Office Evolution, the largest and fastest-growing coworking franchisor in the United States, is deepening its roots in metro Atlanta with a new franchisee planning the company’s fourth Georgia location.  Situated at the heart of the popular downtown Historic Roswell neighborhood, the franchise, owned and operated by preferred CVS developer Mark Gottlieb and marketing professional Jackie Blythe, is set to open in October at 821 Atlanta Street.

“Not all coworking concepts are created equal – and not all are vast open areas stuffed with Millenials and Gen Z,” explains Gottlieb, partner, Office Evolution Roswell.  “Businesses are now shifting to more suburban, residential locations and tapping a variety of office environments – some as a result of the onset of COVID-19, some as part of the natural ebb and flow of the business cycle.  Regardless, many employers now realize that remote work setups actually result in increased productivity with employees in a safe, flexible environment closer to home.”  The franchise owners invested more than $3 million to acquire and renovate the nearly 30-year-old office building.  Construction is currently underway.

“Our focus for Office Evolution is to provide an approachable, productive environment for solopreneurs and small- to medium-sized businesses – the best of a traditional office with professional support staff, top-of-the-line technology and a sophisticated, collaborative space with the flexibility and affordability that is necessary for their business success,” states Blythe.  “We look at this as a quality of life enhancement for our members.”  Plans for the 10,600-sq. ft., single-story facility include 43 fully furnished private offices, two drop-in work areas, two large meeting rooms and a 1,000-sq. ft. multi-functional training and event space.  Approximately 25 percent of the space is dedicated to open, shared workspace.  

Other amenities include a full-time office manager/concierge to support members and their guests; ample, designated parking; cutting-edge technology including private, reliable and safe internet access; complimentary snack and beverage bar; staffed reception; and live telephone answering during business hours.  Members have 24/7 key-card access to their offices as well as privileges at more than 70 other Office Evolution business centers throughout the country.

Roswell, Ga., a suburban community about 20 miles north of downtown Atlanta, is an ideal location for Office Evolution.  According to Steve Stroud, executive director, Roswell Inc., the city’s economic and business development organization, “Coworking space plays a vital role in the development and growth of our business community.  With approximately a third of Roswell businesses being home-based, Office Evolution will be a great asset for our professionals and entrepreneurs.”  Nearby, the popular Canton Street offers restaurants, shops and two new boutique hotels and the acclaimed Southern Post mixed-use development is currently under construction.  The City is also home to three business-class hotels with another expected to break ground in 2021.

Blythe adds, “While we expect to be an integral part of Roswell’s business community, we also feel that our location is a viable option for businesses and entrepreneurs in the surrounding communities of north Sandy Springs, East Cobb and Milton, areas relatively void of quality co-working options such as Office Evolution.”  Both Blythe and Gottlieb are longtime, active Roswell residents and part of the City’s professional workforce.

No stranger to brand expansion, Gottlieb is a successful commercial real estate veteran known for his role in the regional expansion of popular brands including CVS, Chase Bank, Family Dollar and Cumberland Farms.  “Coworking space is really life full-circle for me,” explains Gottlieb.  In 1997, he launched his real estate firm MetroGroup Development utilizing a Roswell-based coworking space as the company’s headquarters for their first several years .  Blythe, meanwhile, is a 20-year veteran of marketing and business technology, and currently serves as director of vertical markets for Roswell-based Convey Services, a marketing technology company.

High-Growth National Concept

Based in Louisville, Colo., Office Evolution is the largest network of locally owned and operated coworking locations in the nation.  In 2020, the company has opened nine new locations bringing its total number of outlets to 72 in 25 states with a projection of 80 locations by year-end.  Founder and CEO Mark Hemmeter explains, “Our continued growth despite the Covid-19 pandemic is a testament to our strong business model, the rising demand for our nationwide network and the power of our Ohana — which is Hawaiian for ‘family’ — culture.”

In a time when the coronavirus pandemic has forced companies to move their workforce to at-home or offsite spaces, Office Evolution is already positioned to be mindful of healthy and safe practices.  Typical locations include mostly private offices rather than densely populated communal workspaces, a focus on suburban rather than urban locations and smaller footprints that still provide sufficient distance between workspaces.  According to experts, coworking spaces that are able to adapt to new hygiene and safety measures will continue to be an integral part of the new business landscape.  Adds Hemmeter, “We are innately equipped for this new era.”

Office Evolution is currently located at Avalon in Alpharetta, Ga. and at 56 Perimeter Center in Dunwoody, Ga. with a location in Johns Creek, Ga. opening soon.  Gottlieb and Blythe are seeking to expand immediately eyeing popular northeast Atlanta neighborhoods for their second location.