- Flexible workspace franchise Office Evolution is launching a new location in Houston.
- The company is set to open a total of nine locations across key markets in Texas.
- Office Evolution is one of the fastest growing franchises in the U.S., as ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine.
Office Evolution, a rapidly-growing B2B franchise offering coworking space, private office space, virtual offices and business services, has teamed up with local entrepreneurs, Leigh and Fritz Fowler, to open a new business center in Houston, the first of three locations to be developed in the central west part of Houston.
The new 8,700 square foot center, located in the desirable Westchase area at 1300 W. Sam Houston Parkway South, Suite 100, offers small businesses and entrepreneurs professional, on-demand office space with 24/7 access. Members can choose from several packages that also include business mailing and telephone answering services and administrative support.
Best of all, the office building provides free parking – without the congestion of downtown traffic! The bright, airy, first floor center is conveniently located adjacent to the Beltway, at the corner of Briar Forest. The facility is near numerous hotels, shopping and restaurants. The center includes 29 private furnished offices, a community kitchen, a co-working lounge and two conference rooms that can accommodate from 6 to 14 people.
A grand opening to tour the facility is slated for April 26th, 2018, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The West Houston Chamber of Commerce will be on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception at 5:00 p.m. Register to attend the event here.
Fritz and Leigh have been granted franchise rights to develop two additional centers in Houston.
Fritz, a Louisiana native and Leigh, a Texas native, are successful business leaders in Houston. Fritz most recently was Head of Risk Underwriting for EH Energy and has also held leadership positions with CIMA Energy, Compass Bank and Reliant Resources. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and his MBA from the University of St. Thomas. Leigh is currently a Mortgage Loan officer with Kleberg Bank and spent many years in sales executive roles within the healthcare industry. She earned her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University.
“We are excited to become franchise owners of Office Evolution – a clear leader in the shared office space industry,” said Fritz Fowler.
“What we love about Office Evolution, besides the great facilities, is the entrepreneurial culture focused on helping members to be successful. Our operating philosophy isn’t just about providing a workspace. It’s about connecting, collaborating and networking with business owner members to help them overcome small business challenges to realize their full potential.
“Houston is home to a vibrant, entrepreneurial small business community and many large corporations, all of whom can benefit from our affordable and flexible space and services. One of the many perks of being an Office Evolution member is 24/7 access to all facilities located throughout the U.S. – which will eventually include nine locations in Texas.”
The market demand for co-working space, private furnished office space, virtual offices and business services is expected to continue its rapid growth trajectory as corporate America continues to outsource many jobs that can be performed more cost-effectively by contractors.
The number of consultants, contractors, and so-called “solopreneurs” will have soared 50 percent between 2011 and 2018, to an estimated 24 million, per an annual workforce report by MBO Partners. Moreover, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of freelancers, temps, independent contractors and solopreneurs will grow from 30 percent of the workforce today to 40 percent of the total workforce over the next five years.
“Office Evolution members come from all different professions including lawyers, accountants, therapists – really anyone needing a place to hang their hat in a professional working environment – whether they need a place to pop in and check email, a conference room for meetings, or a dedicated office for a day, week, month, year or more,” said Leigh Fowler.
Office Evolution is one of the fastest growing franchises in the U.S., as ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine: 2017 #4 Top New Franchises for 2017 and #106 Franchise 500 for 2017 and Inc. Magazine 2017 Top 5000 Privately Held Companies.
The Company built and successfully operated seven business centers across the Colorado Front Range before beginning to franchise in 2012. To date, they have awarded 129 franchise locations throughout the United States.