159. How Shannon and Emiliano Lerda Are Reinventing Warehousing for Small Businesses

If the term "cowarehousing" hasn't hit your radar yet, this episode will change that. Shannon and Emiliano Lerda didn't set out to build a flex space company — they just wanted to stop tripping over shipping boxes in their living room. What they ended up creating is Elevator Co-Warehousing, a fast-growing brand built specifically for product-based businesses that need more than a desk… but less than a forklift. In this episode, Gio and guest cohost Wesley Edmonds dive into how the Lerdas turned a personal pain point into a scalable model that blends real estate, hospitality, and serious operational know-how. Here's what we cover: How their own experience running an e-commerce brand led to the first Elevator space. Why their spaces feel more like coworking than traditional warehouse environments. The intentional decision to open in overlooked markets — and why it's paying off. How community, design, and practical logistics create a retention flywheel. The financing and buildout lessons they've learned while scaling a new category. If you're exploring new flex models or thinking about how to serve a different kind of member — this conversation is full of smart, grounded inspiration. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Emiliano on LinkedIn Shannon on LinkedIn Elevator Spaces website Wesley on LinkedIn Connect with your Hosts: Connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Find Jamie on the Everything Coworking Podcast