Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Lamb.
Hi Daniel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I moved to Atlanta from Athens in 2005, I had just dropped out of college and had no career prospects and I’d never heard the word “cowork.” I came here to follow a passion – playing music.
Fast forward a few years, and I’d finished music school and was working in the restaurant industry. Eventually, I went back to college at Georgia State, finished my degree in English and found my way into marketing and copywriting.
Across the span of 2005-2015, I experienced being outpriced and displaced several times, most recently in Smyrna. As we felt “pushed out” thanks to rising rents, we found our home in downtown Austell just a year before the pandemic hit. Thanks to the big switch to remote work, I found myself totally isolated in my home, spending day after day on Zoom calls with little-to-no authentic human interaction, save for my wife Sarah.
So when my friend asked me to partner with him to open a coworking space, I was ready to answer the call. 2022 has been a year of striving, and I’m so excited that we are finally open for business.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Opening a coworking space with zero brick and mortar experience — why would I raise my hand for that? Out of desperation for human connection and hope that I could make a difference in my neighborhood.
Finding the right offer, sourcing furniture and decor, figuring out who to engage and how to go about that have been a few challenges we’ve worked through in real-time via trial and error.
The biggest task we’re facing right now is reaching folks who are here in Austell to socialize and educate our community on what a coworking space actually does, who it’s for and how to engage with us.
We’re working with other local groups like Austell Business Association, Create Austell, Cobb Chamber and our city government to create a presence and be a resource for the community. We’re opening our doors to non-profits and community partners to use our space to hold gatherings and conduct meetings after hours because it’s part of our mission to always be giving back.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Austell CoWork is a 3000 square foot open office plan with 18 dedicated desks, shared meeting space, a member lounge, and many of the usual perks of the modern office: coffee, wifi, secured access, and more.
Our coworking space, above all, is about activation and incubation.
Austell is home to a diverse community and is a city anchored in historical significance. We seek to activate our community by creating a sustainable, affordable and forward-thinking workspace for all who seek it. An activated community is one that is engaged in dialogue and in action.
Because no business or business person thrives in a silo, away from beneficial contact and cross-pollination, we are dedicated to the growth of our members and our community. In action, this looks like monthly coaching sessions for our dedicated desk members. It also means educational programming for all as well as opening our doors to community organizations who need space to gather and organize.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success looks like our space filled with energy and people – a local hive for remote workers, neighbors and entrepreneurs alike. Success also means knowing that we’re playing an active role in making our neighborhood a place that isn’t just a “rest stop” on the way to Smyrna or Atlanta. Austell (and Cowork) has a lot to give, but progress and visibility take time and effort.
Pricing:
- Hot Desk Membership – $55/month. No long-term contracts!
Contact Info:
- Website: austellcowork.com
- Instagram: @austellcowork @heydaniellamb
Image Credits
Headshot by Erin Shopf Ribbon cutting by J. Isaac Newton
