system.

Meet Yevette Jessen of RE/MAX United Associates

Teresa Nichols
Clients
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RE/MAX United Associates is a full-service real estate company serving the Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky areas, selling, buying or leasing residential or commercial real estate. They are part of a worldwide franchise that can serve clients across the globe. RE/MAX is an acronym for the original company name, Real Estate Maximums.

Q: How long have you been in the real estate business and what is the most dramatic change since you started?

A: I am the sole owner and broker of the company. I’ve been in the real estate business for 41 years. I’ve seen a lot of changes in my tenure. A few of the changes I’ve seen were the crazy interest rates in the early 1980s; 19%-21% to be exact, and the recession in 2008 – that’s when we developed plans to help distressed home sellers.

Q: Are there any trends in the industry that we should know about going into 2019?

A: We are seeing a slowdown in the marketplace. Part of the reason is the typical seasonal slowdown. I believe the other is buyers are not prepared to pay the inflated prices for homes that we saw in the Spring of 2018 due to the lack of inventory. Inventory is rising, list prices are coming down. We should be back to a balanced market which means it may take homes 4-6 months to sell a typical home in our market.

Q: What markets in Cincinnati are you seeing the most activity or growth?

A: Urban living has become very popular. OTR (Over The Rhine), Oakley, and downtown living. Walking to restaurants and gathering places is an appeal to a lot of today’s buyers.

Q: What do you like most about your partnership with OfficeKey and (how long have you been here)?

A: Real estate today is mobile. There is very little need for an agent to have a “physical office” in today’s world. We have a corporate office centrally located in Montgomery but having the opportunity to meet clients for meetings and closings at the various OfficeKey locations is the ideal situation for our agents and clients.

Q: How do you spend time outside of work?

A: I spend time with friends and family when not working. I also love vacations! I often say, “I work for vacation”. One of her recent trips was to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!

Q: What is your favorite singer or band?

A: I love all Country music bands but my all time favorite entertainer is Elton John.

You can connect with Yevette on Linkedin.

“If you are an OfficeKey client and are interested in being featured in this spotlight section of the newsletter, please email us at [email protected]”

Client Q & A: Meet Scott Jacobs of Queen City Angels

Teresa Nichols
Cincinnati, Clients, Uncategorized
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Queen City Angels (QCA) is one of the first, if not the first, angel group in the Midwest. Founded in 2000, QCA has funded approximately 90 startup companies, investing nearly $65 million. With over 60 members, QCA supplies “smart capital” to startups. It’s not just about the money. QCA firmly believes that it is their responsibility and obligation to mentor, coach, and guide entrepreneurs to success! Learn more about them and their Executive Director, Scott Jacobs in this month’s Client Q & A.

Q: What is unique about QCA compared to other angel investment groups or venture capitalists?

A: QCA is so firmly dedicated to education (on angel investing and topics of interest to entrepreneurs) that we formed and recently received approval from the IRS for a 501c3 non-profit focused on education. If you look at the programs QCA with its partner HCDC have administered over the past 18 years (e.g. eKickStart, Morning Mentoring, Entrepreneur Boot Camp), you can clearly see how we’ve supported and helped build the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Q: How does Cincinnati stack up relative to peer cities with regard to development, retention, and support of its startup community? And what could be improved?

A: Cincinnati stacks quite well with its peer cities. With #StartUpCincy leading the charge through Cintrifuse, Cincinnati has gotten more than its fair share of national press for all that is going on. The cost of doing business here is quite low, and we have so many resources. It is an easy city to navigate. Tech talent is going to cost you a lot less than on the coasts. There is a strong national movement to move toward the Midwest for all it offers, and we are going notice for the higher level of quality startups born here. We could improve by attracting the “boomerangs” back to Cincinnati to raise families, start new businesses, and attract C-level talent into our startups. We need to get more accredited investors off the sidelines and get them engaged in this space. Remember, net job growth in this country comes from small business. Not large corporations!

Q: Are you seeing a particular industry or trend that stands out as something poised for tremendous growth?

A: Our society has really only scratched the surface on the technological possibilities utilizing blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. My personal opinion is that there is a tremendous upside in our use of these technologies and others. It’s about the data.

Q: What do you like most about your partnership with OfficeKey?

A: The staff is awesome, so kind and accommodating. The flexibility of being able to operate out of numerous locations is a great feature as well.

Q: What was your work experience prior to becoming the executive director of QCA?

I ran a “solo-preneurship,” marketing consulting practice; developing marketing plans for smaller companies and then staying on contract to implement the plans.

Q: How do you spend time outside of work?

A: Mostly spend time with my family. My wife and I have three little ones, ages 6, 4 and 1.

Q: If you could have dinner with one historical figure (living or dead) who would it be and why?

A: Albert Einstein

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

A: Tele-transportation – wouldn’t it be cool to see how people lived 100, 200, or 300 years ago. Imagine going to a Mozart performance? How cool would it be to see how life on our planet will be 100, 200, or 300 years from now.

BLUE ASH

DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI

HYDE PARK

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

WEST CHESTER

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OfficeKey: Providing the space, tools and services to establish Cincinnati offices since 1984

Associations

Author: Teresa Nichols

Proworking vs Coworking

What is the difference between Coworking and Proworking?

Soccer in Cincinnati

Meet Cincinnati United Executive Director, Scott Rodgers

Dr. Rea Waldon – KDDK Legacy Group

OfficeKey Holiday Observances

Meet Yevette Jessen of RE/MAX United Associates

Client Q & A: Meet Scott Jacobs of Queen City Angels