A new trend has been quietly emerging in shared workspaces: co-warehousing.
Emiliano and Shannon Lerda, founders of co-warehousing community Elevator, are at the forefront of this movement, offering a unique blend of logistics and community support to small business owners.
In this episode, they discussed their innovative approach to shared spaces.
What is Co-Warehousing?
Co-warehousing is a flexible space solution designed specifically for small businesses dealing with physical goods. Emiliano explains, “Think about those in e-commerce or makers with too many boxes in their lives.” Unlike traditional coworking spaces, co-warehousing is equipped with docks and provides logistical support like shipping and receiving assistance. This setup serves the unique needs of small business owners, allowing them to manage inventory, assemble products, and network with other entrepreneurs—all without the isolation often associated with warehousing.
Origins of Elevator
The concept for Elevator came about organically from the Lerdas’ personal experiences. With backgrounds in law, real estate development, finance, and entrepreneurship, this dynamic duo saw the need for a more practical solution for their e-commerce business. They encountered the challenges of scaling while working from home, which led them to envision a community-centric co-warehousing model that marries the benefits of coworking with logistical necessities.
The Advantages of Co-Warehousing Over 3PL Services
Traditional third-party logistics (3PL) services are purely transactional, lacking the community and control offered by co-warehousing. Emiliano highlights, “You don’t work there; there’s no community. You lose a bit of control.” By contrast, Elevator provides a more inclusive environment where members can feel connected while maintaining control over their shipment processes.
Products and Services Offered
At Elevator, the primary offering is month-to-month private warehouse suites, ranging from 80 to 1,500 square feet. These suites can adapt as businesses grow. Additionally, the facility offers coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and the necessary infrastructure for efficient shipping and receiving. This flexible model allows entrepreneurs to scale their business within a support-rich environment.
Location Selection and Model
Picking a suitable location for a co-warehousing facility extends beyond the traditional coworking criteria. Emiliano and Shannon seek areas that strike a balance between accessibility to logistics networks and proximity to vibrant neighborhoods. Their focus is on areas that foster community engagement and economic revival. They aim to repurpose buildings, often looking at properties with adaptable industrial features like docks and elevators.
Future Services and Expansion
While co-warehousing initially appeared to cater primarily to Amazon and e-commerce clients, the Lerdas found a diverse range of businesses utilizing their space. As they expand, they plan to evaluate additional services based on member needs, focusing on scalability and adaptability as their user base grows.
Conclusion
Co-warehousing represents an exciting frontier in the realm of shared workspaces. By merging the logistics of warehousing with the community aspect of coworking, Elevator is redefining the space for small businesses. As the venture grows, Emiliano and Shannon Lerda continue to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of their community, paving the way for a model that not only supports business growth but invigorates local economies.
For those interested in the future of workspace innovation, keeping an eye on co-warehousing is a must.