Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of profiles about startup hubs across the Triangle. These Startup Guide features appear on Mondays.

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RALEIGH – What’s a “cowarehouse?”

In an exclusive interview with WRAL Techwire, The Loading Dock’s COO Jessie Hathcock, discusses the coworking space’s unique new “cowarehouse” model.

“With daily pick ups, shared equipment, and a loading dock, cowarehousing is the perfect solution for e-Commerce Companies, Online Retailers, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies, Construction, Makers, Kitting & Fulfillment Companies, and more,” said Hathcock. 

The Loading Dock also offers standard coworking and private office suites, but their new cowarehouse model is, according to Hathcock, making coworking more accessible to more industries. 

“Traditionally, coworking has been used by tech startups, but with the expansion of cowarehousing, we’re able to offer the benefits of shared resources, community, B2B exposure, etc to a whole new realm of industries,” said Hathcock.

A lightly edited transcript of the interview with Hathcock appears below.

  • WRAL TechWire (TW): What are you seeing in terms of demand?

Jessie Hathcock (Hathcock): The Loading Dock is certainly growing as the business community booms within NC. We opened two new locations at the end of 2021 and are seeing great growth at each campus. Coworking truly is the future of the workplace. It offers B2B connections, flexibility and fun for companies of all sizes. 

  • TW: Where is demand strongest—office space? shared warehouse? Drop-ins? 

Hathcock: Currently, we are seeing a demand for all of our core services; coworking, private office, cowarehousing, and event space. However, cowarehousing seems to be in the greatest demand. 

All cowarehouse memberships come with 24/7 access to coworking facilities for all of your front-of-office and back-of-office needs.

Each time we expand, we fill it with new cowarehouse members and coworking members in a relatively short amount of time.  

  • TW: Are there plans for expansion? 

Hathcock: We have four locations, two of which offer cowarehousing. Our four Triangle locations house over 100,000 sq ft of coworking space. 

We do plan to expand into new markets, primarily in North Carolina for now! We feel that we have a great community and roadmap for future locations. 

  • TW: How have you received support? From local, state, and/or federal government? From corporations? From grant programs? 

Hathcock: We have primarily scaled from private funds, though we did work with the Town of Wake Forest and its Chamber / Business and Industry Partnership to launch that location. 

We’ve also received upfit grants from The City of Raleigh. 

  • TW: What services do you offer at The Loading Dock? 

Hathcock: We have just begun to implement professional development workshops for our members and for outside guests. We plan to primarily develop a training schedule with in-house expertise from members, though, occasionally, we will bring in outside speakers. 

We also have “office hours” for business mentoring at our Wake Forest location. 

  • TW: Do you have any programs that focus on women entrepreneurs, minority-owned businesses, or veteran-owned businesses?  

Hathcock: Not currently, as we have just started launching our professional development series this year. Though we are a veteran-owned, woman-led company. 

  • TW: Who owns your hub and what is their philosophy about helping startups and small/emerging companies to grow? 

Hathcock: Philip Freeman is the founder of both The Loading Dock and Murphy’s Naturals. To our knowledge, he was the first to develop the concept of cowarehousing in the United States. He started this concept because it offered everything he needed as a small business owner trying to launch and scale his business. He is passionate about entrepreneurialism and reducing hurdles for businesses to get off the ground. 

He also believes that as a community, we are better together, and the collective impact of our Loading Dock ecosystem can provide a ton of support for businesses. 


FACT BOX – THE LOADING DOCK

  •  Address: Flagship location at 1053 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh NC
  • Contact information: 
  • Twitter: @loadingdock_co
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/loading-dock-raleigh/
  • Email: hello@theloadingdock.com
  • Website: www.theloadingdock.com
  • Owner: Philip Freeman  
  • Mission statement: To cultivate diverse & collaborative work communities, promote entrepreneurialism, and inspire a culture of doing good. 
  • Availability: Some office space available, but cowarehousing is very limited. Pricing is directly dependent on the size of the unit and/or office 
  • Best way to learn more: Schedule a tour, follow @loadingdock_co, or check out the website at www.theloadingdock.com  

Other features in this series:

Triangle Startup Guide exclusive: Going inside the First Flight Venture Center

 

Triangle Startup Guide exclusive: Inside the 10-year journey of Raleigh Founded

Triangle Startup Guide exclusive: Inside the American Underground