Known for being a flexible workplace operator with a dedication to community service and philanthropy, THRIVE | Coworking recently announced that it has acquired transform GSO, an independent coworking operator with two locations in Greensboro, North Carolina. The new name for it will be converted to GSO Powered by THRIVE | Coworking.
Initially established in 2014 under the name HQ Greensboro, the business was renamed as transform GSO in 2020 by its co-founders, real estate developer and well-known Greensboro businessmen Andy Zimmerman and Ken Causey. A second office, at 111 Bain St., in the historic Gateway Building—a converted century-old textile mill—joined the first office, at 111 W. Lewis St., in 2021. THRIVE will now have three locations in North Carolina: Asheville, Holly Springs, and Greensboro (as well as Chapel Hill in the near future).
THRIVE CEO Ramon Gonzalez said the following: “We admire the like-minded thinkers and energy at transform GSO and we believe this acquisition fits into the THRIVE mission, as well as our model of modern workspaces set in vibrant, smaller-market downtowns. We’re also excited to introduce ourselves not only to the tGSO members but the greater Greensboro community.”
Greensboro boasts approximately 100 miles of paved greenways and natural trails, including the four-mile Downtown Greenway, as well as a bustling eating, arts, and cultural scene with lots of buzzing breweries. Given that it’s the largest city in the Triad, there has also been a surge in investment activity in the area, drawing companies in advanced manufacturing and clean technology, such as Toyota, which is constructing a battery factory for electric and hybrid cars (as reported in a recent New York Times article).
Transform GSO’s two sites total around 30,000 square feet of space, with 74 offices, 11 meeting rooms, and open coworking space. They offer a range of coworking memberships and private offices.
Transform’s culture of cooperation and networking aligns with THRIVE’s, which envisions coworking spaces as providing a modern, hybrid work environment near home and convenient access to appealing facilities while also promoting a good work/life balance.
GSO’s dedication to supporting the local Greensboro community will continue to be transformed by THRIVE. With community partners including the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Financial, and the Black Entrepreneur Program, tGSO has provided space for events, shared promotional materials, various marketing activities, organized holiday food drives, and more.
“THRIVE shares our commitment to community, engagement and empowerment. They will enable tGSO to rise to another level and I’m so enthusiastic about the support they can provide to our members and the community,” says Andy Zimmerman. “We have built a strong community and we’re a key part of downtown — I plan to continue to partner with THRIVE to grow Greensboro.”
Coworking spaces address the need for a good work/life balance while offering the physical environment required for mentorship and team building. This comes as a natural effect of the last years, as more professionals express a desire to work near their homes and avoid lengthy commutes. A range of membership options are available from transform GSO Powered by THRIVE to suit the requirements of big and small companies as well as the contemporary, independent workforce of independent contractors and business owners. In addition to unlimited drinks and snacks, monthly catered breakfasts, lunches and happy hours are also supplied to members, who enjoy 24/7 access.
