CoLab Orlando Gets a New Director and a New Start

New Director Sarah Beyer rejuvenates CoLab’s Orlando branch

Director of CoLab Orlando, Sarah Beyer.

CoLab Orlando, a coworking space located in Downtown’s Angebilt building, has hired Sarah Beyer, a Nashville native to direct the space towards more collaborative goals. Coworking spaces are open work spaces for independents and creative professionals to work for themselves without letting go of the social aspects of a traditional job, placing emphasis on collaboration, community and openness. CoLab Orlando is one of those places in Central Florida that opened in 2008.

According to Beyer, the most important element of small business ownership is networking with other like-minded business owners. Sharing ideas, getting feedback and even venting to someone who really gets what you are going through can make the difference between success or failure. That’s where coworking comes in.

“The bottom line shouldn’t be focused on sales. My bottom line is creating an environment that encourages collaboration and community growth. The other stuff will fall into place,” Beyer says about her new role.

Beyer comes from CoLab in Nashville, where she helped develop the thriving community of over 70 creative professionals with the community director there, Kailey Hussey. “We chose Sarah for our Orlando community not only because she understands the coworking community and what it has to offer but also for her ability to execute. We are excited to see what she’ll do as new director as we reboot our Orlando branch,” says Hussey.

Beyer is a graduate from Belmont University in Nashville with a degree in marketing. After spending a year as assistant director in Nashville, she heard that the Orlando location was going through some turnover. “I knew that the community there needed someone with experience who wouldn’t just let it go for the next best thing. This is a job you have to love,” Beyer says.

You can expect to hear more about CoLab Orlando in 2012. Beyer’s plans include monthly events, including networkers, happy hours, seminars, MeetUps, and more. “CoLab Orlando is wonderful. Many of our companies have been here for a while, and I’m looking forward to growing CoLab around our growing clients,” says Beyer. The location is expanding within the Angebilt building, with more open coworking space and office suites.