I moved back to Erie in 2017 as a remote worker. Fortunately, the main office set me up with a pretty dope home office space. I had everything I needed to bang out 8 hours of uninterrupted work each day. I assumed, with the absence of the daily distraction of my coworkers, I would be more productive than I had ever been before.

Boy, was I wrong.

I lasted less than a month working from home. Finally, my boss had a “come to Jesus” discussion with me one day about the barrage of small (and sometimes large) mistakes I was making. It was out of character for me. I was unfocused and unmotivated and that needed to change fast. He recommended I check out my local coworking space, so I booked a tour with Sean and Aubry in June 2017. I knew within 5 minutes that I was joining. I left that day buzzing and so eager for my first day as a member. I was just renting a desk—why was I so excited?

It didn’t take long to identify what was fueling those good vibes. It wasn’t the cool décor, state of the art printer, or highspeed internet (though those were, of course, very nice). It was the people. The reason I was failing at home was because I was missing a key component to success—coworkers. As the COVID-19 pandemic is driving more companies to telework, they’re discovering the same thing. Those organic moments with your coworkers are essential to driving the creativity and passion necessary for success and productivity. Lunchtime chats in the breakroom, choosing a playlist together to get through the 2pm lull, or the walk down the street for a cup of coffee drives our focus, inspires our creativity, and strengthens our communication. Above all, it creates a happy, fulfilled workforce.

The group of coworkers a space like Radius provides goes above and beyond your typical desk mates. It’s not hard to be motivated to be your best when you are surrounded by people as badass as the community at Radius. In the past three years, I watched Matt Flowers grow from a one-man show to a small business with several employees. I talked with Matt White in the café about his new start up gaming company back in 2018. This summer, Whitethorn Digital received a $1.2 million Opportunity Zone Investment. People know Jess Yochim and Nick Taylor for their impeccable production skills. I know they are always down for 3 for $1 tacos at El Amigo on Tuesdays.

As my work took me into the world of economic and community development, I saw Radius members at every turn. Radius—which had started out as a dozen people with a vision in 2015—had become a lead catalyst for economic development in Erie. Everyday, our members contribute to the beauty and revitalization of our city. I might have taken a step away from working here daily, but I was still proud as hell to be able to say I was part of this community.

Fast forward to just a few weeks ago. Sean approached me with an opportunity—he had finally reached the end of Radius’ startup phase. The mountain of renovations to 9th floor had been climbed. All the programming for classes, monthly meetups, and annual conferences had been worked out. This little indy coworking space had been made profitable. Radius was “done” and stable and he was ready to move onto the next chapter of his own journey. Would I be interested in stepping in to lead Radius? Just like my very first conversation with Sean 3 years ago, I knew immediately this was right. I enthusiastically said yes. Hi, I’m Amanda, the new Community Leader of Radius.

I am excited to step into a role that will allow me to contribute to the renaissance of community and economic development occurring in our region. I’m eager to advocate for coworking, small business development, and our local entrepreneurs. I’m already working on new programming, expanded engagement with the arts, more resources for members, and continuing to adapt the space for our community’s evolving needs.

But more than anything, at the heart of this decision, I am just so, so happy to be back. I’m excited for walks to Ember+Forge with you. I’m excited to laugh until my sides hurt with the Red Room guys. I’m excited to hear about all the amazing things you are doing in and for Erie. I’m excited to end my day watching the sunset over 10th street, buzzing from a day spent in my favorite place.

Amanda returned to her hometown of Erie in 2017 to be closer to family, the water, and Smith’s Hotdogs. She spent the past 14 years in nonprofit management and is passionate about community building and placemaking. Prior to her role as Community Leader of Radius, Amanda managed Young Erie Professionals, a program of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. Amanda has been married to her husband Jeff for 11 years. Together they have three children—Julia (7), Charlie (5) and James (10 months). Connect with her on LinkedIn.

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An Ode to Coworking: How Coffee Breaks and Taco Tuesdays Transformed My Career