OpenSpace

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.

Nest Realty

Jim Duncan

A long-time resident of Charlottesville, Jim Duncan knows the area and the respective real estate. With a passion for realty, he became a founding partner of Nest and continues as an associate broker.  Jim is focused on the residential aspect of realty in the city and county.  He also is responsible for the well-respected blog RealCentralVA which was one of the first blogs focused on real estate.

Why OpenSpace?

Jim is impressed with the level of passion that Jeff and the OpenSpace team have for the company and clients. The design elements and vibrancy of energy provide an experience that is unique. Energy is key in a working environment and there is a buzz around OpenSpace that is apparent in time spent here.  Also, networking is an important aspect of the OpenSpace community and an important part of the real estate industry; meeting and interacting with new people inherently expands the social sphere.

What about Nest?

Jim’s primary dream for Nest is that it will grow well. There’s no target or production goal, he simply hopes that it grows in a way that benefits clients: an organic growth. Jim also hopes new realtors recognize Nest as a standout company and the opportunities associated with it.

Connect with Jim:

Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
jim@realcentralva.com

(photo by Billy Hunt)

(once like a spark) photography

The Spark

(once like a spark) is a small gathering of some of the most expressive, imaginative, and avant-garde wedding photographers across the country—capturing stunning, shimmering moments on film.

This distinctive collaborative was styled, shaped, and formed by two lovely sisters—Ashley Steele and Cali Freeman. A few years ago, Cali decided to take her talent and hobby with the camera to a new level. Ashley applied her consulting and marketing expertise and the sibs leaned forward and said “let’s start this cute little side business” and (once like a spark) began to unfold. And the spark began to blaze. (once like a spark) started as a two-sister production and, a short time later, is now a 16 team member, large-scale, nationwide operation.

The Vision

“We were doing really different things than what was standard in the photography world. This was at the beginning of social media. We grabbed onto this unique marketing tool and went for it. Instead of the full-page ad that most photographers used to promote, our presence began to spread online. Cali-the-Photographer became booked for every weekend for the next year and a half—in just three months. Unheard of! Amazing!”

Ashley and Cali began to network with other very gifted photographers, artists asking why they were not as busy as they would like to be. As they should be. Posting fliers about town just wasn’t bringing in enough business. The talent was there, but the marketing was not.

“We realized that what we were doing, by using Facebook, Twitter, and other social media was very rare in our industry. And it was really working. So we offered to do the sales, branding, marketing for these brilliant photographers. They concentrate on shooting, we concentrate on everything else.”

The Present

Originating in Atlanta, (once like a spark) has, in a short span of time, unfurled to New England, the West Coast, The Windy City, and our country’s capital. The business has become a bold and vibrant collection of photographers, graphic designers, art directors, editors, coordinators, and wedding contacts—all doing what delights them most. So every part of the wedding photo experience is as majestic and profound as it can be.

“All of us only do what we absolutely love. Photographers want to shoot, editors want to edit. We put together a model that works really, really well.”

Currently (once like a spark) has a strong presence in the following cities: Atlanta, Washington DC, Boston, San Fransisco, and San Diego.

“As we expand into cities such as Philly, Austin, and Seattle we continue to look for photographers who match our personality and aesthetic. Our ultimate short-term goal is to be very established in 12 cities.”

And Ashley’s spirit for collaboration seems to be never-ending. Besides managing (once like a spark) she also runs a social media and e-marketing consulting business called re:VOLT, servicing clients across all industries.  And it does not stop there. She is also forging a new music program—scouting up-and-coming musicians and their music to play on the (once like a spark) website. Promoting and adding another artistic backdrop to the picture.

Enter OpenSpace

About three months ago, exciting life changes brought Co-Owners Ashley and Cali from Atlanta to Charlottesville. New to town, Ashley was doing all of her work at home and at times it just wasn’t productive.

“I am awful at boundaries. I felt like I was working twenty-four hours a day in my office at home. Our real estate agent had told me to check out OpenSpace. I loved the idea of it, checked it out online, came to see it in person. OpenSpace has definitely been a game changer. I could write a novel about why I love it. It is refreshing to work in such a space. I am productive, dress for work, have my boundaries back.”

What You Might Not Know

(once like a spark) is named as such, inspirited by the e.e. cummings poem by the same name. The poem begins “if strangers meet life begins” – decidedly apropos of all that this photography endeavor offers.

(Photograph by Billy Hunt)

Mustard Seed Software, LLC
Growing Great Ideas

Mustard Seed Software is a small, award-winning software development company that collaborates with clients in engineering, research, and academic fields. They partner to guide and mature innovative technology into the marketplace, creating meaningful solutions, achieving maximum impact. Their prowess, perception, and practical knowledge pilot laboratory-grade computational capabilities into commercial-grade applications.

Mustard Seed Software is one of these rare gems—a small company with long-time partnerships with notable clients—determining that client relationships, quality assurance, and challenging projects are absolute priorities.

Mustard Seed Software, the trio, is made up of guys who are wicked smart engineers, with multiple degrees in multiple disciplines. They can create complex solutions in diverse domains such as Engineering Design Reliability, Probabilistic Analysis, and Non-Destructive Evaluation. And yet, they are accessible and balanced as professionals and as individuals.

This well-roundedness can be found on their website. It is highly attractive and thoroughly informative. It ranges from intensely technical to the interestingly personable. And when meeting and talking with the trio it is easy to see they are as dedicated to making a difference with their work as they are in their personal lives.

The Trio: Sim & The Bens

Simeon Fitch, Principal & Senior Software Engineer
“I am passionate about the sliver of the market we engage in and helping them realize the full potential of their technology. My pitch is this—‘the impact of their technology is directly proportional to the number of people who can use it.’ I am a very curious person and am good at asking the right questions to understand the client’s perspective. I really care about our clients’ goals and am honored to be standing on the shoulders of giants—being a part of larger projects and systems I would normally not be able to. This is my approach to making sure we are doing work that matters.”

Ben Guseman, Software Engineer
“The best part of what I do personally is to try to find elegant and robust ways to solve interesting problems. It is very satisfying to know that what we do contributes to society in some way. That’s the big picture. For me day to day, I enjoy working with our team at Mustard Seed Software and our team of clients. I like that we are small, without that big corporate feel. Sim and I are in similar life situations—family, kids. It is comforting to know I have a boss who is understanding and flexible and places a value on life outside of work.”

Ben Hocking, Associate Software Engineer
“It is great having challenging work. I get to use all of my skill set—physics, math, as well as computer science. My colleagues at Mustard Seed Software, as well as the engineers we have as clients—we understand and speak the same language. We get each other. Our work makes a difference. One of my favorite software solutions involved writing software so that airplanes can be built in a way that inspectors can do their job more effectively, preventing accidents and saving lives.

Why OpenSpace

Most of Mustard Seed Software’s clients are not local—some based as far away as Texas and Ontario. The Internet and technology allows this business to work remotely, with very little travel. The trio has been working in OpenSpace on a regular basis. In Simeon’s words:

“OpenSpace enables more high-achieving business owners to stay in Charlottesville, to do great work. And being surrounded by these forward-thinking professionals helps keep the motivation high. I am much more focused on my work because everyone here is more focused.”

“What I like most about working at OpenSpace is the sense of being taken care of, especially after years of having to run the business and take care of everyone else. It really means a lot to me that I am always greeted with a smile, the kitchen is so clean, snacks and coffee are always available. All of these things add up to a feeling of being appreciated. The day goes by faster and when I am done with work I can head back to home life with my worries left behind.”

What You Might Not Know

Mustard Seed Software has a mascot: Bindy the dog. She is known to bring ease and spiritual insights to the staff of Mustard Seed Software and a photo of her energetic dog-self can be found on her own webpage on their site.

(Photograph by Billy Hunt)

The Who

Nick Sabin is the New Business Development Director for Charlottesville Media, a business focusing on web design, video and print. Liza Bishop is Charlottesville Media’s Project Manager.

One of the elements that makes this client-facing duo stand apart is their genuine love of their work and the creative world around them. Another is their complete emphasis on customer service.

“Some people tend to be passive, we are active. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service. We take that extra step.” Internally, those extra steps are developing a fresh appearance for their own website. The unveiling will take place in early autumn.

The Why OpenSpace

A few months ago, Nick and Liza began working in OpenSpace.

“In order to grow our business and build an exceptional brand and loyal clientele we needed a place to focus, meet, and connect. OpenSpace removes the distractions and provides a professional environment. It complements our skills and our level of customer service. It fits with the way we do business. We are proud to bring our clients to OpenSpace—our reach is greater, we are closing more deals.”

The Work

Charlottesville Media has clients as far away as North Carolina and Massachusetts, but most are local. Recent website design clients include Bittersweet, Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, Broad Axe Technology Partners, and Julia’s Needleworks. Charlottesville Media won the 2009 Silver Savvy Award for the website design for Shop Charlottesville. Please take a moment to visit these links and see examples of their visionary style.

Another recent project involves producing a fundraising video for the American Red Cross. “Our business is really thriving and video projects are on the rise. More clients are requesting videos for their websites, small businesses are distinguishing themselves with video.”

The What You Might Not Know

Besides her dedication to Charlottesville Media, Liza also has her own photography and graphic design business Sweet Life Studio. She poetically captures life’s moments—whether it be a wedding, a child’s special day, or a professional portrait. The name can be traced to the phrase ‘la dolce vita’, a tattoo, and an inspirational moment in the mesmerizing city of Amsterdam.

And as for Nick and his mysterious photo above—he would rather be watching a film than be on the film.

(Photograph by Billy Hunt)

The Who

Cathy is a leader in leadership. She is the president of Powerful Purpose Leadership—a leadership coaching and consulting practice that partners with individuals and organizations to develop better quality working relationships in order to expand leadership capacity.

“At the core of leadership is relationship. Quality results begin with quality relationships. I partner with others to develop better connections with whom they work in order to produce the most effective leadership and achieve maximum results.”

PPL offers individual leadership coaching, education sessions and team transformation services, which includes team building, team in conflict facilitation and a team of excellence process.

Cathy has over 18 years experience in leadership development. She has designed programs for college and university students and created professional development opportunities for higher education administrators and business professionals. She has delivered presentations for the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Center for Non Profit Excellence (Charlottesville), and the Virginia Network of Non Profit Organizations. Just to name a few.

“My passion is working with the education and nonprofit communities as well as small businesses. And because I feel so strongly about collaborating with these groups, who may have smaller budgets, I have created a fee structure that is very accessible. These are areas where coaching is just starting to get noticed. There is a lot of need to learn how to be more satisfied, more effective.”

Cathy is successful in her work because she creates a trustworthy environment for her clients to uncover and examine their personal and professional assessments in order to discover new possibilities.

“I’m the person who makes it safe to have the conversation. Leaders seek me out to help them understand themselves and their role as a leader better. I provide them the opportunity to realize that they have strengths and successes to build upon; to assist them in finding a path to achieve their personal and professional visions.”

So, if you or your organization want to build on your strengths, develop new skills, become more effective leaders, add more creativity and innovation—look no further. Dr. Cathy Pales will energetically and professionally dedicate herself to being of service to you and your organization.

The Why OpenSpace

“Working at OpenSpace completely reenergized me to successfully build my practice. I tell everybody…and, if I needed to, I’d stand on the side of the road with a sign that said Join OpenSpace.”

“As a new startup, I spent the first year working out of my house. But I found myself hungering to network, to meet people. I am such a strong extrovert. I love the flexibility, the meeting space, and the cost is fantastic. I couldn’t find an office space for this price. And I travel for work sometimes and so not having to sign a lease is great. I find the communal workspace very energizing and motivating. In the few months I have worked at OpenSpace, I have formed several significant personal and professional relationships.”

The What You Might Not Know

Cathy is related, through her great grandmother, to ambassador Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first ambassador to Mexico, appointed by President Madison. Ambassador Poinsett introduced the flowering plant called the poinsettia (named after him) into the United States.

(Photograph by Billy Hunt)

The Who

Billy Hunt is a photographer and a videographer. He’s a storyteller, a man about town. Boy is he funny. Or is he being serious? Maybe we call him an illusionist, for he makes being creative look easy and everything seem cool.

“I almost never do sales. I don’t really approach. I try to do things that I think are interesting and put them out there in the world and hope others think they are interesting too.”

The Photography
(Billy Hunt Photography)

“My lady and I quit our jobs in ’99 and traveled around the world. That’s when I embraced taking pictures. I hit the ground running and haven’t stopped. I love getting out in the world, meeting people, and seeing strange things.”

Billy has a mix of clients. He says he has the craziest life. He and his camera capture weddings, drag queens, bands, naked people. “Every day is an adventure. It’s nuts and I just try to hang on.”

The Viral Videos
(Powhatan Studios)

A Viral Video is a video commercial that spreads person-to-person through social networks such as Facebook, YouTube, and email. “The videos are getting crazy traction. There is a live component to it. I want it to be interesting. Engage the audience. Something measurable. We are turning traditional advertising on its head. This is the future of marketing.”

The Why OpenSpace

“I heart OpenSpace. I do. I am typically around one or two people in my studio and I know them. Here at OpenSpace I am around more people and I can bounce ideas around. It is like an impromptu focus group. I have found work here multiple times and potential employees as well.”

The What You Might Not Know

“I used to be in a ZZ Top cover band called AA Bottom.”

Now there’s a sharp dressed man.

The Who

Susie Matheson is a blogger and a passionate supporter of Charlottesville’s locals and businesses. Her heart has grasped the opportunity to take everyone and everything she loves in Charlottesville and promote the heck out of them.

She is your local shopping scout and you can find her observations, shopping suggestions, inside information about happenings and hip folk on her daily blog—SCOUT. Susie is dedicated to being honest, fair, friendly, and helpful.

“I provide a face behind the business and the artists. I support local to help each other live and thrive here. I hone in on things that businesses might not advertise. I am motivated by my love of Charlottesville, not money. I don’t want to be told what I like.”

The Why OpenSpace

When creating blog posts and her latest project—a print version of her blog—Susie worked and collaborated in OpenSpace.

“It’s a great place to meet with others, away from distractions. It is better than a coffee shop. More space, pleasing to the eye, clean. You feel happy and are not looking at your house thinking about all the other things you could be doing.”

The What You Might Not Know

“I am from Omaha, Nebraska. Yes, the Midwest with core values, no airs.”

(Photograph by Billy Hunt)

The Who

Zach Buckner is an inventor, engineer, and entrepreneur. He is doing what he believes he was designed to do, what he dreams about.

He is Founder and CEO of Retail Relay—an online food service putting thousands of local foods, from over 30 local groceries, farms, and restaurants, at your fingertips. Shop and pay online, pick up for free, and go. Save time and gas while going local. Retail Relay’s motto is Better Food, Less Driving, More Living. Retail Relay opened to the public in January 2009.

“The idea came when I was a father of 3 young kids, working as a consultant, flying around, and didn’t have time to grocery shop. I was driving my metal pod back and forth, from place to place, to get all the things we needed. I thought to myself there must be a better, more efficient way.”

The Why OpenSpace

“All of the Founders of Retail Relay started out moonlighting. Working at home, in coffee shops, at odd hours. We grew a little bigger and needed more room, the space. I appreciate the openness of a nice space. OpenSpace is conveniently located, right next the mall, accessible. I can walk to everything.”

“I need a place that is set up for work. Not super chaotic, not so many people talking about totally random things. A balance. It is hard to work when you are alone, but also hard to work when no one is really working. A place with people who you know, people you want to know. OpenSpace offers this.”

The What You Might Not Know

“I am constructing a consultancy in Haiti, in coordination with ESIH University. This is a pre-earthquake project. The idea is to build employment opportunities for computer science graduates. There are hardly any jobs. Now even fewer places to work since the earthquake. We are hoping to create, in partnership with the Haitian government, freelance jobs, software development jobs.”

(Photograph by Billy Hunt)