Meet Jackie, owner of College Park Executive Suites which offers 28 individual private offices as well as virtual office packages for small business owners and government contractors. Her offices and conference rooms — I’ve used both — are clean, professional, impressive.
Still, they pale in comparison to the experience of knowing that when your clients come to visit you, they’re greeted by a professional in the lobby of your building. They’re then “shown” to YOUR office and offered coffee or water on the way. Now, as a former “I pay rent to Starbucks” business owner, compare THAT experience to shuffling in to a coffee shop, squeezing into a small table and then having your “client meeting” interrupted 3 times by someone looking for a power outlet. No comparison, but let me off of this rant and back to highlighting Jackie! =) Office rent includes furniture, all utilities (HVAC) janitorial & receptionist services. Interested? Contact Owner Jackie Gilmartin at (757) 313-6633 or cpes@cpes.net.
WHY WOW Loves Jackie:
In addition to all of that above, CPES offers the most convenient location in South Hampton Roads, avoiding the traffic congestion of downtown Norfolk, Town Center Virginia Beach, and the Greenbrier/Battlefield Blvd. corridor of Chesapeake. This is huge for me.
College Park Executive Suites is also owner operated, which means dealing directly with the decision maker on an everyday basis. CPES is a smaller business center, guaranteeing personal attention — for you, your staff (if you have one) and more importantly for your clients or prospects. Their mission statement says it best: College Park Executive Suites is your turnkey office solution that goes beyond simple office space. Their mission is to support and contribute to your business success by providing a warm, professional office environment, where your clients are their clients!
Why Jackie Loves WOW:
Although I work with wonderful people (my tenants), I still work alone. I often need outside eyes and objective opinions and advice on what I should do, directions to take, options to consider. I found Women Who Wow to be one of the best sources for that. We’re all in different businesses with different perspectives, which is important to me. I also need that occasional boost of enthusiasm that comes from a group of dynamic women. (Men can be overbearing and want to “fix,” whereas I need suggestions and support – not “fixing.”)
Why Jackie is a Self-Bosser:
When I previously lived up north, I started my own home-based business so I could be home with my children. After they’d grown and I moved to Virginia, I met the party who owned my building at the time and had the vision of creating another business center in the area but didn’t want to run the business. We came to an agreement, and here I am. I know what executive suites/business centers were about and knew that, with my administrative experience, I could meet the needs of the small business community in this area.
Jackie’s words of wisdom for other WOW members:
You may know your business better than anyone else, but make sure to open your mind to others’ suggestions. Don’t be afraid to jump in! There’s nothing like the support and advice (and challenges!) that come from Michelle and the other women she invites to join WOW!
