As many may have learned during the state mandated shelter-in-place orders, not everyone is cut out for working from home, yet not everyone has the type of business that provides them with a flexible and productive work environment either. That’s why three local entrepreneurs are advancing their plans to open up ThinkBar, a new co-working space in South Haven for whoever needs that opportunity.
Despite the economic uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, or maybe because of the need it has clearly shown, the three women are moving forward with ThinkBar in the central business district of downtown South Haven.
As a new co-working space, ThinkBar will provide an office-equipped option for remote-working professionals, solo entrepreneurs, start-ups and freelancers who seek out a flexible and productive work environment. The space will offer daily, weekly, monthly or longer term private, semi-private and openwork spaces. ThinkBar plans to open in the coming weeks and will be located downtown at 610 Phoenix Street.
Suzanne Sutherland Loafman, a public relations and marketing professional and Lynzee Krohne and Kayla Weich, founders of online marketing agency LEO & LAINE, are the women behind ThinkBar.
After working remotely themselves and working with many clients who were looking for professional work space, the three recognized the demand in the area for a co-working space. Krohne says, “So many people work from home in South Haven and the surrounding areas. We’d often work or host meetings in cafes and coffee shops to get away from the home office distractions and notice the room was full of people working.” She adds, “A lot of our clients are small businesses frequently looking for additional office space, and we knew if we found the right space we could offer a much needed service to the South Haven community.”
After finding the right space, the three committed to the co-working idea with plans to open in May of 2020. Though the current pandemic and resulting public quarantine shut down the nation and delayed ThinkBar’s operational plans, it also helped to reshape the current work environment. As Loafman explains, “The COVID quarantine has shown the traditional office is no longer a necessity in some industries. We expect more people will now have the opportunity to work from home.” She adds, “Although the convenience and flexibility of a home office is great, working from home is not a great solution for everyone. ThinkBar will provide a productive get-away from the home, and a long-term solution for professionals who thrive in an office environment, need to meet with clients or are seeking less isolation.”
The space is already generating buzz from area residents, according to Katie Kean, who is Director of Strategic Consulting at Advisors Plus. She admits, “As a professional woman that works remote from South Haven when I am not traveling, I’m really looking forward to having a local, professional space that accommodates whatever my day throws at me, whether that is a virtual Webex meeting with clients or a quiet and clean space to brainstorm and tackle everyday tasks.” Kean also teaches at Western Michigan University where she facilitates online courses and plans to conduct the courses from her space at ThinkBar.
The 2,000 square foot co-working space will feature a variety of work spaces to accommodate those looking for a casual “café-style” environment, a more traditional environment, as well as those looking for a collaborative group space. Amenities will include a conference room, private call rooms, video conferencing capabilities, Wi-Fi access and print/scan/fax. Conveniently located downtown, the space is just steps away from restaurants, public parking and retail.
In addition to work space, ThinkBar will also host networking events and small business marketing workshops. Weich says, “South Haven is a community of small businesses which happens to be where we specialize as marketers. Our goal is not only to offer work space but also to be a partner to the community. We are excited to offer support to the small business community and help grow business in South Haven.”
For more information about ThinkBar, click this link: http://thinkbarcoworking.com
