Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ann Marlin.
Hi Ann, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My entrepreneurial journey began in 2005 when I acquired my first business—a wedding planning & design company. It was the perfect blend of creativity + timelines, checklists, and budgets! In just two years, I tripled its revenue and expanded the number of events.
Simultaneously, I purchased a custom stationery business to complement the wedding and event planning facet. Over the years, my planning businesses thrived, earning recognition as a leading wedding planner in Colorado. In 2020, as timing would have it, I sold the company right before COVID shut down the world. Thankfully, the company not only survived but has flourished under the amazing new owner.
Being a mom of 3 kids in middle & high school during the shutdown, my next career evolution was not at the forefront of my mind. In April, my husband Derek, who owns ELEVATION, a real estate investing company, asked if I was interested in obtaining my real estate license. This had never crossed my mind, but I love to learn and am directly related to the RE world through Derek and my dad. In June 2021, I obtained my real estate license and joined the ELEVATION team. My role is the Team Lead in which I oversee operations which involves team management, cultivating broker relationships, implementing systems, and servicing nationwide hedge funds.
With the ELEVATION team’s growth, I sought a new corporate headquarters and ultimately negotiated the deal for a 1964 mid-mod building on South Broadway, originally called the Martin Building. Knowing that the building was bigger than we needed for our current team, we made it into a cowork space called the Broadway Collective. Our last name is Marlin so with a quick fix to the ironwork signage on the front of the building, the Martin Building became the Marlin Building! It was just meant to be!
I wanted to design the space to give entrepreneurs and small businesses a completely renovated and inspiring work environment to cultivate productivity and creativity. Also to give members a cool, design-forward environment to work in and host their guests. The Broadway Collective champions everything about small businesses and entrepreneurs. We want to support, collaborate, and grow with our community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
‘It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard, is what makes it great.’ – Jimmy Dugan.
This is one of my favorite quotes of all time! It speaks to anything that is worth doing in life, that it is worth doing well. The road to entrepreneurship and owning a business certainly has its ups and downs, and it is not for the faint of heart. But it can come with the most amazing experiences and opportunities, as well as meeting phenomenal and inspiring people. I thoroughly understand the commitment, challenges, and the great personal and professional satisfaction and fulfillment that can come with being an entrepreneur.
It is always a challenge to get a new business off the ground. Especially in an industry I had not had any previous professional experience with- the cowork industry. Our biggest challenges with the build-out and opening of the Collective were designing a commercial space that offered all the amenities businesses look for, dealing with supply chain backups, pushing back our opening date six months, and launching our brand!
Thankfully, our success in overcoming obstacles and challenges is due to hard work and the vendors we partnered with on brand development, property/construction build-out, social media presence, and community networking. We have been fortunate to collaborate with amazing local small businesses to ensure the utmost quality in product and outward brand messaging.
This, coupled with the involvement and participation in community and networking groups, has given the Collective brand recognition and stability and the ability to support and cheer on other businesses.
We’ve been impressed with Broadway Collective, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Broadway Collective is an Englewood-based boutique coworking space.
Our mid-mod building was built in 1964 and fully renovated in 2023. The Collective’s spaces are fully furnished and have 24 private offices and 6 dedicated desks for businesses to grow and thrive. Perfect for solopreneurs, small businesses, and satellite offices. We offer inspiring spaces that are design-forward to cultivate creativity and productivity.
We have an amazing member community that is truly one-of-a-kind and who are downright just cool people. We believe our brand and story are what attract like-minded and forward-thinking businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking for a collaborative work environment.
Amenities include two great modular conference rooms and a podcast room for businesses to host meetings, events, meetups, or continuing education. Also included are complimentary coffee & tea, Brivo App 24/7 front door access, print/copy/scan, onsite parking, sit/stand desks, file cabinets, ergonomic chairs, private soundproof phone booths, two full kitchens, a podcast room, dedicated mailboxes, fast & secure internet, meetups, and networking.
Alright, before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
We love to connect, collaborate, and grow with other like-minded people and businesses. We are truly a champion of small businesses and love to cultivate a community to partner with and who support local businesses.
Anyone can work with us and be a member of the Collective. We welcome any solopreneur or company that is looking to relocate or in need of a collaborative workspace to grow and thrive. We also love to host MeetUps and events where we partner with businesses to put out amazing education and networking opportunities.
Pricing:
- Dedicated Desks starting at $295
- Private Offices starting at $475
- Podcast room rentals start at $35/hr
- Conference room rentals start at $35-$55/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.broadwaycollectiveco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broadwaycollectiveco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BroadwayCollectiveCo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broadway-collective
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BroadwayCollective/shorts
Image Credits
Rosy Heart Photos and Next Door Photos
