Launch Workplaces wants to help building owners open a coworking space

Launch Workplaces was started by the 125-year-old Anne Arundel County–based real estate firm The Brick Companies as it looked to refresh its own model and connect with more entrepreneurs in the market for smaller spaces.
The company has seen success with the model after opening five coworking spaces in suburban areas in the region, said CEO Mike Kriel. Along with space for entrepreneurs to work, along with events and education to help connect with others in the community.
After five years, it sees an opportunity in helping other real estate companies. The firm recently launched a consulting service that will work with firms start coworking spaces. Kriel said the service grew out of interest that other buildings owners expressed in starting a coworking space.
“We’ve seen a shift in the preferred type of workspace from traditional workplaces to entrepreneurial communities, with collaboration and educational programming in the workspace,” Kriel said in a statement. “The demand for this type of space continues to increase and our new consulting service answers this demand.”
The model works as a managed services model, where Launch Workplaces helps open and run a space. It could also include cobranding, depending on the deal. For an example, Kriel said the company can point to its own spaces. In Maryland, it has spaces in Towson, Rockville, Gaithersburg and Edgewater.
“It gives owners a lot of comfort to be able to say, ‘We’re doing it inside our own walls and here’s how it’s happening,'” Kriel said.