Office Evolution is poised for exponential growth.
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Businesses across all industries have been forced to pivot, adapt, and scale back. While COVID-19 remains a relentless force to reckon with, franchising bucked the trend with growth opportunities, new members, and entrepreneurs eager to pursue business ownership.
Office Evolution, the nation’s largest provider of locally owned and operated flexible workspace locations close to home that are safe and affordable, is poised for growth in 2021.
The flexible workspace franchisor currently has more than 70 suburban locations open across 26 states and is welcoming savvy entrepreneurs to join its expanding ‘Ohana’ – Hawaiian for family – as demand for flexible workspace space surges. The brand’s model fills a niche for suburban-based workers looking for a professional environment minutes from where they live.
“2020 changed how and where we work forever,” said Office Evolution CEO and founder Mark Hemmeter. “I founded Office Evolution in 2003 with a vision to support small business owners and their families by providing them with affordable workspace that’s close to home. This premise is more relevant now than ever before as we are seeing a rise in small businesses, movement of office space to suburban markets, and remote workers looking for a safe office solution. We continue to expand our network to meet this exciting demand.”
The good news is the demand for flexible workspace is equally balanced between employees and employers. While employees enjoy the freedom of how and where they work, employers recognize flexible working has a positive effect on employee productivity.
It also enables businesses to finally cut ties to traditional real estate and long-term expensive leases, which have proven to be a waste of money during the pandemic as most offices sat empty amid the pandemic.
A UNIQUE MODEL: 93 PER CENT RECURRING REVENUE, SEMI-ABSENTEE, BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
This is a franchise opportunity that easily fits into an entrepreneur’s lifestyle. The coworking location operates during normal business hours, with only one employee, enabling our franchisees to achieve a strong work-life balance. The single-employee business runs with 93 per cent recurring income.
As a business-to-business service, franchisees are working with professional clients just like themselves. In addition, franchisees never need to worry about food, expiring inventory, or cash. Franchisees also receive back office, lead generation, call center, and billing support.
Office Evolution franchisees have the incredible opportunity to build long-term wealth while operating other businesses, owning other franchises, and in many cases, keeping a corporate career.
Power couple Deon and Debbie Boles of Los Gatos, CA, couldn’t be happier with their decision to become Office Evolution franchisees.
“We’ve always wanted to take ownership of a business, and with retirement on the horizon, we thought owning a franchise would be a great way to have independence plus the flexibility to participate in all the things we want to do in retirement,” said Deon.
They did their research on franchises and said none compared to Office Evolution. “We loved the coworking model and knew that the demand would be high in an area like ours, which is full of tech companies and entrepreneurs,” said Debbie. “Plus, we believed in the mission statement and what Office Evolution stands for.”
SUBURBAN COWORKING IS TRANSFORMING HOW PEOPLE WORK
“The days of the traditional corporate office are dying,” said Hemmeter. “People want options closer to home.”
With people hesitant to be in large groups in confined spaces, the idea of a flexible work environment close to home with a shorter commute is more appealing than ever before.
“The days of the traditional corporate office are dying”
Deemed an essential service, all Office Evolution locations remained open during the stay-at-home orders and were able to support their members. With the health and safety of members and staff in mind, all centers have taken numerous coronavirus precautions and are following CDC guidelines, including social distancing throughout the office, a face-mask policy, and temperature checks. In fact, 10 new locations opened since March 2020, proving the strength and viability of the brand.
Martin Gruszka opened his first Office Evolution location in March 2019 in Herndon, VA, and is thrilled with his decision to become a franchisee.
“As I looked and researched different franchises, Office Evolution presented a perfect opportunity to take the next steps in my career,” said Martin. “Office Evolution is a great company with top management, fantastic resources, and a solid support structure. It allowed me to engage my creativity once again – first to build a center, then grow it, and finally to support its members.”
CULTURE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE: OHANA IS OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE
The power of Office Evolution’s culture supports business success in flourishing and challenging times. What is truly unique about Office Evolution is its deep commitment to the Ohana, the sharing of best practices, ideas, and solutions to ensure success on a local and brand-wide level.
Office Evolution has an incredible family of business owners committed to helping each other grow and thrive. Its members, known as dreamers, risk-takers, and doers trust the Ohana will do everything it can to help them succeed.
Franchisee Doug Havas in Charlotte, NC has dedicated himself to helping small businesses in his community.
For Doug, the best part about owning an Office Evolution franchise is: “Interacting with the members. I like to hear about their businesses. If there is any way I can help them, I always offer ideas. I like to leverage my local referral network and strategic partners and connect them to other members. I love this business because I feel I can add real value and service to my local business community.”
With the pent-up demand for coworking and entrepreneurs looking for the next big opportunity, franchising and coworking are a perfect match. The office market was way overdue for a change in order to keep pace with the evolving way people are working. For anyone interested in a business with growth potential, the time is now.
AT A GLANCE
Established: 2003
Number of franchised outlets: 140 locations awarded, 72+ open.
Locations of units: U.S.
Investment range: $374,000 – $1.6m
Minimum required capital: $500,000 (liquid) / $1.00m (net worth)
Contact: Lauren Johnson; franchise@officeevolution.com
