Podcast
Flex Uncensored - A Coworking Podcast
Hosted by Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavacini · EN
Giovanni Palavacini and Jamie Russo have partnered to ask industry leaders the questions that are on your mind.
Giovanni Palavacini is a Real Estate Strategist focused on helping operators, landlords, and investors to make wise coworking/flexible office decisions using a combination of science and art.
Jamie Russo was a coworking space owner/operator for 8 years, Executive Director of the GWA, the industry association, for 5 years, and has spent the last few years helping operators start and run profitable coworking businesses.
51episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
200. How Isaac Esses Built TKO Suites to 24 Locations by Prioritizing Efficiency Over Hype
2d ago01:06:00Tap to summarizeHow do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency? Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market. In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets. In this episode, we cover: How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →200. How Isaac Esses Built TKO Suites to 24 Locations by Prioritizing Efficiency Over Hype
2d ago01:06:00Tap to summarizeHow do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency? Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market. In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets. In this episode, we cover: How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →200. How Isaac Esses Built TKO Suites to 24 Locations by Prioritizing Efficiency Over Hype
2d ago01:06:00Tap to summarizeHow do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency? Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market. In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets. In this episode, we cover: How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →200. How Isaac Esses Built TKO Suites to 24 Locations by Prioritizing Efficiency Over Hype
2d ago01:06:00Tap to summarizeHow do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency? Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market. In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets. In this episode, we cover: How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →200. How Isaac Esses Built TKO Suites to 24 Locations by Prioritizing Efficiency Over Hype
2d ago01:06:00Tap to summarizeHow do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency? Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market. In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets. In this episode, we cover: How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →200. How Isaac Esses Built TKO Suites to 24 Locations by Prioritizing Efficiency Over Hype
2d ago01:06:00Tap to summarizeHow do you scale a coworking business to 24 locations while staying focused on efficiency? Isaac Esses, founder and CEO of TKO Suites, has built a 24-location coworking portfolio by focusing on smart growth, operational efficiency, and understanding what works in each market. In this conversation, Isaac shares how he approaches expansion, why he prioritizes minimizing risk, and how he evaluates locations, acquisitions, and opportunities across different markets. In this episode, we cover: How Isaac grew TKO Suites to 24 locations and his approach to expanding into new markets Why he focuses on efficiency, cost control, and maximizing every square foot How TKO Suites competes by offering affordable, well-designed office space The lessons Isaac learned from acquiring existing coworking operations Why some coworking operators struggle to become profitable How virtual mail contributes to TKO Suites' revenue model Why Isaac uses a centralized sales approach instead of location-based sales teams How he evaluates potential locations and why market differences matter The importance of understanding local demographics when choosing new markets How he thinks about build-outs, office sizes, and creating value for members Why every new deal and location provides opportunities to learn and improve Whether you're growing a coworking portfolio, evaluating new locations, or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, Isaac shares the strategies and lessons behind TKO Suites' growth. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Isaac Esses on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →199. Greg Miley on how Clockwise is Scaling Across Europe Through Partnerships with Asse Owners
1w ago00:50:40Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to grow a coworking portfolio across multiple markets without relying on a one-size-fits-all playbook? According to Greg Miley, Chief Commercial Officer at Clockwise, it starts with understanding that every location has its own unique challenges, customers, and opportunities. In this episode, Greg shares how Clockwise operates 18 assets across 17 cities throughout the UK and Europe, and how the company approaches growth across a highly distributed portfolio. From entering new markets to building local awareness, Greg explains why successful flex operators need to understand the dynamics of each market instead of applying the same strategy everywhere. In this episode, we talk about: How Clockwise grew a portfolio across 17 different cities Why every coworking market requires a different sales and marketing strategy How operators can identify the right channels for each location Why brokers remain an important part of the flex workspace ecosystem Why general managers are critical to creating visibility and relationships outside the building How Clockwise uses CRM data to understand lead sources, conversions, and growth opportunities The importance of choosing the right buildings and understanding market demand Why flexible workspace adoption continues to grow as companies rethink traditional offices How Greg's experience as both a broker and operator influences his approach to partnerships As the flexible workspace industry continues to mature, the operators who combine strong local relationships, smart data practices, and a deep understanding of their customers will be the ones positioned for sustainable growth. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Greg Miley on LinkedIn Clockwise Offices website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →198. Workbox CEO John Wallace on Scaling a Coworking Business
2w ago00:32:31Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to scale a coworking company without losing focus? According to John Wallace, Founder & CEO of Workbox, it starts by knowing exactly who you're building for—and resisting the temptation to be everything to everyone. In this episode, John shares how Workbox has grown to 13 locations across seven cities while staying focused on serving small and midsize businesses. We also dive into the company's new strategic alliance with Serendipity Labs and why partnerships may become an increasingly important growth strategy for coworking operators. In this episode, we talk about: Why Workbox partnered with Serendipity Labs and what the alliance means for members How strategic partnerships can expand a coworking network without opening new locations Why Workbox prioritizes small and midsize businesses over enterprise clients How AI is helping operators improve pricing, sales, workflows, and decision-making Why hospitality remains the biggest competitive advantage in coworking The role of flexible workspace in supporting the next generation of AI startups How revenue-share and profit-share agreements create better alignment with building owners One insight that really stuck with me was John's reminder that AI shouldn't replace hospitality—it should eliminate the busy work so your team can spend more time creating meaningful member experiences. As our industry continues to evolve, the operators who combine great hospitality with smart technology and strategic growth will be the ones who stand out. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: John Wallace Workbox website Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →197. How Andrew Runnette Is Helping Scale the Cowarehousing Industry
3w ago00:37:45Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a former chef helps build one of the fastest-growing cowarehousing companies in the country? You get a fascinating perspective on where flexible workspace is headed next. In this episode, Andrew Runnette shares how his career took him from restaurant kitchens to Whole Foods, then into food tech, and eventually to helping scale Portal Warehousing across the U.S. What stood out most to me is how closely the evolution of cowarehousing mirrors the early days of coworking. At its core, it isn't just about warehouse space. It's about giving businesses the flexibility to grow without committing to traditional industrial leases—and creating space that adapts as those businesses evolve. In this episode, we talk about: Andrew's journey from chef to Whole Foods executive to scaling Portal Warehousing How Portal expanded from one location to multiple markets across the U.S. Why flexibility is becoming just as important in industrial real estate as it is in coworking The KPIs operators should be tracking before expanding to new locations Common layout and operational mistakes that limit growth How AI is helping operators connect systems, benchmark performance, and make smarter decisions Why Andrew believes "space as a service" is the future of both coworking and cowarehousing One insight that really stuck with me was Andrew's view that the future isn't about selling office space or warehouse space—it's about creating flexible solutions that help businesses grow. Whether you're already exploring industrial flex space or simply curious about where the flexible workspace industry is heading, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what's next. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Andrew Runnette Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
Transcribe →196. Best Of: Reclaiming Creativity in Coworking Design with Dean Connell
Jul 700:54:26Tap to summarizeThis week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes because the conversation is just as relevant today as when it first aired. Design matters—but not in the way most coworking operators think. After helping design more than 2 million square feet of flexible workspace around the world, Dean Connell has a unique perspective on what makes a coworking space successful. It's not about following trends or choosing the right furniture. It's about creating spaces with personality, purpose, and a culture people genuinely want to be part of. In this conversation, Dean shares how he went from designing luxury bars and boutique hotels to becoming Creative Director at WeWork, the lessons he learned along the way, and why he believes too many coworking spaces have become predictable. If you're designing, renovating, or rethinking your coworking space, this episode will challenge the way you think about design, community, and member experience. In this episode, we cover: Dean's journey from hospitality design to leading creative projects at WeWork Why so many coworking spaces look and feel the same—and what operators can do differently The balance between scalable design and authentic community How thoughtful design influences culture, member experience, and brand perception Why operators should stop playing it safe and build spaces people remember Whether you're opening your first coworking space or planning your next renovation, this conversation is full of ideas to help you create a space that stands out—for all the right reasons. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Dean on LinkedIn I-AM.D.C website Wesley Edmonds on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast
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