When the economy tanked in 2008, office vacancy shot up to more than 20 percent across the San Fernando Valley and downsizing employers could hardly give away their extra space. But times have changed and space is tighter. So much so, in fact, that a Denver-based business center franchise has opened its first Southern California location, hoping to capitalize on the improving economy by offering office space to entrepreneurs who have outgrown spare bedrooms and crowded coffee shops. Franchise owner Tom Warekois, whose Chatsworth medical equipment supply firm Iris Diagnostics was acquired in 2013, opened Office Evolution last month in the Westlake North Business Park at 30721 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village. “As your business grows, so should your office,” said Warekois. “We’re committed to making this a small-business community hub, but with the professionalism of private space for our members.” The facility, located in 7,100 square feet on the ground floor, offers 24 furnished offices ranging from 110 to 225 square feet, three conference rooms, a 360-square-foot business lounge and 300-square-foot kitchen. Members can also get access to private mailboxes and front-office services during weekday business hours. Monthly prices range widely depending on membership level chosen. On-demand members who don’t need offices can still use the Office Evolution mailing address and package delivery service as well as book a conference room for the occasional client meeting. On-demand plans range from $79 to $279 a month. Members who rent offices pay between $850 and $2,000 monthly. “We don’t want to offer cookie-cutter packages when we can be as flexible as possible and provide win-win situations,” said Warekois. For instance, because entrepreneurs often put in time at night and on weekends, Office Evolution has a back entrance to a parking lot with several spaces reserved for members. Another feature is Office Evolution’s telephone management system that acts as a personalized receptionist for each member by receiving, screening, announcing and transferring calls based on specific instructions from the business owner. Office Evolution opened Nov. 30 and immediately welcomed its first office member, Jessie Danial, owner of Turf Installer. “Office Evolution has been a simple but effective approach to get my business moving quickly. Everything is available, from Internet to professional reception and answering services,” he said. Taft Moore, president of marketing firm Vox, took the second membership in mid-December. “We’ve been growing fast and needed more space,” Moore said. “So far, so good.” Warekois said membership inquiries are coming mostly from sole proprietors such as CPAs, wealth managers, attorneys, insurance agents and medical professionals. He’s marketing the facility through local advertising, direct mail and a website. – Karen E. Klein
