From Corporate America to Coworking Champion: My Journey of Building Communities through Flexible Workspaces
The following is an excerpt from our CEO, Kristin Hardwick, on the roots of CoHo, in Milford NH.
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In 2009, I took the leap and started my first business as a photographer, and by 2016, I had left Corporate America behind for good. Over the years, I’ve built multiple successful businesses, ranging from photography to digital marketing to CoHo Coworking. With each venture, I’ve grown more focused on what truly matters: people and building relationships. My passion has always been creating flexible companies that prioritize community and well-being.
The Moment I Knew I Had to Open a Coworking Space
For years, I worked from my photography studio alone, and I felt the isolation that so many solopreneurs experience. I craved connection and community, but when I looked for a coworking space, I realized there wasn’t a good option near me. That’s when it hit me: I could create the very space I needed—a place where professionals could not only work but build meaningful relationships and find a sense of belonging.
It wasn’t just about creating a physical space; it was about creating the heart of a business community. That realization was my lightbulb moment. Coworking wasn’t just a solution for workspace challenges—it could be the core of something much bigger.
My Biggest Concern When Opening CoHo—and How It Turned Out
Opening a coworking space in a smaller, suburban market came with its own set of worries. Would there be enough demand? I spent hours researching local business owners, freelancers, and remote workers to assess the potential membership pool. But my fears were quickly put to rest. People in the community were craving connection just as much as I was.
Thanks to word-of-mouth and the unexpected shift in work habits brought on by the pandemic, CoHo grew faster than I ever imagined. Today, we’re thriving because relationships are at the core of everything we do.
The Overlap Between Personal Well-Being and Coworking
For me, well-being is about more than just physical health. It encompasses emotional and social well-being, too. I believe coworking plays a crucial role in helping people balance their professional lives with personal growth and meaningful connections. It’s more than just a workspace; it’s a place where members can thrive both personally and professionally. We include amenities like a walking treadmill, quiet space, and group walks at lunch.
At CoHo, we create an environment where people can find that balance. It turns out that caring about people is not just good for the soul—it’s great for business. Our community is built on the foundation of mutual care and support, and it’s the reason people want to be here.
CoHo Coworking: A Space That Prioritizes Community
CoHo is located in a suburban area and offers 7,500 square feet of flexible workspace. We have 12 private offices, 3 meeting rooms, and plenty of open space for members to work, collaborate, and connect. Our product mix includes daily drop-ins, full-time offices, and meeting space rentals. We cater to a range of professionals, from small business owners to remote workers, who value community and collaboration.
Our members are ambitious, kind professionals who are deeply involved in the local community. You’ll find them at kids’ soccer games, the grocery store, or attending local events. They’re professionals who are looking not just for a place to work, but for a community to belong to.
My Role as CEO of CoHo Coworking
As CEO, I wear many hats. I’m involved in everything from day-to-day operations to marketing and community building. But my favorite part? Personally getting to know each member. I make it a point to foster connection and create a positive, inclusive culture at CoHo.
It’s important to me that members don’t just feel like they have a workspace but a place where they belong. I ensure we have multiple touchpoints to engage with members and encourage them to connect with each other.
Meeting Rooms in a Smaller Town: A Surprising Success
One thing that has pleasantly surprised me is the demand for meeting rooms in our suburban location. Local businesses use our spaces for off-site meetings, workshops, and client sessions. In a smaller town like ours, we’ve become a hub for professional gatherings, offering a reliable and professional space people can count on.
Adapting and Evolving CoHo
Over the years, I’ve learned to be flexible with what we offer. For example, I’ve noticed that our members prefer midday events over evening ones. We’ve shifted to focus more on community-building activities and partnering with local businesses to keep members engaged.
Our marketing has evolved as well. We’ve leaned into storytelling to highlight the CoHo experience, emphasizing how being a part of this community has positively impacted our members’ work and lives.
How We Market CoHo
Our marketing strategy is a mix of word-of-mouth referrals, social media, and local partnerships. The real magic happens when we tell the stories of our members—showing how CoHo has become a crucial part of their professional journey. Organic connections and community involvement continue to be a powerful way to create buzz and attract new members.
My Favorite Coworking App
Without a doubt, my favorite coworking app is Optix, which we use to provide a custom app experience for our members. We recently switched to using it, and it’s made managing the space so much easier. It’s user-friendly, reliable, and perfect for our needs.
At the end of the day, CoHo is more than just a coworking space. It’s a place where people come to find connection, grow their businesses, and thrive in a supportive, community-driven environment. And I’m incredibly proud to be at the helm, helping to shape this vibrant space where people can truly thrive.