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 my career as a middle school teacher before moving into the nonprofit world. When I made the leap into business, I knew I couldn’t just be a cog in a wheel, I wanted to be part of something purpose-driven, where the work truly mattered. I’ve always been passionate about local impact, so knew that I wanted to work for a local small business.
I joined The Loading Dock as a Community Coordinator and, over time, helped lead the growth of four new locations, thoughtfully sunset two, and now oversee three thriving communities across Wake County. Along the way, I guided our team through the B Corp certification process, a milestone that reflects our commitment to using business as a force for good.
Recently, I launched a small consultancy called Scale Simple, where I help entrepreneurs and leaders create the framework that helps them grow, both personally and professionally.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe your journey as a smooth one?
Ha, my journey has definitely not been smooth; but it has been meaningful, challenging and formative. I stepped into a fast-growing company in the middle of a pandemic, with two young kids and zero formal business experience. It was a crash course in leadership, resilience, and trust.
Like many small businesses, we faced the realities of growth, cash flow, and building the plane while flying it. The hardest part was learning to lead and build at the same time. It took a lot of inner work to push through fear, find my voice, and learn to trust my intuition.
For those who might not be familiar, what can you tell us about The Loading Dock and what sets it apart?
The Loading Dock is the first coworking AND cowarehousing company in the world, and it started right here in Raleigh in 2016! We were designed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs.
Our founder, Philip Freeman (also the founder of Murphy’s Naturals), created The Loading Dock out of his own experience growing a company from his garage to a full-scale operation. He saw the need for flexible, inspiring workspace, the kind that supports early-stage businesses without the pressure of long-term leases or high costs; and includes both front of house and back of house workspace.
Today, The Loading Dock has evolved into a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and creative professionals who believe in doing excellent work and doing good. Our spaces combine coworking, office suites, cowarehousing, and event space, all built around one simple belief: where you work and who you work with matters.
We’re proud to be a hub where people connect, collaborate, and grow, both business-to-business and people-to-people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck in your story?
I don’t contribute my path to luck; but, I have been fortunate to say YES when opportunities arose – even when I wasn’t fully ready. So many of life’s chapters provided the foundation and preparation to get me to where I am. Every part of my past, from high school, to college, teaching, nonprofit leadership, and small business support…all of it built the foundation for what I do today.
Teaching taught me how to lead and inspire. Nonprofit work taught me how to weave community together to create real impact. And leading at The Loading Dock has taught me the power of aligning purpose with performance. Regardless of the season, my core values of service, integrity, resilience and hope have guided me through each step of the way.
I’ve worked hard, had great mentors, and stayed open to what each season was trying to teach me. My advice is if a door of opportunity opens, even slightly, have the courage to say yes and pursue it. You just never know where it may take you. 🙂
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/
