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By Madeline Hrotko, Community Developer, Bond Collective Financial District

Many people know the obvious amenities and perks of working from a shared workspace: freshly brewed coffee, 24/7 access, member discounts, not having to worry about utilities, etc. What’s often lost on the casual onlooker however is the value of having a physical office, versus parking yourself at home. Studies show that working amongst other colleagues or like-minded people increases productivity and workflow, rather than working in a cubicle or from your couch.

Not only that, shared spaces enable easy brainstorming, collaboration, physical office space, or meeting rooms with other members or colleagues. At Bond Collective, each of our locations’ common areas are designed intentionally for quick meetings, passive networking, and/or the perfect lunch spot with team members.

Collaboration means so much more than simply networking over a drink in your coworking space. The ability to run through ideas or projects with your peers has never been higher, based purely on the notion and importance of working alongside others on a daily basis on often incredibly different topics. Not only that, meeting booths (see below at Bond 60 Broad) allow for small, intimate meetings for two people at any point in the day.

While the space plays an important role in aiding such collaboration, shared workspaces often facilitate easy networking during casual happy hours, coffee breaks or small events going on within the space itself. Self- selecting into your own level of collaboration is a byproduct of that balance that we pride ourselves on, with your community only playing as crucial as a role as you see fit.

At Bond Collective, we genuinely feel that collaboration in shared workspaces helps create a productive business, but in more ways than you may imagine:

Working Together

The most obvious component: coworking environments give you access to a large network of other professionals ready to collaborate on ideas, projects, and more. The community that is created amongst shared office spaces are a resource in their own. For example, do you need a new brand image, legal advice, or an accountant? Look no further. Odds are you have these very services and individuals just  right down the hall! By joining a shared office space you instantly have a plethora of businesses at your disposal ready to work with you.

Flexibility

Shared office spaces have the ability to be flexible in more aspects than first meet the eye. Lease can start as short as a handful of weeks, and can go as long as few years pending your needs or wants as a business. Need office space starting tomorrow? Not a problem with well-designed, simplistic, straightforward license agreements, and quick invoicing systems. Also, having a growing business should never be a problem. Shared office spaces allow you to grow your team by moving to a larger office or even a new address without effort or extra cost! At Bond Collective, we understand growing can be stressful, and we want to make process as seamless as possible.

Access to multiple offices for the price of one

Why should having one office limit you to one location? If you join Bond Collective, you gain access to all of our locations in New York to Philadelphia (with more to come!). This means you have the opportunity to explore networks in different workspaces right off the bat. In addition, all of the offices are located in prime locations that give small businesses the opportunity to thrive in their local areas.

Brand Recognition

Small startups and freelancers are often times challenged by creating their own brand awareness. An added convenience of working from a shared office is that dozens of businesses will pass by your office/logo every day and will immediately know your brand name and image. This automatically connects you with an even larger network of professionals looking to collaborate. Also, specifically at Bond Collective, our spaces are focused on elevating our member’s brands, not our own. Let your business take the forefront of discussion without being downtrodden by our personal materials and presence.

Socialization

Gallup’s research has found that people who have friends at work are more productive and engaged throughout the workday. Shared office spaces host member events, happy hours, tastings, etc. to promote casual socialization and collaboration throughout the community. More people are switching to coworking because it offers a level of socialization that working from home or a cubical does not.

Energy, Motivation & Inspiration

It’s hard to find inspiration while you’re working out of the place you call home or a cubical. Staring at the TV or a wall might not be the best way to provoke new ideas or maintain high energy levels. Shared office spaces are carefully curated to provide unique work environments that promote energy and motivation throughout the space. Most locations are fully equipped with call booths, meeting booths, conference rooms, amongst other resources to get you out of your regular office and inspire you to create. An albeit optional component, common areas spread throughout are useful for casual meetings or taking on a new change of scenery. Mental separation from your home and your work will propel your energy and motivation exponentially!

Whether you are a one man operation or a team of 50+; collaborative workplaces’ benefits are infinite and ultimately make for a more productive work environment filled with happier employees. Amenity sets, carefully selected furniture and floor plans, and inspirational design design elements help create a workspace that is comfortable and flexible for professionals, creatives, and businesses at any point along their progression.

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE DYNAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG SERIES? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

23 Questions with Bond Collective is a series highlighting the impressive 1,000+ person community spread across the Bond Collective portfolio. The series will feature members from 60 Broad, 55 Broadway, Gowanus and Flatiron locations and Bond Collective employees as well. 23 Questions will explore all different walks of life and show just how unique and vast the Bond Collective network continues to become.

Chrystina is a Hofstra alumna and native New Yorker with work experience ranging in the entertainment, media, financial, and hospitality industries. Based out of Bond 60 Broad, Chrystina uses her past skills to enhance members’ day-to-day experiences to ensure their work environment is as comfortable as can be.

Outside of Bond Collective, Chrystina is an entertainer and fitness enthusiast. She currently lives in Hell’s Kitchen and her go-to restaurant is Taco Dumbo (pro hint: try the tortilla soup). When she is not at work Chrystina can be found taking classes at UCB, making silly videos, and surprising Bond Collective staff with her beautiful singing voice. Chrystina loves the opportunity to meet amazing people at Bond Collective. Chrystina is welcoming and friendly, she has a special way of making people feel cared for and comfortable. Chrystina was recently promoted to Co-Community Manager at Bond 60 Broad, which makes this the perfect time to get to know her better. We asked Chrystina a few questions…

1 – First thing you do in the morning?
Drink water, check my text messages.

2 – Top 3 songs to listen to when you need to get work done?
I love the playlist “Instrumental Study” on Spotify. I find it hard to focus if I have music with lyrics on… I get easily distracted!

3 – Favorite coffee shop and go to order?
I don’t drink coffee, but I love a good green juice or smoothie. For an indulging smoothie, Juice Generation’s “Mr. Greengenes” is my absolute favorite.

4 – Gmail or Outlook?
Gmail.

5 – App you can’t live without?
Google Maps. I could technically survive without Instagram, but I would be somewhere lost and confused without those directions.

6 – First job?
I worked at a clothing store at a mall in Long Island. Those discounts were great.

7 – Favorite lunch spot?
Currently, Juice Shop.

8 – Early or late?
Early.

9 – How do you unwind after a long day of work?
If it’s been a long day: workout class and/or dinner and drinks with a friend. If it’s been a very long day: sprawling out on my couch and watching Netflix with some Seamless.

10 – What’s your lucky charm?
Not a tangible object, but the support of the people I love.

11 – What inspires you?
I’m constantly inspired by what’s around me: the people I see, the things I do, the places I go.

12 – Social Media account everyone should be following?
@thefoodjoy. Just do it.

13 – Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My mom always taught me, and continues to remind me, to count my blessings and look on the bright side of things.

14 – How long did it take you to get to work this morning?
About 40 minutes.

15 – When’s the last time you celebrate a win?
Last night I celebrated a friendversary, which is always a great excuse to do something a little fancy.

16 -If you could squeeze one more activity into your daily life, what would it be?
I’d love to make time to learn guitar. I keep starting it every few years, and never stick with it.

17 – If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Pink Sherbet.

18 – What is the most interesting thing about you?
I have a lot of good stories.

19 – Last show you binge watched?
The Good Place.

20 – Biggest Cheerleader?
My mom and my dad. Growing up they never once missed a play or performance I did, and still support me so much in all that I do.

21 – Call or text?
Text if I’m short on time, but I love a phone call if I have the time for it.

22 – Favorite book?
I can’t get enough of self-help books about keeping positive. “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise L. Hay is a standout.

23 – Name 5 people (dead or alive) you would invite to a dinner party.
All five of the Backstreet Boys. 

For More on Chrystina and Bond Collective:

Instagram: @bondcollective

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bondcollectiveofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bond_Collective

Images courtesy of our in house photographer, Hannah Cohen.  Check out her work here!

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE DYNAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG SERIES? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

By Nykeba Corinaldi, Bond Flatiron Community Developer

This has been a fabulous holiday season, filled with festive outfits, aromatic aromas, and vibrantly lit decorations.

Despite the excitement, it’s important to think of the many families experiencing financial hardship and homelessness. In October 2017, 62,963 homeless people, including 15,689 homeless families with 23,707 homeless children, are sleeping each night in the New York City municipal shelter system. As the temperatures grow colder and the lights glow through the night, I wanted to find ways to positively empower others through my ability to give. After sharing thoughts with the entire Bond Collective team, we united over the same desire to support others as 2017 comes to an end and the new year began.

The Bond Collective team and I decided to create our own tradition of positively impacting communities through donating time, talent, and/or treasure. Our vision served as the blueprint of our Bond Gives Back Initiative.

While researching various opportunities to give, we encountered members of our own Bond Collective communities, that expressed interest in finding opportunities to give back. Their compassion inspired me to share the research I found, as well as create a personal plan of action for ways that I can support the diverse needs of our communities in the New York City area.

Overall, it was disheartening to learn how homelessness in New York City has reached the highest levels since the Great Depression of the 1930s and that the primary cause of homelessness, particularly among families, is lack of affordable housing. “Homelessness is a trauma we need to treat,” CEO of Win NYC. All in all, we found hope in knowing that this is our city and there’s so much power in joining forces to help support our fellow New Yorkers.

In honor of creating a lasting impact on our communities, I’ve selected organizations and opportunities to give back to and share our Bond Gives Back Initiative below!

• Win NYC – Win is the largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for homeless families in NYC. Win provides safe housing, critical services, and groundbreaking programs to help homeless women and their children rebuild their lives and break the cycle of homelessness.

• Food Bank for New York City – Did you know we need 800 volunteers every week at Food Bank NYC? Volunteers are vital to the work Food Bank does throughout the five boroughs. Whether it is repacking food for our network, serving breakfast to seniors, or helping prepare meals for the community, you can make a difference many ways. We’re having a special Food Drive partnership with Food Bank for New York and accepting donations at our Bond Flatiron location!

• The Grand Central Food Program (GCFP) was founded in 1985 the day after a homeless woman died of starvation in Grand Central Terminal. Since then, the program has grown to become the largest mobile soup kitchen in America.

• City Meals on Wheels – Serving homebound elderly New Yorkers since 1981. Providing a lifeline of nourishment, as well as greeting cards that can serve as a simple reminder that someone cares about you. For their meal recipients, it can mean much more. Citymeals works with students, community and corporate groups all over the city to craft handmade cards that brighten the lives of isolated older New Yorkers.

• Volunteers of America – Since Volunteers of America-Greater New York was founded in 1896, we have relied on community support to help us expand our services and enrich the lives of our clients. While our programs are staffed by full-time professionals, we do have many opportunities for individuals and corporate groups to donate their time and talent to help those in need.

• Safe Horizon – Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence. Our mission is to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities. We offer assistance to victims that includes shelter, advocacy, counseling, legal services and more. Our programs and services touch the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults and families throughout New York City each year.

• City Harvest – Dish out the love to a fellow New Yorkers. Whether you have experience in teaching and nutrition, are interested in working with local farmers, or simply want to give back to your community, your passion and time are important resources in the fight against hunger.

This year, Bond Collective is partnered with Win, in support of their mission to break the cycle of homelessness for New York’s children and their families. Together with our communities, Bond Collective spread the magic of the Holidays by donating toys to Win families and children. Reach out to someone from Bond Collective’s community team to find out how we got involved and keep an eye out for our Second Annual Bond Gives Back Initiative!

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE DYNAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG SERIES? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

By Shlomo Silber, CEO, Bond Collective

As we enter one of the first days of the new year, I can’t help but look back towards 2017 and reflect on the accomplishments and challenges that myself and Bond Collective faced in the past year. 2017 has not only been a transformational year for Bond Collective and the coworking industry, but a change for the entire country and world. So many new technologies, industries, people, places, and innovations have changed how we accomplish daily tasks — such as the way we work — and Bond Collective is so excited to be along for the ride.

Over the past 12 months, as a company we’ve accomplished so many of the goals that we sought after, laying the foundation for the goals that follow suit. And to be honest it hasn’t been easy. Two years ago, if you told me we will have completely rebranded our company from Coworkrs to Bond Collective, I would have told you that you are crazy. However, change provides opportunity, and we’ve definitely learned that this past year. From raising funding to announcing our nationwide expansion, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come in 2018.

Defining Our Brand Identity

Around mid-2016 we realized that our former name, Coworkrs, didn’t represent our brand to the fullest extent it had grown to be. We realized the importance of having a brand that portrayed more than just coworking, but instead having one that allows us to grow beyond just shared office space, and find the true meaning behind our company. To that point, we opened up our first event venue at 55 Broadway, The Mezzanine, in late 2016, and found that it was a great offering for both members and the general public. The Mezzanine is allowing us to work with brands in so many different industries, and has introduced us to a new world of event planning and hosting. I’m really looking forward to opening up our event space in Bushwick next Summer, to continue our expansion into the event world.

Defining our brand identity last January was much more than simply changing our name. We transitioned away from the bright colors, certain fonts, an entire website, images, and the way we talked about our brand. Partnering with a branding agency that we’ve known for years was a great decision, because we were working with a team that we trusted and respected. Collectively, we’ve developed a completely new identity for ourselves, flush with colors, fonts, marketing materials, procedures, and more that translate to the true meaning behind our new brand. It was an incredible amount of work to get everything off the ground, but I couldn’t be more proud of the result.

Maintaining Company Culture While Tripling In Size

Ever since I started this business, company culture has been extremely important to me. I always want my employees to feel empowered and involved in every aspect of their job. Starting in 2013 with one location, our company was myself and three other people. Fast forward to the beginning of 2018, and we have a total of 36 people at the helm including our community, corporate, and facilities staff. I am so proud of what we have become as a team, however it’s not always easy to maintain a sense of inclusiveness when your team is on a high growth pattern.

To help manage the changes and growth that were happening, mid-last year our team decided to focus on the culture of our company. Our Community Lead took on this challenge and created a Company Culture Assessment that was completed by every person on our corporate and community team. Following the conclusion of the assessment, our Executive Team actively reviewed and discussed the results with Ashley, then developed a plan to enhance anything we were doing right and fix the wrongs. This was a great exercise to propel us into the New Year and “bond” as a team. Looking back on the experience, we realized the only way the company can grow and prosper is to trust and empower our own team.

Overall, I think completing a Culture Assessment every year is a great exercise for any growing business to make sure employees feel engaged and appreciated, and I’m happy we completed one in 2017.

Raising Capital

Getting funding is always a hot topic in the startup and entrepreneurial world. How much to get, where to get it, who to work with, are just the face value questions companies are asking. In 2017, one of my main goals was to secure capital to fund our nationwide expansion plans. As a company, we initially were accepting small investments from friends and family, and while we are appreciative of their time and contributions, we realized that the scope of what we want to accomplish far exceeds that of our initial expectations.

When my partner Elie and I were first starting to look into raising capital, we were drawn to the big VC companies and thought it would be a great place to start. After a few conversations and meetings, we quickly realized that we needed someone that was more than just an investor, but a partner as well. After a few months of searching, we met our current group of investors which are funding the $50 million investment that was announced in November. The process to find capital admittedly isn’t an easy one, but I do suggest waiting to find the right person, or group of people, to invest in your business.

We feel blessed and lucky to have found an investor that not only funds us, but believes in our mission and wants develop the brand into what Bond Collective is today, and beyond. Their involvement completely changed 2017, and the future of Bond Collective as we expand.

Announcing Nationwide Expansion

Bond Collective announced its plans to open our first location outside of New York in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in November 2017. It was an announcement that we waited a very long time to share with the world. The decision to pick Philadelphia as our first national location came relatively easily. I’ve visited the city many times, and have fallen in love with Center City area each time. When we toured Suburban Station, myself and our design team was instantly smitten with the old world feel and light filled space, deciding to move forward with that building was easy.

Bond Station House means so much more than just our first location outside of New York. It marks Bond Collective’s footprint in a brand new city, with a different culture, feel, and vibe that we can’t wait to explore and bring into the interiors of our space. This new location finally made our expansion plans real and have fueled our drive to tour new cities to open up new locations. I will never forget 2017, because it brought us so much momentum as a company and truly transitioned us to a nationwide company.

As the CEO, I feel so blessed that I get to spearhead out expansion plans. This gives me the opportunity to visit and understand different cities across the country, from their neighborhoods to culture to architecture to food. I truly love taking the time to feel the city and seeing if it would be the right place for us to grow. When planning this process, my team and I don’t just look for the best deals or spaces, we take a deep look at what businesses are surrounding us, and get a sense of the up and coming neighborhoods. One of my favorite things about my job this past year, was getting to know different areas and people so intensely.

What’s In Store for Bond Collective in 2018

2017 was a year for the books. From rebranding our company, to nationwide expansion, to securing funding, to growing our team, it’s been a wild ride. Reflecting back on the year, I am so proud of what we at Bond Collective have accomplished, and can’t believe we squeezed all of these milestones into one year.

So what’s in store for Bond Collective in 2018? We will continue to offer our members the most comfortable and sophisticated workspaces possible in New York and Philadelphia, and improve our existing offerings as our brand and team evolves. Not only that, we are full steam ahead with our expansion plans and will be announcing new workspace and event venue locations across the country. I also can’t wait to see our team grow and become stronger, as we add new employees to our staff in other cities and in New York. 2017 was certainly our biggest year yet, but we are eager to continue growing, overcome challenges, and capitalize on opportunities in the new year.

The greatest thing I’ve realized this past year is that we have such amazing people surrounding us throughout this process. Thank you to all of our members, partners, investors, friends, and family for standing by our side in 2017. Here’s to 2018! I can only imagine what my recap next year is going to look like.

Best wishes in the new year.

Shlomo Silber, CEO & Co-Founder of Bond Collective

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR DYNAMIC COMMUNITY? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

By Hue & Cry, a member at Bond 55 Broadway.

We’re Hue & Cry, a public relations firm that specializes in travel and hospitality brands, and we just moved into Bond Collective’s new Bond 55 Broadway location. Feel free to swing by and borrow some sugar from us. As a communications and creative agency, we fully understand that our space is a strong reflection of who we are and what we do. 

At Hue & Cry, we build better, purposeful and stronger brands by harnessing the power of influence. Our team had been looking for a chic office space to reflect a positive and lasting impression on tastemakers, media, and our current and potential clients. A space that allows us to be approachable and open-minded, yet unfailingly direct. An environment that serves as a platform for our team to be colorful, spirited, imaginative, and thought provoking. As our portfolio ranges from various luxury boutique hotels, restaurants and bars, to lifestyle and spirits brands, it’s critical that our environment mirrors who we work with and what we do.

When our good friends at Mr & Mrs Smith told us about their new Bond Collective office downtown (they are at the Bond 60 Broad location around the corner), we thought it sounded too good to be true. Bond Collective’s luxury office spaces were a better value than some of the more well-known but less sophisticated co-working spaces we were familiar with, and the office at 55 Broadway featured all of the same amenities as said spaces and more  –  hello, unlimited black and white printing! Beautifully designed conference rooms! Complimentary mini massages! Cookie Fridays! Beer on tap! Adorable hot dog pups! Most importantly, the space exemplified a modern yet comfortable design.

As a hospitality-driven brand, Bond Collective has proven to be the perfect match for us as we represent various hospitality brands ourselves – including boutique hotel Casa Angelina on the Amalfi Coast, travel club for hotel lovers Mr & Mrs Smith, Jacu Strauss-designed Pulitzer Amsterdam, NYC’s Priority Bicycles, London’s Coupette bar, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, and various other clients.

Being one of the original members of Bond 55 Broadway has been a positive experience for us, starting with move-in day and even prior to. Our move-in process was seamless from start to finish, with the Bond Collective team being there every step of the way, and we’ve actually bonded with the Bond Collective team themselves, who currently resides on our floor. Did we mention our love for the Dachshund fur babies that scurry down the halls on a regular basis? Worth mentioning again…

We also have a strong appreciation for the energy of the neighborhood, with the New York Stock Exchange just around the corner and the historic Stone Street down the block. Various nearby subway stations and Oculus at the World Trade Center makes commuting a breeze. Having an opportunity to work in a part of Manhattan with such rich history and significance is inspiring. We can peer outside our windows and see the Raging Bull and Fearless Girl. We can sneak away for a lunch break to Pier A, take in the healing qualities of the water during a mid-afternoon break, and admire the Statue of Liberty. We can sweat out our stresses at Physique 57, just a few floors away from Bond Collective’s office, or imbibe our PR stresses away at Clinton Hall or the historic Fraunces Tavern, which served as the headquarters for George Washington following the American Revolution. We can truly feel like we are living the American Dream.

All in all, as we continue to settle in – with Bond 55 Broadway and the Financial District continuing to feel more and more like home – we are thankful for the team at Bond Collective for providing us with a great space that we can be proud of, and enjoy the wonderful perks.

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE DYNAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG SERIES? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

23 Questions with Bond Collective is a series highlighting the impressive 1,000+ person community spread across the Bond Collective portfolio. The series will feature members from 60 Broad, 55 Broadway, Gowanus and Flatiron locations and Bond Collective employees as well. 23 Questions will explore all different walks of life and show just how unique and vast the Bond Collective network continues to become.

Ashley Espinal is the Community Lead at Bond Collective. Born and raised in Boston, Ashley moved to NYC five years ago, following her graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. After over fifteen years in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer, she slowly switched gears from the front of the stage to the back, where she learned the ins and outs of event planning, production, and set design. Ashley’s vast experience in a creative industry allows her to understand and provide optimal service with a personal touch across all of Bond Collective’s locations.

Outside of Bond Collective, Ashley is an event planner, fitness enthusiast, dancer, and singer. She currently lives in Astoria and can often be found at Sweet Afton on the weekends enjoying the good food, drinks, and vibes. At Bond Collective, Ashley loves that all of the spaces are culturally different, but come together as one family. Ashley also enjoys working with the dynamic staff across the locations. Warm, relatable, and beautiful inside and out are just a few descriptions to sum up Ashley. As an integral member of the Bond Collective staff, Ashley often floats to all of our locations supporting our staff and 1,000+ member community. We asked her a few questions….

1 – First thing you do in the morning?
I’ll check the news headlines, check my emails and check the weather, usually in that order.

2 – Top 3 songs to listen to when you need to get work done?
Hmm I don’t have specific songs, but lately I love the Spotify playlists “Deep Focus” and “Chilled R&B”.

3 – Favorite coffee shop and go to order?
Ha! I don’t drink coffee. I think ordering it is really funny, so I can’t really say. But I will always have a hot chocolate.

4 – Gmail or Outlook?
Always Gmail.

5 – App you can’t live without?
My calendar and Mint Bills. I track everything I spend, at all times. I rarely change my budget on specific items, regardless of income. I’m big into saving.

6 – First job?
Assistant Dance Teacher for kids ages 3-5.

7 – Favorite lunch spot?
This is tough! Miss Lily’s is a favorite spot in the East Village. I’m not a huge foodie so I don’t think of these things.

8 – Early or late?
Early to the gym. Late for drinks.

9 – How do you unwind after a long day of work?
I really enjoy reading. It slows down my thoughts!

10 – What’s your lucky charm?
Chatting with my mother. She somehow always knows what to say when I’m a bit unsure.

11 – What inspires you?
People that stick up for others regardless of how it will affect them in the immediate or long run.

12 – Social Media account everyone should be following?
@nayyirah.waheed, @georgiestclair

13 – Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
There are two. “Opportunities are bald, grab them by the hair.” “Never sacrifice your integrity by following the crowd”

14 – How long did it take you to get to work this morning?
Sadly almost an hour. It varies daily.

15 – When’s the last time you celebrate a win?
Does it have to be my win? I don’t know, my friends and family have been achieving great things lately and I’ve taken them as a personal win.

16 -If you could squeeze one more activity into your daily life, what would it be?
More dance classes.

17 – If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
The boldest red you could find.

18 – What is the most interesting thing about you?
I used to be a pop star. I guess I had another life which I always find funny to talk about. You learn a lot about people by being on stage and performing. I’ve always found that interesting. It’s a funny little world.

19 – Last show you binge watched?
Stranger Things!

20 – Biggest Cheerleader?
My fiancé. Kind of cliche, but absolutely true. He’s my bestie for sure.

21 – Call or text?
Text!

22 – Favorite book?
Hmmm, I have several. I love Crime and Punishment because it’s a hard read and I had to work for it. But I also very much love: Fahrenheit 451 and The Alchemist.  I’m currently reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, which I can tell is already going to be a favorite. I could list 10 more but let’s just leave it at that. I can’t choose just one!

23 – Name 5 people (dead or alive) you would invite to a dinner party.
Michelle Obama, Selena Quintanilla (obviously), Misty Copeland, The Mirabal Sisters (can I do all three as one? look them up!), and Gloria Steinem (There is a recurring theme here…)

For More on Ashley and Bond Collective:

Instagram: @bondcollective

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bondcollectiveofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bond_Collective

Images courtesy of our in house photographer, Hannah Cohen.  Check out her work here!

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE DYNAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG SERIES? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

Each Bond Collective location is set in a dynamic neighborhood with a vibrant identity of its own. The Bond Collective Neighborhood Guide blog series will feature some of the best a neighborhood attractions and activities it has to offer.  At Bond Collective, we work to ensure our members feel a sense of community both inside our workspaces as well as the neighborhoods we reside in. Not only do we partner with restaurants in the area, but we also encourage a healthy work-life balance by offering free classes, discounts and ongoing promotions with workout studios and gyms in the area.

1. The Flatiron Room

Take a trip back in time with an evening of live jazz, delicious drinks and snacks at The Flatiron Room. We recommend making a reservation ahead of time as it can get crowded, and it’s the ideal spot to sneak out of work to unwind with Happy Hour from 5-7pm.

Location: 37 West 26th Street; Visit Website

2. Sagaponack Bar & Grill

With $1 oysters, $4 beers on tap and $5 wines, Sagaponack Bar & Grill is perfect for those cold winter nights you wish were still summertime. It boasts a laid back, Hamptons-vibe, so you’ll be sure to beat those winter blues!

Location: 4 West 22nd Street; Visit Website

3. Punch

Nestled on Broadway between 20th and 21st, Punch offers a 5-7pm Happy Hour that is perfectly positioned next to Madison Square Park. Get the Tempura String Beans to pair with a $7 frothy beer on tap and let your troubles from the work day disappear as quickly as the beer.

Location: 913 Broadway; Visit Website

4. Wined Up Bar & Grill

If you’re trying to have an adventurous night out but don’t want to travel too far, then simply walk upstairs from Punch to Wined Up! Situated above Punch, Wined Up not only hosts a 3,000 wine bottle wall, but it also offers a pretty impressive happy hour. Liven up the night with a charcuterie board and a $7 heavy pour of vino!

Location: 913 Broadway; Visit Website

5. Flatiron Lounge

A beautiful speakeasy with a 4-6pm happy hour, Flatiron Lounge offers quality drinks, respectful wait staff and an classy ambiance. Definitely a great spot for date night or catching up with colleagues after a long Monday!

Location: 37 West 19th Street; Visit Website

6. Barn Joo

If you’re searching for convenient, delicious Korean BBQ at a reasonable price, look no further! Barn Joo is located in Union Square, and with its $1 oysters and shrimp from 4-7pm, as well as discounted draft beers and specialty cocktails, it’s sure to be your new go-to spot.

Location: 35 Union Square West; Visit Website

7. The Watering Hole

A neighborhood spot with a welcoming vibe, The Watering Hole lives up to its name with a 12-8pm Happy Hour. Bring a couple friends and enjoy $4 sliders and crispy popcorn chicken while watching strangers stumble over their karaoke lines.

Location: 106 East 19th Street; Visit Website

8. Bazar Tapas & Grill

Every day until 7pm, head to Bazar Tapas Bar & Restaurant for half-priced oysters and a plethora of beverage options. The menu is filled with tasty tapas options, so you can get a bunch to share!

Location: 31 West 26th Street; Visit Website

9. The Cellar

Do you like melty cheese? Do you want to eat melty cheese while sipping a discount cocktail? Then The Cellar has you covered! Located below Beecher’s, which is known for having some of the best mac n cheese in NYC, The Cellar welcomes everyone for a generous 5-7pm happy hour that includes both drinks and snacks!

Location: 900 Broadway; Visit Website

10. Casa Neta

5-7pm Tuesdays – Saturdays is the happy hour time at Casa Neta where you must try their margaritas. This lively Mexican restaurant is friendly, loud and the go-to spot for when you absolutely need to wash down your day with some tequila!

Location: 40 East 20th Street; Visit Website

Interested in a Partnership with Bond Collective?

At Bond Collective we value community and are always looking for ways to partner with businesses. Interested in partnering with Bond Collective or sponsoring an event at one of our locations?
Email Lara Gould today.

Have any questions about what Bond Collective can offer your company?

WE’D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM AND TO OFFER YOU A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT, FLATIRON AND BROOKLYN

By Matt Sokal, Digital Marketing Manager, Bond Collective

Since 2013, Shlomo Silber, co-founder and CEO of Bond Collective, has been hard at work developing boutique workspaces with a focus on hospitality and design in New York City. After opening four successful shared workspaces in the New York Metro area (a 5th location is opening in Bushwick next year) and an event space, The Mezzanine, Bond Collective has emerged as a leading provider of shared and luxury office space. After years of research, travel, and preparation, Shlomo and Co-Founder, Elie Deitsch are taking Bond Collective nationwide.

This past Tuesday, we proudly announced that Bond Collective secured $50 million in private funding to open upwards of 30 locations before 2020. The first nationwide location outside the New York Metro area will be in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania called Bond Station House, opening in Spring 2018. Located above Suburban Station in historic One Penn Center, Bond Station House is a 22,000 square foot workspace with penthouse views overlooking Love Park and the Philadelphia skyline. It features state-of-the-art kitchens, wrap around terraces, and 25-foot ceilings allowing for a variety of workspaces for individuals and companies of all sizes.

I recently sat down with Shlomo to discuss Bond Collective’s national expansion and get his thoughts on the future of coworking and shared workspaces.

Q: What drew you to Philadelphia to make it Bond Collective’s first nationwide location outside the New York Metro area?

A: When we decided to expand outside of New York, we wanted somewhere in close proximity to New York, where we could hop on a train and get to the location within two hours. When I was looking at buildings in Philadelphia, I instantly fell in love with the Art Deco aesthetic of One Penn Center. It fits perfectly with the Bond Collective brand. Also, Bond Station House will be located in the penthouse of the building. The views will be incredible. Combined with the convenience of Suburban Station underneath the building for commuters, and it was a no-brainer decision for Bond Collective to begin expansion in Philadelphia.

Q: Bond Collective is planning to open upwards of 30 locations before 2020. How do you decide which cities to target for expansion?

A: One of my favorite things to do as CEO is exploring new cities to see which would be a great fit for Bond Collective. We’ve had our eye on a handful of cities these past few years and we’re so excited to now have the opportunity to bring Bond Collective to those communities. Many different factors go into deciding where we should expand to. We look at growth trends of each city along with different industry sectors.  When we visit cities, we’re exploring all different neighborhoods and talk to people in the community to get a good feel of which area makes the most sense for Bond Collective.

Q: During this expansion, how do you strategize on differentiating Bond Collective from the very competitive coworking and shared workspaces market?

A: We understand that there are a bunch of different players in these areas. However, there’s a deep community of both individuals and enterprises that want what Bond Collective provides. We’ll be blending into these communities by offering luxury workspace with a hospitality feel. Our plan is to develop convenient locations near lounges, eateries, and health and wellness studios. Ultimately, this will be a place where everyone shares an amenity. 

Q: Where do you see coworking and the shared office space industry going in the next three years?

A: The big focus will be on enterprise clientele. Adding a service and hospitality approach to it will be really, really important. Companies no longer want just a regular workspace, they want a space that speaks to them and their business. Whether that means building out a custom office or providing a virtual assistant or artisanal coffee, as a team we work with members to make sure they are as comfortable and productive as possible in our locations. 

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR DYNAMIC COMMUNITY? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

By Chrystina Orlando, Assistant Community Manager, Bond 60 Broad

Attracting employees is not enough; to be successful, companies need to retain them, and that process starts with onboarding. To that end, happiness can increase the average productivity rate by 12%, according to the University of Warwick’s Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy. Researchers have also found that unhappiness is linked to decreased productivity which had a lasting effect of two years or more. What’s the best way to jump-start your new employees on a track of positivity? Make sure that they feel valued the moment they accept their job offer.

Here at Bond Collective, our members come from many different types of industries which allow us to get a good feel of the ways in which many companies handle their onboarding process. Below are some sample quotes of our members’ best and worst onboarding experiences.

Q. What has been the best onboarding experience you’ve had?

“The best onboarding experience I had involved an orientation with free breakfast and a networking party. We were given company merchandise too.”

“The first week of my current job, I was taken out to dinner with the whole company. I felt so included and got to know everyone on my team. It was such a welcoming experience.”

“The best onboarding experience I had was at my current company. While I made mistakes along the way, I was at a company that valued people and a few errors didn’t change anyone’s perception that I was a less than capable individual. My company welcomes growth in all aspects, and that includes not getting everything perfect all the time.”

Q. What was the worst onboarding experience you’ve experienced personally?

“The worst onboarding experience I had was when I started working for a production company. I knew nothing about the company culture, my boss, or even how to transfer calls. The first month was INSANELY tough because he was not a nice nor understanding guy, so I learned everything by trial and error.”

“The worst onboarding experience I had was at a company that didn’t give me much of a direction as to what my plan was for the first day. I was unsure of when to arrive on my first day and where exactly to go. I didn’t get the sense that I mattered very much.”

Prepare for their first day. Make sure new employees have received all paperwork including signed copies of contracts, benefit plans, and anything else that needs signing. Send them a welcome packet that includes information about the company, the culture, an employee directory, and an enthusiastic message showing the company’s excitement in having them join the company. These small steps go a long way in making new employees feel valued and prepared right from the get-go. Lastly, don’t forget to remind them of the company address, typical business hours, and ask if they have any other questions that need to be answered prior to their start date.

Focus on the first day experience. Ease first day jitters by having a system in place to greet new employees as they arrive in the morning. Have someone ready to give them a tour of the office, introduce them to their coworkers, and show them where their workspace is. Their computer, phone, key cards, and company swag (an underutilized onboarding tool) should all be left on their desk. A gesture of treating new employees to lunch on the first day speaks volumes about the company and helps initiate the employee bonding process.

The first few weeks and months are crucial. The beginning of a new employee’s tenure is vital to their success and productivity at the company.  It is imperative that companies have a training program in place to get their employees acclimated with not only their own department, but also with all departments that he/she will be working with. Having individual orientation meetings scheduled with these departments where new employees can learn and ask questions is crucial to their job development. The new employee’s manager should also schedule weekly 1:1 meetings where they provide mentorship and track progress.

It is very important to treat mistakes early on as learning experiences. Otherwise, new employees will be afraid to ask questions if they aren’t clear about something. This could also lead to an employee losing confidence which stunts growth, hurting both the employee and their company. Lastly, company bonding opportunities always lift morale around the office. Schedule monthly happy hours or events where new employees can get to know their coworkers outside the office. Implementing these tactics have been proven to lead to more employee loyalty. 69% of employees are more likely to stay with a company for three years if they experienced great onboarding, said O.C. Tanner Co., a company that designs and helps implement global employee rewards and recognition solutions.

Ultimately the onboarding process is a pivotal first step in making new employees happy, productive, and motivated to work hard to achieve company goals.

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR DYNAMIC COMMUNITY? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

Each Bond Collective location is set in a dynamic neighborhood with a vibrant identity of its own. The Bond Collective Neighborhood Guide blog series will feature some of the best a neighborhood attractions and activities it has to offer.  At Bond Collective, we work to ensure our members feel a sense of community both inside our workspaces as well as the neighborhoods we reside in. Not only do we partner with restaurants in the area, but we also encourage a healthy work-life balance by offering free classes, discounts and ongoing promotions with workout studios and gyms in the area.

1 – Pig Beach

All we have to say: BBQ. Pig Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy dinner or a happy hour outside. They have amazing beer, wings, ribs, and more. As if you already didn’t have enough incentive to go, they are currently expanding their indoor space as well!

Location: 480 Union Street; Visit Website

2. Lavander Lake

The perfect happy hour spot all year round (also a Bond Collective staff favorite). In the Summer enjoy a specialty cocktail in their beautiful outdoor space and in the Winter snuggle up to their cozy bar! Pro tip: go for the brussel sprouts.

Location: 388 Carroll Street; Visit Website

3. Wilma Jean

Wilma Jean has some of the best southern food we’ve encountered in New York City. The fried chicken is dream worthy, as is the pimento cheese. If you are on a health kick, they have amazing salad bowls that are so delicious you will almost not regret skipping the fried chicken. Almost.

Location: 345 Smith Street; Visit Website

4. Hey Hey Canteen

Hey Hey Canteen specializes in Asian comfort food that will not disappoint. Any place that has eggplant fries and dumplings is a win in our book. Hey Hey Canteen also offers catering and is a partner of Bond Collective, so members get a discount!

Location: 400 4th Avenue; Visit Website

5. Freek’s Mill

Sure to impress a client (or a date), Freek’s Mill is delicious and charming. Located on Nevins Street, Freek’s Mill is a short stroll from Bond Gowanus. The drinks and cuisine are very unique, you are sure to have an experience to remember at Freek’s Mill.

Location: 285 Nevins Street; Visit Website

6. Ample Hills

ICE CREAM. Ample Hills describes their Gowanus location as a “two story ice cream paradise”. We love their classic flavors like: The Munchies: pretzel-infused ice cream with clusters of Ritz crackers, potato chips, pretzels and mini M&Ms and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: the creamiest vanilla ice cream with hunks of St. Louis-style Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Count us in.

 Location: 305 Nevins Street; Visit Website

7. Buttermilk Channel

Beyonce has dined here, need we say more? Check out their amazing Monday dinner special for $40.00.

Location: 524 Court Street; Visit Website

8. Avlee Greek Kitchen

Amazing Greek food in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy your food on their back patio or conveniently to go if you are in a rush! Great spot for a quick, healthy lunch.

Location: 349 Smith Street; Visit Website

9. Giardini Pizzeria

The Bond Collective staff go to when we are craving pizza! They have delicious Brooklyn style pizza and fast delivery. Perfect for a pick me up on a Friday or quick dinner after a long meeting. Go for the garlic knots as well!

Location: 363 Smith Street; Visit Website

10. Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

Enjoy delicious cocktails all while playing a game of shuffleboard. Great for a night when you want to enjoy a beverage, but also do a fun activity. We recommend an Instagram picture by their legendary wallpaper #trendy.

Location: 514 Union Street; Visit Website

Interested in a Partnership with Bond Collective?

At Bond Collective we value community and are always looking for ways to partner with businesses. Interested in partnering with Bond Collective or sponsoring an event at one of our locations?
Email Lara Gould today.

Have any questions about what Bond Collective can offer your company?

WE’D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM AND TO OFFER YOU A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT, FLATIRON AND BROOKLYN

23 Questions with Bond Collective is a series highlighting the impressive 1,000+ person community spread across the Bond Collective portfolio. The series will feature members from 60 Broad, 55 Broadway, Gowanus and Flatiron locations and Bond Collective employees as well. 23 Questions will explore all different walks of life and show just how unique and vast the Bond Collective network continues to become.

Gregg is the Director of Sales for Bond Collective. Gregg has spent his career growing a wide-range of companies, from start-ups to Fortune 500 businesses. Gregg has deep roots in business development and structuring processes that grow with each company’s needs. He has spent time in financial services and on the management team of two start-ups, both of which were acquired. Following his entrepreneurial spirit, Gregg founded PaidEasy, a venture backed start-up that was acquired in mid 2017. Gregg has great expertise in both growing and leading businesses for scalable success. At Bond Collective, Gregg oversees all things sales across all of our locations.

Outside of Bond Collective, Gregg enjoys time with his wife and their dog, Loki. On the weekends Gregg can be found walking his dog near Union Square or grabbing a bite at Bond Sushi (not a plug, we swear). Gregg loves that Bond Collective provides flexible work spaces with an emphasis on design and that we are not a cookie cutter space. Gregg is engaging with a great sense dry humor, and a charismatic leader in our Bond Collective family. After being with us a few months, we thought it was the perfect time to introduce Gregg to our broader community, we asked him a few questions…

1 – First thing you do in the morning?
Prior to 2 weeks ago, I would go to the gym.  Now that I have a puppy that wakes up at 4:45AM, I walk and feed him, then walk him again.

2 – Top 3 songs to listen to when you need to get work done?
Travis McCoy – Billionaire.  Any Dave Matthews playlist.  90’s and early 2000’s hip hop.  I have an eclectic taste in music, you can catch me listening to Tupac one minute and Nsync the next.

3 – Favorite coffee shop and go to order?
I don’t drink coffee, but I love the Peanut Pleaser from Gregory’s Coffee.

4 – Gmail or Outlook?
Gmail all day every day.

5 – App you can’t live without?
PaidEasy.

6 – First job?
Ran my own car detailing business before I could drive.

7 – Favorite lunch spot?
Burger Joint inside the Parker Meridian.

8 – Early or late?
I wake up early and start my day early it’s easiest to clear through things as things always come up later.

9 – How do you unwind after a long day of work?
TV.

10 – What’s your lucky charm?
Dwight Schrute Bobblehead.

11 – What inspires you?
Drive inspires me, seeing people set out to achieve something and whether or not they are successful, watching them through the journey and hustling.

12 – Social Media account everyone should be following?
GaryVee.

13 – Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Fail often and learn.

14 – How long did it take you to get to work this morning?
15 minutes.

15 – When’s the last time you celebrate a win?
Last week!

16 -If you could squeeze one more activity into your daily life, what would it be?
Meditation.

17 – If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Green.

18 – What is the most interesting thing about you?
I have gone swimming with great whites.

19 – Last show you binge watched?
Breaking Bad.

20 – Biggest Cheerleader?
My wife.

21 – Call or text?
Text.

22 – Favorite book?
The Gold Standard

23 – Name 5 people (dead or alive) you would invite to a dinner party.
Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Eddie Murphy, my oldest brother, my wife (brownie points?).

For More on Gregg and Bond Collective:

Instagram: @bondcollective

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bondcollectiveofficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bond_Collective

Images courtesy of our in house photographer, Hannah Cohen.  Check out her work here!

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE DYNAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG SERIES? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

Each Bond Collective location is set in a dynamic neighborhood with a vibrant culinary identity of its own. The Bond Collective Neighborhood Guide will feature some of the best restaurant, cafe, and bar options for our members to enjoy. Your local Community Team is always available to steer you in the right direction! At Bond Collective, we want you to love the space and neighborhood as much as we do, and as the old saying states, the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach…

1 – Ground Central Coffee

Ground Central Coffee truly has it all from Artisanal espresso and sandwiches to beer, wine and even champagne! Take a break to hang out at their outdoor seating area while you sip on your favorite drink.

Location: 2 Coenties Slip, New York, NY 10004; Visit Website

2. FIKA

In need of Arabic coffee beans? Look no further. FIKA is brewed in Staten Island and roasted in a traditional Swedish method. Named top ten NYC coffee shops by Thrillist, FIKA is worth the trip.

Location: 66 Pearl Street 10004 New York; Visit Website

3. La Colombe

With fall right around the corner now is the perfect time to try La Colombe! Why? Because they have Pumpkin Spice Latte ON DRAFT along with other delicious drinks.

Location: 67 Wall St, New York, NY 10005; Visit Website

4. Black Fox Coffee

Between a great aesthetic and tasty coffee you won’t want to leave Black Fox Coffee. Check out their breakfast or lunch menu to find interesting flavors in their small plates!

Location: 70 Pine St, New York, NY 10270; Visit Website

5. Bean & Bean

Need to step away from the office? Try Bean & Bean! With generous seating, free Wifi, and fast service it’s the ideal get away.

Location: 71 Broadway # 2, New York, NY 10006; Visit Website

6. Blue Stone Lane

What could be better than an Australian Coffee shop right around the corner? You will feel relaxed and rejuvenated after spending time around their beachy and earthy vibes.

 Location: 30 Broad St, New York, NY 10004; Visit Website

7. Gregory’s Coffee

Everyone’s go-to coffee shop and one of our favorite partners at Bond Collective! Go any Tuesday from 2-5pm for Happy Hour deals when you show your Bond Collective Keychain.

Location: 80 Broad St., New York, NY 10004; Visit Website

8. Proof Coffee

Get on your Daily grind with Proof Coffee. Visit their casual coffee nook featuring organic, locally roasted brews, espresso drinks & baked goods.

Location: 65 Nassau Street New York, NY 10038; Visit Website

9. Voyager Espresso

Looking for something out there? Check out Voyager Espresso! Futuristic, sleek coffee shop with a modest menu of gourmet toast, smoothies & chia pudding.

Location: 110 William Street New York, NY 10038; Visit Website

10. Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee

You will find a sense of community in this authentic New York coffee shop. Jack’s Stir Brew’s high-end coffee comes via a unique brewing process designed to lower acidity.

Location: 222 Front Street, New York, NY 10038; Visit Website

Interested in a Partnership with Bond Collective?

At Bond Collective we value community and are always looking for ways to partner with businesses. Interested in partnering with Bond Collective or sponsoring an event at one of our locations?
Email Lara Gould today.

About the Author:

Madeline Hrotko is the Community Developer at Bond 60 Broad.

Originally from Northern New Jersey, Madeline attended High Point University in North Carolina receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing with a minor in Sales. At Bond Collective, Madeline can be found in the Financial District locations combining her vast knowledge of Sales and Marketing with her passion for collaborative and hospitable environments. Madeline is a seasoned snowboarder, but when not on the mountain, she can be found with a good book and a good burger. After a stint in the south Madeline is excited to be back north and to make Hoboken her new home.

Have any questions about what Bond Collective can offer your company?

WE’D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM AND TO OFFER YOU A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT, FLATIRON AND BROOKLYN

23 Questions with Bond Collective is a series highlighting the impressive 1,000+ person community spread across the Bond Collective portfolio. The series will feature members from 60 Broad, 55 Broadway, Gowanus and Flatiron locations and Bond Collective employees as well. 23 Questions will explore all different walks of life and show just how unique and vast the Bond Collective network continues to become.

Ranjan is the Founder and CEO of the Edge Group and a member at Bond 60 Broad. Originally from outside of Boston, Ranjan attended Emory, went to business school in France, and eventually made his way to New York. After some years on Wall Street and at the Financial Times, Ranjan founded the Edge Group, a news curation service. At The Edge Group, Ranjan and his team monitor and process thousands of sources and tens of thousands of articles using proprietary algorithms.This technology allows their editorial staff to develop best-in-class custom newsletters and newsfeeds, designed exclusively for their clients, who can repurpose them as valuable internal information tools and marketing resources. Ranjan oversees all aspects of the company, from sales and marketing to tech.

Outside of Bond 60 Broad, Ranjan is a proud father and enjoys playing the guitar and soccer. He lives in Peter Cooper Village in Manhattan and can be found dining at Fish Market on Front Street. Ranjan loves walking into Bond 60 Broad in the mornings, when the sun and light are just right. His passion for news and tech combined with his friendly demeanor had us intrigued to learn more about Ranjan. We asked him a few questions…

1 – First thing you do in the morning?
Play with my 7 month old daughter, who is the most effective greatest alarm clock know to man.

2 – Top 3 songs to listen to when you need to get work done?
Haunting by Alex Cruz, Beautiful Girl by Junge Junge, Valerie by Ra Ra Riot.

3 – Favorite coffee shop and go to order?
Gasoline Alley on Lafayette – they opened my eyes to the possibilities of cold brew years ago.

4 – Gmail or Outlook?
Gmail, of course. Gmail, but no longer hating on Microsoft.

5 – App you can’t live without?
Twitter. Sorry!

6 – First job?
Newspaper route at age 11 – still not sure how that wasn’t child labor…

7 – Favorite lunch spot?
Essen on 100 Broad – there’s somthing that still amazes me about a full-fledged NYC deli (and now this new semi-upscale model).

8 – Early or late?
Early.

9 – How do you unwind after a long day of work?
Wandering NYC if it’s nice out, otherwise reading + streaming.

10 – What’s your lucky charm?
A good friend one time heard me say “Biz Dev” and thought I said “Biz Dad”. They weren’t from the startup / business world and though that was an actual weird term for boss. After having a kid, they got me a keychain that says Biz Dad, and I carry it everywhere.

11 – What inspires you?
New gadgets and New York City.

12 – Social Media account everyone should be following?
@ranjanxroy on Twitter, @asaramis on Instagram!

13 – Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you don’t bet, you can’t win. If you lose all of your chips, you can’t bet.

14 – How long did it take you to get to work this morning?
25 minutes. Citibike from 23rd to the 4/5 at Bowling Green.

15 – When’s the last time you celebrate a win?
Amazed we got 2 new clients in the doldrums of August!

16 -If you could squeeze one more activity into your daily life, what would it be?
Try to get to yoga more regularly. Of course.

17 – If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
I always liked burnt sienna.

18 – What is the most interesting thing about you?
I actually love talking to people who have the exact opposite opinion as me.

19 – Last show you binge watched?
Glow – there’s a lot of binge watching.

20 – Biggest Cheerleader?
My wife.

21 – Call or text?
FaceTime.

22 – Favorite book?
The Attention Merchants by Tim Wu. It’s about how the media industry has always captured our attention, and how social media makes things far more precarious. Please read this now.

23 – Name 5 people (dead or alive) you would invite to a dinner party.
Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Riz Ahmed, Jimmy Kimmel, and Sarah Silverman.

For more on The Edge Group visit: http://www.theedge.group/

For more on Ranjan: https://twitter.com/ranjanxroy // https://medium.com/@ranjanxroy

Images courtesy of our in house photographer, Hannah Cohen.  Check out her work here!

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE DYNAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG SERIES? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

By Carly Moore, Community & Communications Manager, Bond Collective

You did it! You’ve founded a new company, hired employees, found a home in a shared office space (hey Bond Collective!), got a few clients – now what? You need to find ways to maximize exposure of your brand to bring in more business, but what’s the next step to take? Public relations.

Often times public relations or “PR” takes a complete backseat regardless of business size or maturity level. The naive executive will say that there’s no return on investing in a PR firm or bringing in a PR Manager in-house. And to be frank, that’s far from the truth. PR brings brand awareness to a company without spending loads of money on advertising, lets you control the message in the press (most of the time), and allows you to reach an audience that can quickly grow to millions of people depending on the publication you are mentioned in.

After working at a few PR agencies before I started at Bond Collective, I understand all of the benefits and pitfalls of putting effort into your PR strategy. That said, I still think integrating PR into your marketing department or business is incredibly important to build brand awareness and success for your company. To help jumpstart the process, I’ve developed six tips that will help get your PR strategy off the ground and running.

1. Understand your core business goals: Before you even put your foot into the PR door, take a step back and define your business goals and objectives. This will allow you to identify what part of your business is struggling and may need PR help, or a project that might be media-worthy. Take your time with this step!

2. Read the news: Understanding what’s going on in your industry or what your competitors are doing is incredibly important. You can use this information at networking opportunities/events or simply share internally so all of your employees are aware. Not only that, you’ll start to familiarize yourself with relevant news publications in your industry and what they are talking about.

3. Research: This step goes a bit further than simply reading the news. Now that you you’ve gotten into a rhythm reading through the news every morning, it’s time to really pay attention to what reporters are saying and who they are talking about. Whether the reporters and editors are writing about specific companies or executives, take note either way! Also, jot down or make lists of reporters that you might think would be interested in hearing from you.

4. It’s time to pitch! (yes, like a business pitch): Now that you have a list of relevant reporters, it’s time to finally connect with them. This is no easy task as reporters get thousands of emails a day. But don’t fret, you have plenty of opportunities to get on their radar. When you are crafting your pitch, keep the email short, sweet and to the point. Tell the reporter why he or she should care about your company, project or executive. Follow ups are encouraged.

5. PR goes further than simply just being in the news: You see conferences, networking events and meetups happening all over your local area. Believe it or not this is another aspect of PR. To help both your company and executive gain awareness, having them speak or participate in any type of event that is audience-facing is a great opportunity to gain exposure and put your brand directly in the hands of prospective clients or partners.

6. Write articles and pitch them to be published: Most publications have a section of their online or print newspaper/magazine that allows for contributors to send in their articles to be published. This is a fantastic way to help build a presence for an executive and your business’ brand. You can tackle this similarly how you would pitching a reporter. Do some research for who to send the pitch too (pro tip: it’s usually an editor) and give them a preview of your article to see if they’re interested. More times than not they’ll have word count requirements and/or need the article to be neutral, not self serving in any way.

This often overlooked services can be one of the most valuable resources your company has if it’s used right. It’s important that potential customers are able to read your company news and thought leadership efforts on daily/weekly/monthly basis. Public relations can also promote your company if you are looking for new talent or investors. All in all, while most say PR is expensive and overrated, the services will be valuable to your company if have the right people and resources managing the process.

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR DYNAMIC COMMUNITY? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

23 Questions with Bond Collective is a series highlighting the impressive 1,000+ person community spread across the Bond Collective portfolio. The series will feature members from 60 Broad, 55 Broadway, Gowanus and Flatiron locations and Bond Collective employees as well. 23 Questions will explore all different walks of life and show just how unique and vast the Bond Collective network continues to become.

Reza Chowdhury is the CEO and Founder of Alleywatch and a resident member of Bond Flatiron. Reza is a lifelong New Yorker, growing up on the north shore of Long Island and then moving to the city after graduating college. Reza attended The University of Albany for undergrad then spent a few years in Washington D.C. at Georgetown Business School. After working as a trader for over five years and dabbling in Corporate Development, Reza realized his love for the startup ecosystem and founded Alleywatch. Alleywatch is a media property focused on startup news; opinions and reviews; investment and product information; events reported, experienced, seen, heard and overheard in New York and beyond. As the the CEO and Founder, he wears many hats within the organization, but spends most of his time focused on strategic growth and business development.

As a resident of Chinatown, Reza spends most of his time looking for hidden treasures within the neighborhood. When he’s not in the office, one of his favorite local spots (which he doesn’t mention to everyone) is Apotheke. In his spare time, he likes to hit the outdoors to fish, kayak and take a Citibike to explore the city. Reza’s interests include finding the next best happy hour spot and scaling his business. One of his (many) favorite things about Bond Collective is the community and central location, which has given Alleywatch the ability to establish a presence in one of the best parts of the city. Crazy, loud and outgoing are some of the few adjectives to describe Reza’s character. Not to mention the killer stories he tells. With that, we asked Reza a few questions…

1 – First thing you do in the morning?
Roll over and grab my phone.

2 – Top 3 songs to listen to when you need to get work done?
Rocky 4 Soundtrack.

3 – Favorite coffee shop and go to order?
I don’t drink coffee.

4 – Gmail or Outlook?
What’s Outlook? Gmail, of course.

5 – App you can’t live without?
Meditation.

6 – First job?
Worked at a tourist t-shirt shop in Time Square.
7 – Favorite lunch spot?
Organique- I eat there every day. Bond Collective members get a discount.

8 – Early or late?
Late- I start my day at noon, but always show up to things on time.

9 – How do you unwind after a long day of work?
Hitting the steam room at Equinox.

10 – What’s your lucky charm?
I have two $2 bills in my wallet and I never leave home without them.

11 – What inspires you?
My parents journey into this country as immigrants.

12 – Social Media account everyone should be following?
@alleywatch

13 – Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Buy low, sell high. It works 100% of the time.

14 – How long did it take you to get to work this morning?
It was a little bit humid and above 86 degrees, so I took the bus and it took 26 minutes. Normally I Citibike and it takes under 19 minutes.

15 – When’s the last time you celebrate a win?
Every day is a win when you’re alive and living in the city.

16 -If you could squeeze one more activity into your daily life, what would it be?
I wish I had more time to read.

17 – If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Maximum Blue.

18 – What is the most interesting thing about you?
I’m the winner of 4 spelling bee’s and I had double hip replacements before I was 35.

19 – Last show you binge watched?
The Wire.

20 – Biggest Cheerleader?
My family.

21 – Call or text?
Text unless we have a call scheduled, but I don’t ever like to do business over text.

22 – Favorite book?
The Stranger by Albert Camus – that book title has stuck with me since high school so it must of had some meaning to me.

23 – Name 5 people (dead or alive) you would invite to a dinner party.
My Great Great Great Grandfather, Donald Trump, Ann Coulter, George Washington, and Snoop Dogg.

For more on Alleywatch visit: www.alleywatch.com or @alleywatch on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
For more on Reza, check out his website and follow him on Instagram: @rezac

Images courtesy of our in house photographer, Hannah Cohen.  Check out her work here!

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE DYNAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG SERIES? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

By Tim Bailey, Director of Operations, Bond Collective

Building a strong team is like putting together a puzzle whose pieces evolve over time and fit in more than one place. There’s no cover picture to know what you’re building, but you just know you’ll be able to step back and be happy with the final product. Skill sets, company goals, and people in general change over time, but being able to anticipate their growth is imperative to your company’s goals and success. It’s about instinct and intuition. It’s about strategy and creativity. It’s about gathering a group of people that is greater than any one person within it, and propels your company towards success. While our hiring journey is far from over, below are a few of my go-to tactics when tackling professional speed-dating.

Cast a broad net for applicants to find you

This means you need to complete the logistics – post the opportunity on your website, email old applicants, review open applications, connect with recruiters, comb through job sites. This pool serves as the first source for any hiring process. Also, if you are reopening a position again, make sure you leave conversations open with candidates you liked previously, but didn’t hire so that you can reach out to them with your next opening.

In terms of websites, some are helpful and others are not so much to find quality candidates. Putting an ad on Idealist, Craigslist or Glass Door may yield a quantity of candidates, but you have to consistently comb through to find any that might be a fit. Recruiting services on the web offered by LinkedIn or benefit administrators like Extensis require a setup and ongoing effort to find talent.

The most expensive and possibly quickest option to find your next team member is through a recruiter. Our go-to’s in the NYC area have been Atrium, Clarity and Betts Recruiting. Finding trusted partners in recruiting who understand your brand and expectations can help you save time in the long run, but will cost you a percentage fee based on their annual salary. That said: our policy is to utilize all avenues to ensure we get the best potential pool and ultimately select the perfect person to join the team.

Have a clear job description

Not to mention a complete understanding for what you are looking for. It’s important to be completely aware so you’re able to recognize a good applicant when you see one. However, don’t be stuck in that box, open up your mind to interpretation or inferences that are in their resume or cover letter that seem like a potential fit (or at least worth a conversation). Look for a connection, a spark of interest to start the relationship with each candidate. It’s also important that your job descriptions be current and comprehensive so that you receive interest from people who have a chance to review your expectations of the position, the basis of future conversations.

Change up your interview medium

Meeting candidates in multiple forums across a period of time allows you to get a sense of both the consistency and variation in the person’s presentation. It’s a practice of not only determination, but protection for the company to make sure the right person is selected. Don’t rush the process, trust the process. It is important to make the right decision and be certain from the beginning.

Collaborative interviewing

By involving members of your team, a different variation of people get brought into the idea of finding the correct candidate. The most valuable tool you have in your arsenal for determining fit is how a candidate would integrate into the company family. It’s important to see what others think, both staff directly working with new hires and even some that won’t. We spend so much time with each other at work, it’s important that both the applicant and the staff get a sense for how they can spend time together

Diversify with each hire

Broaden skill sets and include varying perspectives and new ideas. Each opening in your company is an opportunity to expand your potential growth. Consider high energy and low energy. Assess and appreciate the value of both leaders and supporters. Evaluate rapid growth potential versus steady and strong. With startups and small teams, everyone wears so many hats, so with a staff made up of people from varying backgrounds and experiences allows the company to maximize its impact.

Consider lived experiences and where one’s journey has taken them as relevant insight into how that person embarks on the adventure of work. Think beyond the job description and reflect on what it takes to be successful in the role. Allow that to broaden your understanding of who could be an asset on your team.

Go with your gut

Identify someone who inspires you and excites you. Whose passion about life and their professional journey shines through. As you advance applicants through the process often you will find the one standing at the end is the one who gave you “that feeling” or you could be completely surprised. Intuition is a key part of team building. The right person must meet not only the background and skills needed, but satisfy the all important “personality” and cultural fit in your organization. One without the other may leave both the newest employee and the organization misaligned on expectations, and unhappy with the decision.

Ultimately a hiring process (aka professional dating game) should be exciting. Regardless of why there is an opening on your team, always attack the challenge of hiring with a dedication to fulfilling the mission of your organization and expansion of your workplace family.

*Side-note: hiring pet parents means puppies in the office which is always a perk!*

We’re Hiring!

Marketing, sales, and hospitality gurus wanted! Check out our careers page for more details.

By Shlomo Silber, CEO of Bond Collective

It’s not every day that a CEO sits at the front lines of his company. Here at Bond Collective, we try to do things a little different and wanted to see what that looked like. We wanted our very own CEO, Shlomo Silber, to experience first hand what it’s like to be a Community Manager of a coworking location.

Doesn’t seem like that big of a deal?

Well, let us explain…

Being one of the busiest and community-oriented locations, we chose Shlomo to sit at the front desk at Bond Gowanus for the morning. Community Managers are the first point of contact that guests, members and prospective members see when they walk in the door. It’s an incredibly important position to be in, so we thought it was a great idea for him to experience it first hand. Community Managers are responsible for essentially everything that happens under the roof of their location: from events to IT solutions to facilities cleaning to sales. It’s a well-versed job that certainly can’t be done by just anyone.

After being a few minutes late to his first day on the job (we gave him a free pass), Shlomo dove right into being the manager of Bond Gowanus. While our current Community Manager, Drew, sat at the desk with him for support, Shlomo took on anything and everything that was thrown his way. For example, a couple minutes into his new role, a member was having difficulty printing something important, so he quickly went to the basement and (to our surprise) fixed the problem within minutes.

Throughout the morning Shlomo handled everything from greeting guests to restocking the honor bar to giving a prospective member a tour. He really did seem to enjoy himself too! After he finished his first day on the job, we asked him a few questions:

How did you feel sitting at the front desk and being the first point of contact for your brand?

It felt empowering, yet scary! Knowing I am the first person everyone sees when they walk in the door, is kind of terrifying and I realize that a lot of responsibility falls on Community Manager’s shoulders. Someone could walk in the door and ask them a million questions about the space and they might be in the middle of processing a new member move in- all at once! I’m impressed how our Community Managers are able to think quickly on their feet, while keeping calm, cool, and collected. It’s certainly not as easy as it looks.

What was your favorite thing you had to do?

I don’t get to do it as much as I’d like, but I really enjoy just interacting with our members. I love learning about their backgrounds or a new product they are working on or even where their kids go to school. It was really nice seeing folks walk in to start a brand new day and being the first person to welcome them to their workspace. It truly is the input and experience of our members that helped develop our brand towards what we envision it to be.

What was your least favorite?

I’d have to say getting asked to help fix one of our printers was terrifying. I’m not a big tech guy and have never been, so I was really trying a bunch of different things hoping they would worked. Afterwards, I’ll admit it’s very gratifying when the member is so thankful for your help/amazed I was able to do it! Little interactions like that can go so far in our business, and Community Managers really know what they are doing to fix such issues on the fly.

Did any tasks or activities that needed to be done surprise you?

Honestly, understanding and talking with Drew/Chrystina to go over what needed to get done in a single day opened my eyes. Like I said before, walking into the space and casually chatting with them (what I normally do on any given day), I had no idea how long their to-do lists were. One of the tasks that most surprised me was that the Community Managers handle all IT operations within their location: from WiFi to printers to managing the supply levels and speed. The set of skills each Community Manager carries with them is so robust and they are all such valiant resources to the community. To say I am thankful for what they do for members each day is an understatement!

Did it change your perspective on the Community Manager role? If so, explain how.

Completely. From an outsider’s perspective, one wouldn’t have the slightest idea that a Community Manager could be juggling ten tasks at once. It’s hard to imagine someone working the front desk, greeting guests, doing sales, IT operations, planning events and even managing a facilities team. Our Community Managers do an outstanding job of keeping everything that goes on within their location under control, while also staying organized. My respect for Community Managers definitely grew as I went through this experience.

All in all, I am so happy I got to experience half of a day as a Community Manager at Bond Gowanus. Sitting at the front desk truly help me understand and appreciate the role of a Community Manager at each of our locations from FiDi to Flatiron to Gowanus. Working from the frontlines each day is no easy task. Not only that, communicating and working with the members on their IT issues or checking in guests or even giving a tour is on Community Manager’s daily agenda. I don’t know about you, but the next time I see a Community Manager at the front desk, I am going to thank them for all that they do.

Have any questions about what Bond Collective can offer your company?

WE’D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE AND TO OFFER YOU A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT, FLATIRON AND BROOKLYN.

23 Questions with Bond Collective is a series highlighting the impressive 1,000+ person community spread across the Bond Collective portfolio. The series will feature members from 60 Broad, 55 Broadway, Gowanus and Flatiron locations and Bond Collective employees as well. 23 Questions will explore all different walks of life and show just how unique and vast the Bond Collective network continues to become.

Marshall is the CFO of Ruvna and a member of Bond Flatiron. Originally from a combination of Philadelphia and Boston, Marshall attended American University and has lived in Tokyo. Marshall has been a New Yorker for over a year. Interest in education and social positivity launched Marshall’s career post college. At Ruvna, Marshall and the team are on a mission to create smarter & safer schools. They believe strong, clear, easy communication is the best tool to get there. Ruvna is reinventing the system of tracking students for schools during emergencies, therefore making our schools safer and more efficient. Marshall oversees business development, outreach, and more for Ruvna.

Outside of Bond Flatiron, Marshall is a musician, food lover, rugby player, and exercise enthusiast. He lives in Bushwick and can be found at Dromedary Bar (an urban tiki bar!), at Old Stanleys, or catching a movie. At Bond Flatiron, Marshall enjoys the curated community who are doing interesting and good work. Marshall values that the fellow members and staff at Bond Collective have a mutual zest and passion for what they are doing. Marshall is passionate about his career and life in general. We needed some motivation for the end of the week, and Marshall’s enthusiasm revived us, we asked him a few questions…

1 – First thing you do in the morning?
I listen to the Up First by NPR. I grew up with NPR and start every morning with it.

2 – Top 3 songs to listen to when you need to get work done?
I am more of an album guy, to get work done lately I have been listening to:
      Malibu by Anderson Paak
      Waiting for Columbus by Little Feat
      Morning Commute playlist by Spotify-  their curated playlists are awesome

3 – Favorite coffee shop and go to order?
There is a coffee place called MixTape right down the street from my apartment, it is the most hipster thing ever. Just a window for coffee, but it’s awesome. My go to order is a large iced coffee with almond milk and caramel.

4 – Gmail or Outlook?
Does anyone use outlook still? Gmail.

5 – App you can’t live without?
The Reddit app is my go to, I can’t live without it.

6 – First job?
I was a prep cook and dishwasher at a restaurant in high school.

7 – Favorite lunch spot?
DD dumplings near Flatiron, Dos Toros, or Cava.

8 – Early or late?
If I can manage to get up early I am a happy morning person, but I usually don’t succeed at that unless, I have too.

9 – How do you unwind after a long day of work?
I go to the gym most days after work which helps me unwind. I love cooking dinner, I actually wanted to be a chef for a while. My go to recipe is actually a family recipe for smoked salmon, nothing better than lox and bagels on Saturday mornings.

10 – What’s your lucky charm?
Never been one for lucky charms, but I will say when I am in a good routine and I am in a good flow, that’s my lucky charm.

11 – What inspires you?
Passion inspires me. People that are genuinely invested, and for lack of better word, give a shit about what they are doing. You can see their emotional investment, their eyes go wide when they are explaining that this is what they are meant to be doing. That inspires me.

12 – Social Media account everyone should be following?
@filmcrithulk – It’s movie reviews from the Hulk, the account is hysterical.

13 – Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My Grandpa built houses for 60 years and he always says, “measuring twice is stupid, always measure a third time before you cut”

14 – How long did it take you to get to work this morning?
Takes about 40 minutes to get to work everyday. I love walking on Park Ave after I take the L, it is quiet and the exact opposite of what riding the L is.

15 – When’s the last time you celebrate a win?
I had a win last night! I went to an Ed tech meetup at the Ed Tech Factory. I go every month, it is one of the best meetups I have ever been too. It is a really fantastic group of 100 people. I met really great folks and some investors, that’s a win!

16 -If you could squeeze one more activity into your daily life, what would it be?
More time to play guitar, I have played for ten years. Recently, I was listening to a band and heard a dirty slide line, and was inspired to learn a new way to play.  Its an entirely new way of connecting to the instrument. It’s a rewire of something I’ve been doing for so long, which keeps it interesting.

17 – If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Neon Carrot.

18 – What is the most interesting thing about you?
I will eat anything and I mean anything. I have had blood sausage in England, and  raw horse meat sashimi in japan. I am a firm believer in trying any food at least once.

19 – Last show you binge watched?
Narcos, I watched the entire series in a week, so excited for season 3.

20 – Biggest Cheerleader?
My Grandpa.

21 – Call or text?
Text usually, but it depends. If it can be talked about in 30 seconds I’d rather call, otherwise text.

22 – Favorite book?
The Alchemist  by Paulo Coelho

23 – Name 5 people (dead or alive) you would invite to a dinner party.
The Obamas, Warren Buffet, John Oliver and Dave Chapelle.

For more on Ruvna visit: http://www.ruvna.com/ or @ruvnatech on Twitter,
For more on Marshall Follow @singermarsh on Twitter!

Images courtesy of our in house photographer, Hannah Cohen.  Check out her work here!

Join the creativity and innovation today.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE DYNAMIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS FEATURED IN THIS BLOG SERIES? COME IN FOR A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR BOND COLLECTIVE LOCATIONS TODAY.

FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM, AND WE’LL HANDLE THE REST.

The argument isn’t a new one: Brooklyn is where the creative juices get flowing. The scenery, the people, the energy: walking around, you can feel the ambition in each step. As a consequence of the neighborhood, ambiance, and offerings at our Bond Gowanus facility, it has turned into something of a production heaven!

If you’re a production company based in Brooklyn, below are just a few of the reasons why you should consider our Gowanus location for your next outfitting.

The Assets (The Obvious Reason)

Bar none, Bond Gowanus is unique in its production offerings to members. With a dedicated a photo studio and sound booth, members are able to eliminate costly rental fees from their bottom line and accomplish most of their filming or recording in house.

“The convenience of having a voice over booth just down the corridor has streamlined my workflow as a studio owner and sound engineer. Being a production ‘hub’, Bond Collective has grown my client base more than I ever allowed for in my original business plan.” – Kieran K., Full English

Similar to conference rooms, both spaces are available free of charge for members via a free allotment of time per month. Paired with proper hookups and complementary equipment on site, the space is a true ‘plug and play’ setup that’s ready for your next project.

How do people use the spaces? The only bounds are placed at the edges of your imagination. While the sound booth is most ideal for voice overs, podcasts, and sound effect captures, the production room carries fewer limitations. Stocked with complimentary equipment and the ability to rent additional items from our members/partners BiB Media & Full English, the space has been used for anything from fashion cataloguing, interviews, product shots, general how-to’s or online content, and headshots/photoshoots.

The People

The biggest asset in shared spaces are the communities they cultivate. With over a quarter of the building being in film and media, you’re bound to make a friend or two in the industry. Not only is this ideal for pure camaraderie and talking shop, your next client, partner, or project can be found within the building. When stepping back and realizing the community around you can stand as a benefit to your business and professional growth, you’re able to better tap into the potential around you!

A testament to the model: Success, a documentary about an NYC school’s soccer chapter was produced by members Arch Rivals, with the sound engineering and cleaning done by members Full English Post. Even a few of the scenes themselves were shot at our location! It’s incredible to see the projects and partnerships that arise simply via coexistence.

The space is also the perfect place to render/receive feedback or to strut your stuff! We’ll frequently host events or screenings dedicated to member creations. The community and its staff are your greatest advocates when it comes to spreading the word.

The 24/7 Access

An underrated component of Bond Gowanus is the accessibility the space offers to businesses regardless of the time of day. While we aren’t staffed outside of business hours, the facility is still fully functioning regardless of the time of night. Burning the midnight oil has never been more convenient, than being in a space where the coffee still flows, the lights are still on and people are still around and being productive.

The weekends are when creativity thrives. The 9-5’ers have cleared out for a few days, and the facility comes alive with the folks whose work week doesn’t stop when the sun sets on Friday. Facilities staff are still on site to make sure the lights are on and the refreshments are still available. The doors are locked, but obviously the facility is yours for client meetings and guests when we aren’t around. Don’t limit yourself in a facility that isn’t running around the clock.

The Building

While an inherently elementary component of the facility, the pure style and construction of it is in itself an added utility to production companies. Being at street level, load-in / load-out is no longer a migraine, and there aren’t any pesky freight rules or costs to take into account. Multiple elevators at the far end of the building make transporting equipment seamless, with locked entry prohibiting undesired access to your items or property.

“The comfortable convenience of the production room in relation to the rest of the facility makes our day to day operation requirements a breeze. Clients walk in the door impressed with their surroundings, and there’s an unmistakable ‘production buzz’ in the building with so many companies and individuals working on similar projects.” – AJ Gutierrez, Arch Rivals TV

Security cameras sneakily hidden throughout the common areas keep a watchful eye as items go in and out, with all units secured individually by lock and key rather than a simple security card.

The Convenience

Humanity’s greatest gripe with Brooklyn: accessibility. While we aren’t in charge of re-routing the subway lines, more and more focus is being put into the Gowanus area when it comes to future projects. The F/G stop is a block away, with Manhattan being only three stops down the line. The R train at Union Street is an underutilized alternative, getting you up to midtown in under 30 minutes, and only two stops from Barclays for infinite access.

The Flexibility

Coworking by definition is a much more malleable solution for production teams. There aren’t any strict time commitments or procedures, security deposits or up front requirements are often abbreviated, and teams are often smaller and more lean so direct answers are expedited.

Not to toot our own horn, but Bond Collective has been around the block when it comes to production flexibility, in terms of both office and shoot space. We understand the production cycle, and do want to explore scalable operations by the week/month based on your requirement and staffing. We understand not everyone operates on the same calendar/clock, and that our ability to accommodate production folks needs to be just as flexible.

The Staff

Our friendly community staff is your greatest asset when it comes to managing day to day operations. A smiling face greets staff, clients, and guests when they walk through the door, offering them a comfortable place to sit and refreshments to occupy their time. Need help with an introduction to another member you need help or advice from? A last minute booking stressing you out? We’re here to help.

The same is true for our facilities staff! Production is a notoriously hefty field, with various installs, security, and storage requirements. Our community handyman is available for a strong variety of tasks and odd jobs. He is also the hero that repaints the cyc wall in the production room after every usage, so that the shots you get in the space can be as crisp and clean as possible. They help to keep the coffee flowing, the floors clean, and anything/everything in between.

A subject of the neighborhood, design, and our active efforts, Bond Gowanus has become a cultivator for production talent and execution. Accessibility and flexibility are one of the many reasons why the environment and assets can be a huge attribute to any growing company. Stop in today for a first hand look into how the facility can aid your day to day operations and join our growing community of creatives.

BOOK OUR PRODUCTION OUR SOUND STUDIO TODAY! 

Available to members and non-members.

Affordable, friendly, and professional, the production room at our Gowanus facility is a production companies’ dream come true. A blank slate available for your creative genius, the room features a constantly re-painted cyc wall, with equipment for rent via an in-house provider. The production room is available for rent hourly, or on half day and full day assignments. We’ll be in touch to complete your booking.

By Nykeba Corinaldi, Community Developer at Bond Collective

Nykeba is a Community Developer at Bond Flatiron, and is passionate about cultivating community, creating from scratch, and bringing positive energy to everything she’s a part of. Her passion led her to Bond Collective in the beginning of 2017 when she joined Bond Flatiron’s vibrant community. 

Ever since my childhood, I have loved creating and would often make something out of nothing. A few years ago, I moved to Syracuse, New York, and quickly realized how the climate and a new location affected my skin and hair. I experienced difficulty staying moisturized and struggled to find an all natural, all over moisturizer. After some thought and intense will power, I decided to take things into my own hands and crafted my own moisturizer in 2010. Here’s my story.

I created Hydration Butta in 2010 to share moisturizing and healing powers with my friends and family. After receiving a ton of positive feedback, I decided to take matters into my own hands and expand my business to serve a new market.

The start of a new beginning

In 2013, I openly brainstormed and tested products at my uncle’s variety store in Brooklyn. Each day, I met small business owners and thought about the products, stories, and intentions that each brand and their experience exhibited. Since I handcrafted everything, I decided that it was only right that the name be an extension of me and the many women that inspire me.

At that time I remember it being so difficult to create a logo with a limited budget, but looking back, that was only the beginning of an endless road of decisions and adversities. Over the course of four years, I increased my natural skincare collection from solely Hydration Butta to ten versatile formulas for all skin types and lifestyles. I worked to sponsor various events and gift bags, displayed my collection at 30+ markets and vendors, fostered new relationships, encouraged self care, and helped people feel good about their skincare routine and the products their families use. Above all I learned more about our largest organ, the skin, and created my brand, Cori Rene.

Life is a journey

Starting your own business is a JOURNEY. As my journey continued, I experienced an array of new heights and unexplainable challenges. One of the hardest parts of sustaining a business is learning how to build the car, while still driving it.

Flying solo as a Founder and CEO, I manage all things Cori Rene. I’ve maintained a variety of roles whether in sourcing raw materials, handcrafting fresh batches, packaging, fulfillment, marketing, photography, advertising, securing retailers, popping up at markets, etc. In doing this, I’ve learned a lot, and know that in order to scale my business, I need to own my expertise and outsource when necessary and possible. I love to create and finally feel comfortable bringing a team on board that specializes in areas that would fuel the evolution and growth of Cori Rene.

Scaling your business

One of the most important tips I have would be to spend a great amount of time developing your business strategy and a plan of action. While you’re doing this, you can visit a local chapter of SCORE for free business advice and overall support.

Often times I didn’t have people to talk to about the ideas and struggles I encountered. Finding a business mentor was truly helpful and has enhanced my overall vision for what’s to come with Cori Rene. Additionally, setting realistic goals, using a SWOT analysis to help determine what’s best, and marketing for free via multiple social media platforms has been priceless. Here are a few more tips that I would recommend taking into consideration, as you begin to scale your business:

8 tips everyone should know before scaling your business:

1 – Get organized and begin with a detailed plan of action.
2 – Be specific in your business mapping.
3 – Do your research and due diligence before before taking action.
4 – Understand the risks and rewards of each decision you make, both personally and professionally.
5 – Embrace your expertise and delegate whenever possible.
6 – Be consistent and authentic in all that you do.
7 – Build your support network: take advantage of free Expert Consulting at local chapters of SCORE (score.org).
8 – Surround yourself with the right people: The Bond Collective Community is a great example of a group of people who will fuel your creativity and keep you inspired.

About the Author:

Nykeba means Courageous One in Swahili and is best pronounced as Nuh·kee·bah. Originally from Maryland, Nykeba happily calls New York City her home. She still manages to use Old Bay seasoning on everything. 

She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and a minor in Global Enterprise Technology from Syracuse University. When she isn’t collaborating and community building, she enjoys handcrafting luxurious skincare formulas. Nykeba founded Cori Rene to share her natural remedies with the world. She has a passion for digital media, photography, cooking, biking, and bouldering. 

Have any questions about what Bond Collective can offer your company?

WE’D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE AND TO OFFER YOU A PERSONALIZED TOUR OF ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT, FLATIRON AND BROOKLYN.