Entrepreneurial Energy at The Office Quarters Fuels Success
In 2004, Matthew McLaughlin was hunting for office space so he could launch a new business. The Office Quarters, formerly Stratis Business Centers, came up in a Google search. McLaughlin visited the location at 1275 Glenlivet Drive, Allentown, PA, liked what he saw, signed an agreement and his company – Lehigh Valley Marketplace – was born.
Today, four short years later, the company continues to expand and stands as the largest magazine of its kind in the market. Marketplace is distributed throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties to more than 80,000 households with the mission of putting quality consumers in touch with businesses who provide the Lehigh Valley with quality products and services.
“The Office Quarters made it easy to be productive,” according to McLaughlin. “From day one, the staff gave me full support to operate as a mature business.” He appreciated the professional atmosphere, ample parking and the convenience of having someone answer his phone.
McLaughlin found another huge benefit as well. “There was so much energy there. We built relationships with our neighbors – professionals who were very entrepreneurial, very energized, individuals who fueled us. “This camaraderie led to strong relationships that continue today.
As Lehigh Valley Marketplace grew, so too, did the magazine’s need for space. The company eventually took over four offices at the Office Quarters. In September, 2007, the magazine expanded to its current location in downtown Bethlehem.
In four years, a lot has changed for Lehigh Valley Marketplace. McLaughlin’s high opinion of The Office Quarters remains the same. “We started the company with one full-time employee and are getting ready to hire our fourteenth. It thrills me to grow a company and creat jobs. We couldn’t have done it without the support of the Office Quarters.”
Matthew McLaughlin, President, Lehigh Valley Marketplace
The Office Quarters Supports Start-Up Business
When Hariharan Murthy launched United Electric Systems Inc. in 2005, he wanted an office that would have the same level of support as the corporate office he had left behind. He found it at the Office Quarters. “It was easy for me to start a business there,” he recalls. “I just walked into my office and everything was there.”
At the Office Quarters, Murthy found a friendly staff and great support. “When you start your own business, you know you need good support. The Office Quarters staff was very helpful and accommodating.” Today, United Electric Systems, with offices in Allentown, PA, continues to prosper as it engineers, designs and tests equipment for electric utilities.
With a mix of established businesses and start-ups at The Office Quarters, Murthy found a business environment that was energizing. “This gives a new business owner confidence.”
When United Electric Systems outgrew its first location, The Office Quarters ensured that the transition went smoothly. The company offered a flexible leasing arrangement until the new office was ready and continued to forward faxes and mail. “The staff was very accommodating,” according to Murthy. “I would strongly recommend them.”
Hariharan Murthy, Owner, United Electric Systems Inc.
The Office Quarters Makes Expansion Easier
In 2003, the owners of XDD, a Stratham, New Hampshire company that specializes in the remediation of contaminated sites in the United States, decided to open a location in the Lehigh Valley area. The co-founders, Michael Marley and Ed Droste, wanted an affordable, professional office that could accommodate growth. They found the perfect location at The Office Quarters at 1275 Glenlivet Drive, Allentown, PA.
“Our decision was largely driven by finances,” according to Michael Marley. “At the Office Quarters, we had access to equipment, conference rooms and an office infrastructure but at a lower cost. In addition, the staff worked very well with our team.”
Before long, the Lehigh Valley staff grew and along with it, XDD’s need for more offices. “The Office Quarters at that point was willing to isolate a small area within its overall structure just for our offices. This was much appreciated.”
In less than four years, XDD’s Lehigh Valley staff grew large enough that the company needed a bigger facility. Even in the transition, The Office Quarters made it easier for the company to make the move. “The Office Quarters staff worked with us to ensure that there would be no down time for us as we moved from their office to our new office.”
As XDD continues to grow and expand, they will continue to count on The Office Quarters to help them find suitable office facilities. “Based on our experience with The Office Quarters, we will be in touch with them when we need to locate a similar type of office in other parts of the country.”