Coworking Space Carving Out New Market
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe next coworking space to join Indiana’s growing roster is targeting a niche market. Co-founder Brian Schutt believes Refinery46, set to officially open later this month in Indianapolis, is among the first in the country to cater to home service and construction companies. The coworking and incubator space is looking to attract electricians, builders, cleaning services and other service companies to the facility in a renovated Double 8 Foods headquarters and warehouse.
During an interview on Inside INdiana Business With Gerry Dick, Schutt says Refinery46 is already 60 percent occupied.
Tenants already on board include Schutt’s company, Homesense Heating and Cooling, Christina’s Complete Clean and Heritage Builders. The space also features a brewery operated by Indianapolis-based Black Circle Brewing Co.
Schutt says, while someone may be a great plumber or electrician, Refinery46 can help them with the "business pieces," like legal and accounting services. He says he and the other founders, who all come from the home service and construction industries, have a two-phase plan: first, attract good people and companies that want to collaborate and grow; second, work with those companies on talent attraction and workforce development. Schutt says, like many others, the home service and construction industries are facing a "huge deficit" in trained workers.
Refinery46 joins a growing trend in Indiana, which now boasts more than 50 coworking spaces.