Should I Copy the Switchyards Model?

Switchyards has become one of the most talked-about concepts in the coworking world, a self-described “neighborhood work club” that blends the feel of a coffee shop, library, and boutique hotel lobby. The model looks simple, affordable, and wildly attractive. But is it really as easy and profitable as it seems? In this episode, I sit down with Kane Willmott, CEO of IQ Offices, to reverse-engineer the Switchyards model. We walk through their pricing, staffing, buildout approach, and growth strategy to uncover what works, what’s risky, and whether this is a concept you should try at home. We cover: - What makes Switchyards different from traditional coworking spaces. - Their $100/month membership model, no offices, and minimal staffing. - Why the aesthetics and “cool factor” are central to their brand success. - The financial realities of launching and sustaining this model at scale. - Risks operators should consider before trying to replicate Switchyards. If you’ve been intrigued by Switchyards’ rapid growth and cult-like following, this episode gives you the numbers, context, and reality check you need before testing the model yourself. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: - Switchyards: https://switchyards.com/ - Swithyards on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/switchyards/ - Kane's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kane-willmott/ - iQ Offices website: https://www.iqoffices.com/ Everything Coworking Featured Resources: - Community Manager University - https://everythingcoworking.com/community-manager-university/ - Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space: https://courses.everythingcoworking.com/behind-the-scenes-secrets-organic-opt-in - Coworking Startup School: https://courses.everythingcoworking.com/coworking-startup-school-organic-2025 🔔 Hit subscribe now & stay tuned for valuable tips, interactive podcasts, industry trends, and expert interviews on building and running a profitable coworking space! https://www.youtube.com/@everythingcoworking/?sub_confirmation=1 🔊 Listen to my podcasts 🔊 → https://www.everythingcoworking.com/podcast ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Audio Podcast is currently on your favorite platforms: 👉ApplePodcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-coworking/id991355914 ============================= 🎬 Recommended Playlists 👉 Coworking Education https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfZE25IKRGiPEyB1WWerqofvHZoNh8DvJ 👉 The Everything Coworking Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfZE25IKRGiNG_v8lEhiJRnqUmnREmeHN 🎬 WATCH MY OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 Meagan Slavin, COO of 25N Coworking on Management Agreements and Leadership https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFfSSAxiycs 👉 Shlomo Silber, Founder of Bond Collective, Dishes on His New Venture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XtQoj-dkuY 👉 Co-Warehousing Pioneer with Philip Freeman, CEO of Murphy’s Naturals and Founder of The Loading Dock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNEsl1I4jIU 👉 How Maryann Baldwin Drives Economic Development in a Town of 1,000 with Her Coworking Space https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGGf4cLy2fA 👉 From Bronx Roots to Coworking Success: Ramon Gonzalez's Journey with Thrive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hAq6FK5OX4 ============================= ✅ About Everything Coworking. Welcome to Everything Coworking! I help you launch and run profitable coworking spaces that fit your business and personal goals. Tune in for tips, advice, and insights on creating a successful coworking space. Learn from my weekly podcast, which features expert interviews and industry updates. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve your space, I've got you covered. 🔔 Hit subscribe now, and you won't miss expert tips, industry updates, engaging podcasts, and expert interviews on launching and running a profitable coworking space! https://www.youtube.com/@everythingcoworking/?sub_confirmation=1 ================================= #coworking #office #podcast #community #coworkingspace #vision #flex #switchyards ⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Everything Coworking. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided. © Everything Coworking