380. How James Westbrook Transformed Commercial Property into a Thriving Coworking Business

What happens when a seasoned real estate investor decides to dive into coworking? James Westbrook, co-owner of Magnolia Woods, shares his journey from corporate sales to running two successful coworking spaces in the Houston suburbs. We talk about the challenges of expansion, why office-heavy coworking models work in his market, and the strategies that keep his spaces full.

In this episode:

  • How James transitioned from real estate investing to launching coworking spaces

  • The pros and cons of owning vs. leasing coworking properties

  • Why private offices are the key revenue driver in his suburban market

  • Marketing and lead generation strategies that actually work (including what didn’t)

  • The power of community in coworking—without forcing happy hours

If you’re an operator thinking about expansion or a real estate investor eyeing coworking, this episode is packed with insights!

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