I was delighted to join the Flex Uncensored podcast recently with Jamie Russo and Giovanni Palavicini where we talked about my experience operating Essential Offices in OKC since 1989. We also covered things like what motivates me about our industry, how the business adapted to meet the many advances in technology and customer needs, and my excitement and thought process when I started the business. Give it a listen!
Flex Uncensored Podcast
The Evolution of Coworking Spaces
Do you wonder what coworking is all about? To know what coworking is, we must travel back in time! Discover the rich history of coworking and how Essential Offices has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to affordable workspace solutions. You will see the many benefits that coworking provides and how it is the perfect solution for your company.
Let’s begin in 1999 in Berlin, where Bernard DeKoven coined the term. Bernard wanted to encapsulate the concept of collaborative work among equals. At its inception, “coworking” referred more to the act of collaborative work rather than the flexible workspaces we associate with the term today. Fast forward to 2002 where two Austrian entrepreneurs opened the first coworking concept: A place where the goal was for entrepreneurial freelancers to come together and collaborate. But it wasn’t until 2005 coworking truly began to shine, when the inventor of the Twitter hashtag set up an online resource called “The Coworking Wiki”, and from there coworking began its exponential growth around the world. In 2005 the first US coworking space was established.
Essential Offices (formerly known as PC Executive Services) opened its doors in 1989 to cater to business professionals seeking private executive suites. When remote work became established in the early 2000s, coworking became a necessity as the internet revolutionized the business landscape.
However, even before coworking emerged, Essential Offices recognized the importance of community. We were pioneers in our market because we saw that beyond the basic need for office space, professionals craved a place to collaborate and network with like-minded individuals. In a time when private offices merely provided workspace, we offered much more—and continue to do so today. Rooted in principles of collaboration and community, Essential Offices was well-positioned when coworking gained popularity in 2005, ready to meet the industry’s evolving needs. As we look to 2024, the original concept of coworking has evolved to include flexible office spaces with private office suites. Yet, at its core, coworking remains about fostering a vibrant community.
So why choose Essential Offices as your workspace solution? Simply put, we offer the solution for any need you and your business could have. From flexible office space, such as open coworking space and dedicated desks, to private executive suites for you and your team, we can accommodate all your business needs.
Beyond just providing office space, we offer perks like a prestigious business address, efficient mail handling, and live answering phones to support your operations seamlessly. Our contract terms are flexible and affordable, ensuring you can focus on growing your business without the burden of upfront costs. What truly makes us unique is our commitment to building a supportive community where networking with potential collaborators and clients happens naturally. Tour Essential Offices today to see how our community-minded atmosphere and comprehensive services can empower your business journey!
The Value of Dependability
At Essential Offices, our commitment to dependability sets us apart from the other workplace alternatives. When I first opened the doors in 1989, I quickly grasped the significance of dependability early in my career. I recognized that prospective members entrust us with the foundation of their businesses: their office location. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to ensure our longevity, credibility, and overall dependability.
During one of my early tours, a potential client decided against taking private office space, citing doubts about my long-term sustainability. Rather than conceding to discouragement, I viewed this criticism as an opportunity for growth, recognizing the need to cultivate a business that prioritized meeting the evolving needs of its members.
From this experience, I learned an important lesson: our clients want to feel confident in our consistent support for their long-term success. That’s why at Essential Offices, we prioritize reliability and sustainability to meet this need. This means always listening to feedback and constantly adapting to incorporate suggestions that strengthen our foundation.
Ultimately, my dedication to fostering a dependable business bore fruit when the same prospect returned five years later to secure private office space. Today, after 35 years of relentless commitment, I proudly say that our members can rely on us. Whether it’s facilitating brainstorming sessions in our conference rooms or assisting in transitioning to a first private office, Essential Offices stands as a steadfast partner throughout your business journey.
Here at Essential Offices, we believe in providing more than just physical workspace; we offer a nurturing environment for you and your business to thrive. Count on us for unwavering support at every step. Reach out to schedule a tour today and let us be part of your success story!
— Beth DeGraffenreid
From Executive to Essential: Our Business Journey
After 34 years as PC Executive Services, we are thrilled to announce a dynamic and visionary rebranding that reflects our growth, unwavering commitment to our clients, and dedication to maintaining an extraordinary standard of service. Our transformation includes a fresh brand name, an updated logo, and a renewed mission that encapsulates our company’s journey and aspirations. Before unveiling our exciting new company name, let us tell you a little about how it all began.
In 1989, PC Executive Services was founded by owner and president Beth DeGraffenreid. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Beth graduated from Edmond Memorial High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Oklahoma. At the age of 27, she decided to establish a ground breaking company that introduced a global concept to the local market, effectively bridging international standards with the specific needs of the community. While office space was available, standout service was not! Sure, small offices were available, but where was that someone who was going to anticipate your business needs, help your organization become more efficient, and have your company’s best interests at heart? That is where Beth stepped in. She created a space that was in line with national executive suite operators but was curated for the Oklahoma City market. Clients not only had high-quality offices and meeting rooms, but also had competent, professional service. She created this business with our community in mind!
Fast forward to the pivotal year of 2020, a time when many began to ponder what was truly essential. Our team sat down and began to envision the future of our company and what it truly meant to us and the people we served. We asked ourselves that very question, “What is essential?” While there are many answers to that question, we know one answer for sure. Clients are essential. From there, our new company name was born. Starting September 1st, 2023, we will say goodbye to the name that started it all and welcome a new name that is here to stay. Essential Offices, “When Service Really Matters.”
Our name may be changing, but our standard of service and high-quality products remain steadfast. Whether you are an established business looking for a new space, need to have a meeting with a client in a safe, professional setting, or a start-up looking for somewhere to begin, we are here. We offer memberships tailored to suit your individual requirements including private spaces, meeting rooms, flex desks, dedicated desks, and day offices designed for occasional use. Essential Offices is equipped to handle all your business needs. Count on us to help you optimize your time and resources. The possibilities are endless with Essential Offices. Call today to find out what is essential to you!