Brad Wilcox
Associate Professor of Sociology at UVA
Director of the National Marriage Project at UVA
President, Demographic Intelligence

THE WHO

John Semmelhack

Owner, Think Little

THE WHO

Inspired by a Wendell Berry quote, John Semmelhack started his business Think Little with the conviction that even just one individual can have a significant impact in making the world a better place. Through Think Little, John has set out to make Charlottesville more energy efficient, one house at a time. Specializing in residential energy efficiency consulting, John advises home-owners, architects, and builders on how to construct homes that both save money and reduce the impact on the environment. All the little details, John says, add up to a big effect when it comes to making a house more energy efficient. From the initial stages of site design, to stocking the finished house with efficient appliances, to planting strategic landscaping, a lower utility bill and a positive effect on the environment are in reach for home-owners.

John also serves as a technical advisor with EarthCraft Virginia, a green housing certification program that promotes sustainable and affordable energy efficient construction. In addition, John is also a Certified Passive House Consultant. Passive House is a very strict green design concept, the highest standard for energy efficient buildings in fact, and John is currently consulting on four of Virginia’s first Passive House projects!

THE WHY OPENSPACE

Previously, John worked from home, but with the arrival of his second daughter, the home office lost out to the nursery. OpenSpace to the rescue! And, as you’ve probably noticed, John prefers to commute to work by bike!

WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW

John can often be spotted riding his bike around town, but what you might not know is that he used to be a professional cyclist! His team even used to race against another OpenSpace regular, Ian Ayers! We’re thinking rematch?

Photo credit: Jen Fariello

David Dusseau

Owner, Allies in Energy

THE WHO

David Dusseau is a Silicon Valley transplant who, after getting his start in the high-tech industry, made the switch to clean energy about ten years ago. He started his company, Allies in Energy, to provide staffing, market research, and business development services to the clean energy sector. Since moving from the West Coast four years ago, he has been working diligently to facilitate and take part in the Mid-Atlantic region’s move towards clean energy. Whether it’s researching business prospects for growing clean energy companies or working to influence policy in favor of an advanced energy economy, David is clearly enthusiastic about the possibilities and opportunities associated with clean energy.

In such a relevant and up-and-coming industry, David is also paving the way for better social networking among energy professionals, using the Allies in Energy brand to promote greater collaboration and support of clean energy development efforts. In fact, Charlottesville, is home to several national players in the world of clean energy, including GreenLight Energy Resources, HelioSage, Element Power, and BP Alternative Energy.

THE WHY OPENSPACE

Frankly, David says, he couldn’t stand working from home. For a long-time self-employed business professional, OpenSpace was the perfect ‘in-between’ workspace and a great change of pace. He found that the comfortable, natural-light filled work environment led to the greatest intangible of all: increased productivity. We say, bring on the sunlight!

WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW

Growing up in middle-of-nowhere Michigan instilled David with a great love of the outdoors. A fitting pastime for a proponent of clean energy, he enjoys hiking and spending time down by the river near his house. A few hikes David recommends: the St. Mary’s Wilderness in the George Washington National Forest, for the more serious hikers. Or, if you’re just looking for a nice walk in the woods, the Monticello Trail is a popular spot right outside of town. Fall in Central Virginia is the perfect time to explore the outdoors, so be sure to ask David about the next Cville Hikers Meet Up!

Photo credit: Jen Fariello

Mark Watlock

Owner, Advantage Computer Training

The Who

Have you ever had one of those frustrating encounters with Microsoft Excel, usually involving blank stares at the spreadsheet wondering just how do you get that little row to go there, or how to get that formula to do that, and how in the world do you even begin to print labels? Luckily, there are people in this world like Mark Watlock. Mark does computer training for Windows and Microsoft Office, and yes, he says much of his training is geared towards Excel. With his company, Advantage Computer Training, Mark offers personalized, hands-on computer training, and with his mobile laptop classroom, he’ll come right to you.

Mark got his start in the early days of computers, working at Dynabyte Computers on Main Street (remember that one?) and then Computer Land in sales. In a time when there was no Best Buy Geek Squad, Mark had to do all his own computer training and tech support for his customers. He had to learn all the software in addition to making the sales, and he learned it all on the job, he says. He soon realized, however, that he was better at teaching than sales. A natural communicator, his ‘let’s solve it together’ approach to training was greatly appreciated by customers and earned their loyalty. No matter the student’s level of computer knowledge, “you cannot embarrass them,” Mark says, “or they’ll never want to learn from you.” Instead, Mark emphasizes a hands-on, conversational method of computer training. Students are encouraged to share and learn from each other, and often, he says, he learns a thing or two from them. Mark also bases his computer training on real-life scenarios and applications, and he takes special care to tailor his classes to meet the clients at their level. And with over 25 years of computer training experience, he’s seen it all (a CD-ROM drive being used as a cup holder stands out in particular). But most importantly, as a dynamic and engaging teacher, Mark makes learning all the minutiae of Excel fun.

THE Why OpenSpace
At first, Mark says, he thought it was the infrastructure and the great workspace that brought him here. But after spending more and more time here, he realizes that it’s the people that make OpenSpace such a great place to work. “There’s so much talent here,” he says, “If you have a social media question, you go ask Marijean, or a career question, you go talk to Cathy Pales. And the staff are great, too.” We like having you here too, Mark.

What You Might Not Know
Mark is a dedicated, life-long Notre Dame football fan (Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!) and a music trivia buff. Find your favorite, most obscure 80’s song, and he’ll probably know who played bass on that track as well as any subsequent, equally obscure band they were a part of. Let the quizzing commence!

Photo credit: Jen Fariello

Marijean Jaggers

Owner, Jaggers Communications

The Who
Spend even just a minute with Marijean Jaggers, and it is obvious that she loves people. Which makes it convenient then, that her job has her working with all kinds of people and focusing on that newest of business trends, social marketing. A super social person herself, Marijean has a knack for the ins and outs of Twitter, Facebook, and the like.

She first got her start in public relations in St. Louis, MO, and then moved to Charlottesville five and half years ago. In January 2011, Marijean started Jaggers Communications, which specializes in public relations, crisis management, and social media consulting. She offers workshops on social media for businesses, explaining the importance of how social media can be used to promote businesses. Many of her clients are usually starting from scratch, or just dabbling, in the realm of social media, but Marijean sets them straight about using online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and blogging to effectively deliver their message.

One basic practice she teaches her clients is the importance of monitoring- getting companies to be aware of what people are saying about their business or their industry, good or bad. It’s all about paying attention and responding appropriately, she says, and it can really make or break a company. Marijean is a big fan of Twitter, but she is quick to point out that there is a right and wrong way to use Twitter as a business. The recent ‘Weinergate’ scandal provided her with the perfect teaching opportunity and a catchy workshop title (Don’t Be A Weiner: How to Use Twitter As a Professional) for one key social media principle: be careful what you post, once it’s out there, it’s out there!

But used intelligently, Twitter is a powerful resource, Marijean says, for everything from news updates to store reviews. One of her biggest success stories is Charlottesville Airport. Did you know, thanks to Marijean, you can now follow CHO for everything from weather alerts to fare updates?

Interested in improving your social media skills? Follow her on Twitter @Marijean for more information on upcoming workshops!

The Why OpenSpace

A long-time OpenSpace member, Marijean started out working from home, but found that she loves being around other people too much.  Knowing her, that doesn’t surprise us! Working alongside other hard-working folks helps her focus, she says, and landing here is better than coffee shops, because you won’t feel guilty for not buying anything (and the peppermint patties are free!). She especially appreciates the freedom of OpenSpace, where it is so easy to come in, sit down, and get started. We love Marijean too; she has been one of our biggest cheerleaders and is always sending new members our way!

What You Might Not Know

Three words: Key. Lime. Pie. Yes, Marijean bakes pies!! If you have been lucky enough to taste the deliciousness she occasionally has been known to share at OpenSpace, you know what I’m talking about. It all started when she set out to perfect the made from scratch pie crust, which, she says, is a lost art these days. She got so good, she now even offers in-home workshops on homemade pie crusts! Her specialties include her award-winning butterscotch-pecan pie, as well as a peaches-and-cream or other seasonal local fruits like cherries, and, of course, that key lime pie.

For the past three to four years, Marijean has participated in the annual Charlottesville PieFest, which will be downtown at the Haven later this fall. PieFest is a local pie tasting competition and auction that benefits PACEM. Check out their website CvillePieFest for all the gorgeous and (we think it is safe to assume) delicious entries!

Photo credit: Jen Fariello

Who: Ian & Chip

At first glance, Chip Ransler and Ian Ayers look relatively tame – maybe even harmless. But look closer, and you’ll see two dynamic Wahoos, saturated with an awesomely creative entrepreneurialism.

While pursuing independent ventures, Chip and Ian also collectively focus on spreading a new theory of entrepreneurial thinking called effectuation. Ever wonder what distinguishes an average entrepreneur from a really, truly, great entrepreneur (like all of you OpenSpacers)? Well, a Darden professor named Sarasvathy conducted research and determined the answer for us.

“[Master entrepreneurs] constantly assess how to use their personal strengths and whatever resources they have at hand to develop goals on the fly, while creatively reacting to contingencies.” –Inc. Magazine

Inc. Magazine featured these results last February in an article called, “How Great Entrepreneurs Think.”

Chip and Ian have since taken action to translate Sarasvathy’s findings into teachings. They did so by participating in the Society for Effectual Action, a common meeting ground for people working to “change the way entrepreneurship is taught and learned.” They’re making great waves in the business world, advancing effectuation over causal reasoning, one entrepreneur at a time. Pretty bold!

Who: Ian AyeRs

Not surprisingly, Ian’s latest business venture, Configment, further represents his interest in effectuation. Configment is loosely described as a ‘pre-startup workshop company’ that prototypes businesses in their earliest startup phase. Recognizing that ideas move forward best through a process of rapid co-creation, Ian ‘configures’ solutions for any startup problem based on existing means, preferring to assemble self-selecting partners and do the doable.

Before jumping on the effectuation wave, Ian developed a background in tech-related ventures. He had founded and sold an ISP before finishing high school and eventually, as a systems engineer, found himself tinkering with the latest Internet protocols on projects for the NSA and CIA at L-3. Next, after running a business incubator in Sweden, he started an innovative talent recruiting company called Nova Global, where he assumed the role of CTO.

Who: Chip Ransler

Before enrolling in business school, Chip had a software (digital publishing) company for five years. Then he started a nonprofit called The Second Road, a supportive online community for people suffering from addiction. While in business school, Chip founded a power company in Rural India called Husk Power Systems. Though he’s no longer involved on a daily basis, Chip describes the experience as being pretty significant and life-altering. Check them out here in Fast Company Magazine — it’s an awesome read!

Most recently, Chip collaborated with the Navy to change the way people interact with technology on submarines. He spent a whirlwind 2 days creating 12 concept designs in hopes of updating a nuclear sub control room. Then Chip studied potential real time challenges, and the ways people would interact with the room to overcome them. This 2-day challenge turned into something pretty remarkable: it is now run throughout the year as a totally new way to design ships.

Why OpenSpace

Ian and Chip agree that OpenSpace offers them freedom from the “mental stuckness” of working at home. They can break away from the “mental prison” and escape to a place that’s organized, open, dependable, smells nice, and is distracting at the right times. The serendipitous meetings they have had here have been an added perk.

Chip notes that, “truly, there are connections that happened at OpenSpace that otherwise, I never would have made.” He and Ian see OpenSpace as providing a beneficial “creative ecosystem.” People elsewhere strive to create something like it, but only at OpenSpace does it become a reality. We think that’s pretty great!

And for their final words? On working at OpenSpace: “From an economic standpoint, it easily makes sense. For the amount of water, nuts & internet I consume, I’m actually making money by being here.” Hmm.

What You Might Not Know About Ian

He was a professional cyclist for 3 years. And, remember those rickshaws that used to shuttle UVA students around grounds and downtown? Well, you can thank Ian. The Happy Rickshaw Company was his business.

What You Might Not Know About Chip

He played in a college band. That band was so good, in fact, that they placed second in the 1998 College Band Search… and landed a spot on Conan O’Brien. Nice! Chip was also a moderately early adapter of OpenSpace. He once carved out an area in our pantry to store his Kashi breakfast cereal.

One final note …

Always full of ideas that they’re not afraid to share, both Ian and Chip are “sick” drummers. They want to bring in dueling drum sets and battle it out at OpenSpace. Anybody game?

Bryan Lewis

Virginia Tech Network Dynamics & Simulation Science Laboratory

The Who

Bryan was the FIRST Member to write his dissertation at OpenSpace – having spent many, many, many hours here writing, researching, stressing, drinking, & snacking. He’s super-smart and now has the letters after his name to prove it. We’re so PROUD of him!

So what does that somewhat quiet and wonderfully kind guy you see all the time do? Bryan and his team from Virginia Tech (“yay!” or “boo!” depending on your ilk) do something called Public Health Modeling. In layman’s terms, that means that they help predict how diseases will travel through a population under different scenarios. Then, they advise public health officials and policy-makers as to the policies they should create.

As Bryan says, “The paradox of public health is that if you’re doing a good job, nobody knows it.”

Remember that H1N1 flu scare that never really materialized?

Well, we have Bryan and his team to thank – their recommendations showed up in White House policies and the whole thing was a “non-event.”

Lately, Bryan’s been working on how to minimize the cholera outbreak in Haiti. Talk about impact and the things that matter …. Thanks Bryan!

THE Why OpenSpace

Bryan had been working from home for about a year when he found OpenSpace (he was one of the early-adopters). His favorite thing about working at OpenSpace: Productivity.

On working from home now, Bryan says, “I’m too ineffective, and it’s too lonely. It drives me insane.” And, we say welcome to work sanity – we’ve got your back.

What You Might Not Know

Bryan is a new dad to baby Madeline born March 1, 2011. I bet he has a pic on his phone if you ask …. Or, we’ll just show you one here – we couldn’t resist her cuteness!

Jonah Tobias,
Man-in-Charge
Studio 1Q

The Who

Ever wonder who develops cool motion graphics like those seen before TEDTalks, in documentaries, and prime-time TV shows? Ever been in awe of the brainpower it takes to create such vivid, enthralling animations?  Well, the brains behind such operations aren’t as distant as you probably think.  You might even be sitting beside one the next time you visit OpenSpace: our very own Jonah Tobias.

Jonah is an artist by training and a computer geek at heart.  He is the face behind Studio 1Q, a motion graphics and design company that has called OpenSpace home since August 2010.  1Q builds graphics to facilitate education through the visualization of information.  Simply put, Jonah is famous for transforming complex concepts into animated graphics that us simple-folk can understand.

Jonah’s coolness factor rises when you consider the large-scale projects he’s worked on, such as TEDTalks, PBS’s Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Adventures, and the documentary Super-size Me!

If you’ve ever been enthralled by a dynamic digital journey, then check out Jonah’s work in Ocean Adventures.  His globe animations were featured in 4 seasons of this hit prime-time PBS show… and were screened at the White House in 2006.  Bush was so impressed, in fact, that he promptly signed legislation to set aside the entire chain of North West Hawaiian islands as a protected maritime park.  No doubt it was Jonah’s globe animations that pushed him over the edge. Great work, Jonah!

At the moment, Jonah is working on a project with OpenSpace colleagues Chip Ransler and Ian Ayers. They are creating a website and viral video for a UVA professor who has revolutionary theories on entrepreneurship. This is right up our alley!

Jonah’s successes thus far prove that Studio 1Q is standing true to its ultimate mission.  As stated on the ‘About Us’ page of their website, Jonah and his team, “like most people…hope to change the world.”  Sound familiar?

The Why OpenSpace

After spending 10 years in New York perfecting his aptitude for motion graphics (or animated graphic design), Jonah and his family opted for a better quality of life in Charlottesville. He wanted to be able to just “hang out” with his kids.  As it turns out, his work also benefited from the change.  Studio 1Q continued to flourish away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.

Jonah’s search for a professional sphere in Charlottesville didn’t get off to a great start.  As he puts it, “I was looking for office space in town, and I found really depressing closets with no windows. Then, I took the tour at OpenSpace and thought Holy ^%$#, this is a no-brainer.”  We were just as excited when he found us.

Among other things, Jonah says a key perk of working here is how, “OpenSpace injected new energy into my work. I feel more professional, which helps me be more productive.”  We can’t argue with that…

nor with Jonah’s two other flattering statements:

“Killer internet is key for what I do, so that was a selling point for me. Also, the economy of sharing internet and snacks makes sense….

Plus, when I’m on skype, the people I’m talking with are so impressed with my amazing office! I look really successful.”

What You Might Not Know

Jonah loves BBQ. In fact, he’s been intending to get to the BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville. Road trip anyone?

Joe Barnes
Development Principal & Director of Architecture & Design
Celebration Associates, LLC

The Who

Joe might not share this with you at a happy hour, but he clearly has defined his life success:

(1) Make a Difference

(2) Have Fun

(3) Make Enough Money to Send His Sons to College.

And, he takes all three “seriously.” If he’s not organizing volunteers for the Salvation Army Kettle Drive, then you’ll likely see him at OpenSpace … the “satellite office” of Celebration Associates, LLC.

At Celebration Associates, they develop & manage master plan communities. They have a wide range of projects, including Bundoran Farms (2300 acres of orchards, forests & trails) a preservation development in the Charlottesville area, the Homestead Preserve in Hot Springs, a planned home community in South Carolina, and a resort in New Hampshire originally built in 1907.

Although the types of projects vary, there is a common thread: the landowners care about what will be left. In other words, they care about the Legacy.

“You have an impact by what you build, so you want to make sure you do the right thing,” says Joe. That’s why Joe & his colleagues focus on protecting visual integrity, being stewards of the environment, and providing a place for people to live in a way that is connected to the land.

The Why OpenSpace

“My wife had been working from home, so when Celebration Associates moved out of our office on the Downtown Mall, I thought I would work from home too. She was successful working from home. I, however, got sucked into a third episode of Andy Griffith or The Golden Girls, and it was all over.”

Then, he found OpenSpace. “I was incredibly focused and productive in just one day using the Free Day Pass. Signing up was a no-brainer.”

“There are lots of spaces out there where you can rent an office, but there’s nothing out there with the design and technology. There’s something Zen about the Space.… and free twizzlers & peppermint patties.”

“And, it’s nice to be in a place where everyone else is working.” (We’re inferring that Joe would not like hearing “Susan your sandwich is ready” at 4 minute intervals as he might at other places.)

“I always feel welcome. To be greeted in the morning by the Concierge at the Hello Bar and to hear ‘have a great night’ in the evening – that means a lot.”

What You Might Not Know

Joe likes to cook – all kinds of different things. He says that since in his work often it takes significant time to see results, he likes the fact that when he cooks there is immediate proof of accomplishment. Ask him for a favorite recipe the next time you see him!

Have you ever looked at your iPhone (or Droid or Blackberry) and wondered what was involved in its production? What about how much energy was expended in the production of the aluminum and plastic? Or what emissions were released in the process?

Martha Stevenson, an environmental scientist and OpenSpace member, is a consultant  to public interest and specializes in sustainability and life cycle analysis.  In short, Martha knows the answers to the previous questions about your phone.

She’s able to research and analyze the environmental damages of products and supply chains.  All of our conveniences affect the earth.  Some are necessary, like food production, but knowing the consequences can help reduce future processes and lessen our environmental impact.

Self-taught Martha began her career at GreenBlue and now works with various government agencies to see what little tweaks in their systems could make a big difference. Martha explained that sustainability is all about long-term thinking. If a company is using a water-heavy process but there isn’t going to be any water in 10 years, she helps said company find a new strategy. Her hope is that more people will look to companies like DuPont and Walmart. These are companies that Martha pointed out as “getting it”. They’re thinking 20+ years down the road and making decisions that allow them the best product with the least environmental damage.

Why OpenSpace?

Though Martha has been in Charlottesville for six years, she’s often thought of moving to D.C.  since her work takes her there once a week. However, the ability to be in the mountains in a matter of no time is a draw for her.  Another deciding factor in staying in Charlottesville? OpenSpace. (Seriously, that was a genuine answer. I swear.)  She appreciates being able to separate work and home by working at OpenSpace. Martha also mentioned the sunlight that fills OpenSpace,  friendly staff and interesting members as reasons she’s happy to be here–  “It grows you here, beyond your little niche”.

Conversation Starter: Martha and I, both being foodies, enjoyed chatting about some delicious meals we’ve had recently. Ask Martha about her ideal Charlottesville meal. You’ll thank me.