Starting a business is an intimidating prospect that many people think they must pursue on their own. Entrepreneur James Flynn is bringing a new concept to La Porte: a co-working space where freelancers, accountants, or anyone who uses office space can collaborate with other professionals they otherwise would never have met. JD is in the business of growing business.
“The goal is to get people communicating, bouncing ideas off each other.”
Anyone who can benefit from a professional office space can appreciate Open Door Co-Working. James’ location offers private desks, coffee, and even conference rooms that are included in the cost. It is like every other office except that its occupants make up a potpourri of professions. It is James’ hope that the freelancers of La Porte will come out of the woodwork and give each other the expert advice and unique resources necessary to thrive in the city’s economy.
The co-working space has economic purposes as well. All utilities are covered and since it is shared, it is much more financially feasible than an individual storefront. Co-working space is great for people who have outgrown working in their homes but do not yet have the capital or need for an office building. It looks more professional to clients and offers a private place free from the many distractions freelancers face at home.
JD was inspired to open a co-working space after seeing how well the same concept was doing in Valparaiso. The owner of Zoseco Coworking, Eric Zosso, has “been quite a mentor, making sure I don’t make the same mistakes he did.”
One of those mistakes was a lack of networking, a task that James is committed to.
“The [La Porte] Chamber of Commerce has been really helpful. They’ve found me events to go to and people to connect with. And if I need something or advice, they’re always willing to get back to me.”
The Chamber of Commerce connected James with a speed networking event akin to speed dating. Business owners will have a few moments to introduce themselves, summarize their mission, and trade business cards. The proceeds go to Jaycees.
James has held events of his own. He has monthly meet-ups, like Technically La Porte, a round table discussion of our town’s technological developments. He has also hosted the La Porte Entrepreneur and Freelancer Network and the Tabletop Gaming Network. The later is a relaxed group of people getting together to play board games. The point of each meetup is the same: connecting people for the betterment of each of them, and La Porte as a whole.
“[La Porte] is growing really fast,” JD said of his home. “I can see that great things are happening so it’s a great place to be right now. I was raised here, so I have those deep roots that keep pulling me back.”
Before he even considered growing a business, James grew a family here. His wife, two children, and small pack of pets enjoy spending their spare time together. They did not always have that opportunity.
James’ first career was as a paramedic. In 2001, he graduated from High School and became a volunteer firefighter in the area.
“I knew guys in the department and wanted to do something substantial. I knew the training would help me down the road, and they got me into EMT school.”
James loved the spontaneous nature of both jobs. He spent 10 years as a paramedic, meeting new people and never knowing how his day would go. It required a lot of 24-hour shifts though and as he got older he knew there was another area of his life that he wanted to commit his time to.
“Being away from the kids that long was really rough. So I decided to go back to school, get a degree, and doing something a bit more traditional.”
James attended Ivy Technical Institute where he earned a degree in Computer Information Systems.
“I built my first website in the 90’s. Until four years ago it was a hobby, now I’ve taken it to a pro level.” He telecommutes to his job at Miles Media Group in Colorado.
As a man who works from home himself, he knows the demands and struggles that go with being an entrepreneur in this era. Small businesses need a camaraderie in order to be successful, and their existence is necessary for the continued growth and diversity of La Porte.
“Small businesses give so much more back to the community There is a sense of ownership and a relationship to the client that is made stronger by being personal.”
“It is a point of pride,” James said about his experience in business thus far. “I admire anyone who can freelance and do it on their own. I think there are a lot more people like me, that are working from home or basements or coffee shops, that would benefit from having a private space. I hope this takes off and can benefit the community.”