Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Hathcock.
Hi Jessie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started out as a middle school teacher, transitioned into the nonprofit space, and when I decided I wanted to go into the business world, I knew I couldnt be a cog in a wheel – I wanted to be a part of a company making a difference and one that was purpose driven.
I started out as a Community Coordinator and helped TLD expand into a total of four locations, sunset two locations and now run three thriving communities. I also helped our company get B Corp certified and our company is on a mission to inspire companies to use their business as a force for good.
I also recently launched a very small consultancy called Scale Simple, providing entrepreneurs and leaders frameworks to help them grow both personally and professionally.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Coming into a rapidly growing company, during a pandemic, and as a mother of two littles, was very challenging. I had no business experience and was overwhelmed with the demands of life, but navigated through the uncertainty and powered through with contemplative resilience to get to the other side.
As with most small businesses, navigating growth, cashflow and building the plane while flying a wild feat, but we made it to the other side!
The biggest challenge was trying to lead and build at the same time — and overcoming my fear / insecurities / finding my voice and trusting my intuition.
We’ve been impressed with The Loading Dock, 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?
The Loading Dock is the first cowarehouse and coworking company in the world and started right here in Raleigh in May of 2016.
Designed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs.
The Loading Dock was founded by Philip Freeman, Founder and CEO of Murphy’s Naturals, in May 2016 out of a desire to bring together impact-minded leaders and entrepreneurs. When he began pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams, Philip worked out of his garage for 3 years to launch his first products. When it came time to leave his day time job and fully pursue Murphy’s Naturals, he needed a larger space to operate out of. His first official lease was a two year commitment – but within six months, his team outgrew their space. In order to accommodate the growing demand within the confines of a long-term lease, Murphy’s Naturals rented multiple storage units and subleased space from additional warehouses. Needless to say, it was time to pursue a much larger option, which led him to Dock 1053. The warehousing and office space available at this location moved his team from 2000sq ft of space to 20,000sq ft, leading to the birth of The Loading Dock community.
Philip saw the opportunity to create a shared workspace with the extra square footage at Dock 1053 that would provide coworking, office suites, cowarehousing and event space for a diverse set of companies and organizations in the Triangle. Philip knows firsthand the importance of flexibility in the early years of a company and wanted to design a workspace where entrepreneurs could learn, grow and flourish together, without the added stressors of long-term leases and exorbitant prices.
Our flagship campus at Dock 1053 was originally built as a regional distribution facility for The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, better known as A&P, in 1955. We are honored to be a part of this property’s story because creative and innovative work happened on campus since its opening day. We hope that our community’s collective work will spur innovation and impact in our city, region and state for generations to come.
We strongly believe that where you work and who you work with is vitally important to the work you do. So, we created a modern coworking space where freelancers, entrepreneurs, non-profit leaders and professionals become better together. Every member strives to do excellent work, to support one another and to do others good in their own unique way. We think this good work happens best in the context of a diverse, inclusive and supportive community.
Business-to-business
& people-to-people
Whether you’re looking to network, make a career change, build a company, or get out of the house a few times a week, there is a place for you in The Loading Dock community. Our members often say that our people-to-people and business-to-business ethos has resulted in increased business opportunities for their company and provided a community of not only professionals, but friends, to grow with.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I wouldnt say luck, but moreso timing. Looking back all of my past experiences as a teacher and as a nonprofit leader prepared me for my role as President at TLD.
I learned how to lead, equip and inspire in schools, I learned how businesses can make a deep impact in community in the nonprofit world, and I learned the power of a good job / business environment. My experience with ministry and community leadership prepared me for where I am now.
I’ve always been incredibly hard working, so when I came to TLD right as we were beginning to grow, it was a natural fit for me to help get it to the other side of our growth.
I’ve also been very blessed to have great mentorship along the way, too.
Pricing:
- Coworking memberships start at $160/mo
- Conference Rooms / Meeting Space starts at $50/hr
- Day passes only $25/day
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theloadingdock.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loadingdockhq
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loading-dock-raleigh/
