Hidden Gems: Meet David LaSalle of Vert Coworking & Fitness

Today we’d like to introduce you to David LaSalle.

Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The COVID shutdowns were the catalyst for getting us to where we are today. We had been running a fitness center in a commercial building we owned in the small resort town of Estes Park when everything was shut down in early 2020. We discovered coworking at that time and after researching the industry and the needs of our town, we envisioned a place where we could integrate productivity with a healthy, adventurous lifestyle and close connections with our clients who are often also friends and neighbors. The community aspect of small town life was one of the most important reasons we chose Estes and this seemed to be a way to enhance that while meeting an unfilled need in the community. Four years later, Vert Coworking & Fitness has become a business and relationship hub where over 900 people have come in to work and workout since we opened. We love connecting and facilitating business and personal relationships between our members.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Obtaining funding for a small business in a small town was the first big challenge. Fortunately, in 2020 the real estate market was such that the equity in our building allowed us to refinance our mortgage and obtain a construction loan adequate for our renovation and furnishing needs. Then we had to begin an education and marketing effort as many were still unaware of the advantages of coworking and how that differed from traditional office leasing. Launching and learning to operate a new business without a financial runway has made for an interesting 4-year tightrope walk.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are convinced that where you work can make you happy and healthy so we created a facility and culture that melds productivity with nature-infused wellness. Our ergonomic workspaces are mostly open with lots of natural light and as weather allows our windows and doors are open to the fresh Rocky Mountain air. We have plenty of comfortable gathering spaces where our members can cozy up to work in front of a fireplace or engage colleagues and friends in conversation, including a beautiful outdoor deck with amazing views of the Continental Divide. Our in-house fitness facilities include a barre/yoga/heavy bag studio, a traditional weight room, functional training room and locker rooms with saunas, recovery tools and showers. The facilities are beautiful and thoughtful, but most important to us are the relationships we develop with our members. In addition to the daily interactions of the workweek, we teach several small group fitness classes and organize sauna and cold plunge events. We share our favorite trail recommendations and regularly take members out for hikes, runs and mountain bike rides. We’re happy to say that our reviews reflect the genuine interest we take in those who share this space with us, whether day passers or long-term members.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
As retired military officers who both had multiple tours in active combat zones, my wife Alix and I recognize that there are plenty of circumstances in life where luck makes a life-changing difference. We both emerged relatively unscathed from our military service and it has left us with an enduring sense of gratitude and a desire to use our good fortune to contribute positively to the lives of family, friends and our community. Those experiences also provide the ability to maintain perspective during challenging times in business.

Pricing:

• Day Passes $30
• Flex Desks $250/month
• Dedicated Desks $350/month

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vertcoworking.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vertcoworkingandfitness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VertCoworkingandFitness

Image Credits
David LaSalle, Kyle Elser