Work At The Park

In 2014, Access Ventures saw a need for a coworking community in our hometown of Louisville, Ky. What was envisioned was a community of people working together in the same physical space, bouncing ideas off one another, pitching businesses and creating and doing things that have never been done before. Later that year, we purchased a dilapidated building in the Shelby Park neighborhood and renovated the space into what is now The Park.

In almost two years, The Park has grown to over 70 members that include people from a wide variety of occupations including designers, writers, entrepreneurs, non-profit employees, healthcare professionals and many more. Members have worked in the past year for national news outlets, on feature films and even on developing a product used to help save lives. We’re also proud to be members of The Park and work alongside so many inspiring and creative individuals.

We believe it is important to celebrate our members and the work that is being done in the community so we asked each member about what they like most about coworking and how coworking has affected their work-life. Below are some of the answers we received.

“I love the flexibility of working from home, but after several months of exclusively working from home I realized I really needed a place to go to get out of my house. Walking into The Park is always a great way to start the work day; there are always smiling faces, the workspace is clean and bright, and the coffee is on point. It is also nice to learn about the work of other coworkers.”

“Being able to get out of my house and come to a different work environment is a huge plus for me. I work from home at least 3 days a week, but especially when I am feeling cooped up The Park really rejuvenates me and focuses my work. It is also very nice to be able to interact with a group of super interesting, smart people–an inspiring work environment.”

– David Abell | Program Director, STAR Communities

“I’m lucky to be able to work from Louisville. I choose coworking to get me out of my home office and to interact with like-minded people. What I enjoy most is the diverse set of people I’ve been able to meet at The Park – each has a different passion and skill-set. Coworking has affected my work-life in that it gives me a space to focus on work outside of the home office. When I’m there it’s all work without the daily distractions you sometimes face at home.”

– Rich Calabrese |  Marketing Strategist, Fizziology

“We’re a small operation in Louisville (just two people so far) and we knew that we needed an in-between step from working at home and needing a full office space. Coworking provides that for our growing agency but also connects us to the talented designers, entrepreneurs and others in the space to be a more enriched part of the Louisville community.”

“The connection to more people who are like-minded and even open to collaboration is the biggest end-result for me. I’m also connected to the Louisville Digital Association and involved in other community events, so having that extended community of professional colleagues is always helpful.”

– Jason Falls |  Digital Strategist, Elasticity

“I chose co-working for the flexibility, collaborative environment, and modern esthetic – design elements as well as a reflection of how business is evolving. Mostly though, I utilize my membership for the professional meeting rooms that allow me to have private conversations with clients (often brainstorming confidential ideas or projects). I love being around the entrepreneurial spirit of others making new things and being able to freely discuss ideas, events, and such among other members as peers.”

“Compared working from home; I find the short commute (bike or car) is a great way to turn off and separate work from home.  It also helps keep home office (aka dining table) clutter to a minimum.”

– David Frick | Business Strategist, Success Ventures

“We love the community! It’s inspiring to be around other people working on cool stuff. It’s a beautiful and productive work environment, so it’s easy to get things done.”

– Maggie Galloway | CEO/Entrepreneur,Inscope Medical

“Coworking is innovative and collaborative. (It’s very San Francisco, don’t you know?) Our organization chose it as an opportunity for our city-wide staff to have meetings as needed, while also enabling us the chance to network with other folks from other sectors. Plus, snacks.”

“It puts me in the working frame of mind in a way a coffee shop can’t provide while also offering me access to office materials and plenty o’ brilliant people.”

– Tracy Ingram |  Director of Social Responsibility, Kentucky YMCA Youth Association

“Coworking was a perfect fit for our business. It has allowed us to have the advantages of a storefront without the high overhead costs. It has also allowed for some unexpected networking opportunities along the way. Plus, the flexible work areas allow for a change of scenery. I don’t feel tied down to the same cubicle every day.”

“Getting to know other people who work at The Park has been such a positive experience. It has allowed for organic networking opportunities, which is vital to the life of a start-up.”

– Kristin Jordan |  Interior Designer/Entrepreneur, Knot and Company

“To connect with people in the business community. To have a safe and comfortable place to work. The snacks, the staff, other members, meeting rooms, and the new outdoor area!”

– Casey Larue | Content Creator, caseylarue.com

“We have been working out of coworking type offices since we started. We went from Nucleus to Velocity to The Park. Being a small company and employing remote workers, I like the atmosphere of being surrounded with other people that have similar goals. Separating work-life and home-life is very important to me. Having a place to go to focus on work is important. The Park has allowed us to have a place to call our office.”

– Jon Matar | CEO/Entrepreneur, ContentTools

“I chose coworking because it gives me flexibility. I can work from home, although that got stale after a few years. I’m not ready to get a whole office yet, so this is the right fit for me in light of where my businesses and I are at today. I enjoy having the choice to work from home or come to The Park, especially during summer when my wife is off work and my kids are out of school – they can have fun at home and I can be productive here.”

“It’s a different experience to leave the house to go to work – I had not done much of that in the previous four years. So it’s a welcome return to that minor inconvenience.”

– Jamie McGloin-King | Attorney, Jamie W. McGloin-King PLLC

“I chose coworking because I needed a dedicated space to work on getting my business up and running. I found working from home I was prone to getting distracted by everyday things rather than focusing on my work. I enjoy seeing and meeting all the people who are trying to make a go of their work on their own terms. The Park is a nice and relaxing place to get work done. And, of course, the Good Folks coffee! It helps me stay focused on my tasks for the day and not get distracted. Being your own boss can be lonely sometimes. “

– Amy Merrick |  Video Producer, Busby Hollow Media

“Last June my husband and I moved from the Detroit area to Louisville because he got a corporate counsel job at Baptist Health.  I was able to continue to work for GreenPath remotely and I chose coworking to get out of the house!  I enjoy working remotely but going to the Park allows me to focus on just work without looking at laundry and dishes. (I also enjoy the cheez-its.)”

“Going from working in an office with a couple hundred other people for the past eight years to working remotely was definitely an adjustment. Having a part-time membership at a space like the Park is great because it’s like going in to an office again. It’s nice to have other people around and a space where my focus is only work.”

– Colleen Mott | Non-Profit Partner Relations, GreenPath Financial Wellness

“I used a coworking space in DC (where I used to live) and loved it. I was employed with a startup for a year and spent some time doing independent consulting, and it was a life saver. I fully admit that I have trouble concentrating at home and coffee shops get crowded, so it’s a perfect way to stay focused while surrounded by folks trying to do the same.”

“It helps me compartmentalize more effectively. My wife and I just had a daughter in October, and I realized that if there was no physical barrier between work and home it would be hard to stay mentally present. I still work from home when I need to, but it helps create structure during a time in our lives when there is very little.”

– Jeff Quigley | Energy Analyst, Stratas Advisors

“Although I can write pretty much anywhere – including planes and trains – I find I am most productive in an environment where other people are working too. I also find it’s important for me to get out of my head and out into the world. The Park has been great for me in all those respects, but I think what I appreciate most is the people it has connected me with. I don’t know if I would have met them otherwise. It’s given me a greater sense of structure and a stable base to work from, both literally and metaphorically. It’s been very beneficial.”

– Anna Rohleder | Freelance Writer and Editor

“Elasticity’s headquarters is located in St. Louis, and a coworking space allows me to not get cabin fever in my home office, as well as provides useful client meeting space and a resource for potential partnerships and brainstorming. The ease to be able to come and go and have everything you need at your fingertips is great! Plus it’s less than 5 minutes from my house, so it’s super convenient.”

– Christine Tarquinio | Senior Account Manager, Elasticity

The Park is dedicated to ending all of the frustrations of working the old way in an office. It is a space that caters to passionate people, and it is an open place for people of all kinds; we believe in community. If you are interested in becoming a member at The Park, then check out their website to learn more!