ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Rebecca Jacobs of eSpaces sits down with host Jim McCarthy to break down the evolution of shared office space, from scrappy entrepreneurs fleeing coffee shops to corporate satellite teams needing turnkey suites. They talk about the “one price, one bill” model, building real community in office spaces, expanding into Atlanta, plus hard-earned leadership lessons from years in big-box retail.
You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories from Victoria’s Secret and Target, why people really leave companies, how eSpaces fills the gap between your spare bedroom and a $7,000/month lease, and why tone, culture, and the word “why” matter so much in business.
1:14 Rebecca’s retail journey: Victoria’s Secret, Target, Charming Charlie, and running a spa
2:23 Inside Victoria’s Secret: fitting room stories and shocking product margins
4:10 Jim intro: Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast and sponsor shout-outs
4:58 What eSpaces is today: from co-working to private offices and suites
8:04 Solving the “coffee shop / home office / $7K lease” problem
10:59 Office sizes, flexibility, and plug-and-play space for growing teams
14:20 Community vs. privacy: cafés, happy hours, and “your space behind a closed door”
17:21 How members find each other: logos on doors, member portal, and events
19:12 Key differentiators: locally owned, one all-inclusive bill, empowered managers
22:37 Use cases: entrepreneurs, wealth advisors, lawyers, therapists, corporate hubs
23:47 Podcast studios in eSpaces and Jim’s proposed ItsYourShow.co partnership
26:01 Expansion plans: Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville and choosing the right locations
33:29 Brand awareness as Rebecca’s main job: brokers, chambers, and networking
40:26 Positioning: “your office, one price” and redefining co-working
46:08 Leadership lessons from retail: fear-based management vs. leading with “why”
51:00 Jim’s auto sales story: lost bonuses, unfair policy changes, and pushing back
54:10 Knowing your worth: negotiating, asking questions, and not settling
63:18 Why people really quit: “people leave people,” not just companies
72:05 Rebecca’s personal and professional “why” and being “Mrs. eSpaces” in the community
82:10 How eSpaces protects culture with a small, mighty team
eSpaces
Website: espaces.com
SPONSRS:
ItsYourShow.co (Jim’s production company)
Website: ItsYourShow.co
Mule Town Bikes / Muletown Bikes
Location: Columbia, Tennessee (on the square)
Christian Brothers Automotive – Spring Hill
Location: Across from Walmart on Highway 31, Spring Hill, Tennessee
BNI (Business Network International) is mentioned as a networking organization, along with various local chambers.
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