When Bryan Kristof first stepped into the building that would become the 717mkt Office Collaborative, it wasn’t for the first time.
Kristof, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep roots in Wilmington, NC, is helping bring 717mkt to life, advising owner Chris Capone of Capone & Associates bookkeeping & CFO Services as they transform a 13,000-square-foot space into something that goes beyond desks and offices. The vision? A space where work, wellness, and real relationships converge.
Coworking has evolved. And Kristof knows this better than most — he launched Wilmington’s first coworking company in 2011 (called Coworx) and ran it for nearly a decade before selling it in 2020.
Now, with 717mkt, the focus isn’t just on providing workspace; it’s about creating an intentional community. Instead of emphasizing hot desks and open coworking areas, 717mkt is structured around private offices and larger team suites. "We really want people who can commit to being there and being part of the community," Kristof explains.
That community is rooted in Wilmington’s growing entrepreneurial landscape. "The business community has changed so much in the last 15 years," Kristof says. "Pharma has always been big here, and now fintech is booming with companies like nCino and Live Oak Bank. Plus, COVID shifted everything — people aren’t tied to where they work anymore. They can live where they want to be."
For many, that place is Wilmington. And 717mkt wants to be the entrepreneurial hub for those who choose it.
If there’s one thing that sets 717mkt apart, it’s the integrated approach to wellness. The space isn’t just a place to work; it’s designed to support members holistically. That means a fully-equipped gym, a sauna, and even a cold plunge.
"Chris is an avid surfer, with a passion for the outdoors," Kristof says. "So the team built the space with that in mind. The idea is to integrate work, wellness, and relationships. A healthy lifestyle contributes to better work."
Members won’t have to pay extra for access to the gym. It’s all included in the membership. We are still discussing how to handle use of the sauna and cold plunge, which could require additional oversight. "But otherwise, it’s all part of the experience," Kristof says.
Every coworking operator talks about community. Kristof has spent over a decade building one. He knows it doesn’t happen just because people share an office — it takes effort, but it also has to feel natural.
"It’s about being present," he says. "Getting to know people, understanding what they do, what makes them tick. That’s how you connect the dots."
717mkt plans to foster connections through networking events, workshops, and guest speakers. But Kristof believes the real magic happens in the in-between moments. That’s when conversations at the coffee bar, casual introductions that lead to collaborations.
"I’ve lost count of the number of people who met in my old space and went on to start businesses together," he says. "That’s what we want to create here."
717mkt isn’t just about community and wellness; it’s built with intention at every level, including technology. The space will use access control from Brivo, allowing members to open doors with their phones. High-speed fiber internet will keep teams connected, and the network is designed with security in mind, offering partitioned options for companies that need it.
Even the building itself is a statement. A major renovation transformed a gloomy 1970's structure that spent most of its life as Wilmington's unemployment office, into a modern collaborative workspace. "Lisle Architecture & Design and ELM Builders have done an amazing job at bringing natural light into the building and creating unique outdoor spaces like a rooftop terrace," Kristof says.
Kristof didn’t have to search far when selecting a workspace management platform for 717mkt—he already knew what worked. "I actually used Coworks with my previous space," he says. "I was one of the early adopters of the software."
Having worked with various management tools in the past, Kristof appreciated the simplicity and efficiency Coworks brought to the table. "It does what it needs to do—it’s not overkill," he explains. "The UI is great, the price point makes sense, and I’ve seen it evolve over time. It just fits our needs."
Another factor in the decision? Local roots. "I like that it’s North Carolina-based. Supporting regional businesses has always been important to me," Kristof says.
Beyond ease of use, 717mkt is leveraging Coworks’ access control integration to streamline entry for members. "One of the things we really liked was the Door Control feature," Kristof says. "We wanted to have the ability for members to open doors with their phone. That kind of seamless access is a big deal."
With those doors set to open soon, Kristof is confident that Coworks will help keep the space running smoothly. "We’re ready to roll. Right now, we’re just getting the plans plugged in, but once we’re live, we’ll be tapping into everything from event promotions to CRM tools. It’s great to have a platform we trust."
Kristof’s involvement with 717mkt came about through a series of chance encounters. After selling his coworking business, he shifted gears entirely, running a company that converts shipping containers into cabins and tiny homes. A landlord connection introduced him to Capone, who had acquired the very building Kristof once considered for coworking.
"It was surreal," Kristof says. "I already had plans and financial models from years ago. It just made sense."
Now, as 717mkt nears its opening, Kristof is collaborating with the team as they prepare for a late-Spring 2025 launch. He is advising on operations, refining the marketing strategy, and ensuring that when the doors open, the space is ready to deliver on its promise.
For Kristof, coworking isn’t just about providing office space. It’s about shaping Wilmington’s future as a city where entrepreneurs and remote workers can thrive.
"Coworking used to be this niche thing," he says. "Now, it’s a necessity. People need flexibility, connection, and a place where they actually want to work. That’s what we’re building."
As 717mkt prepares to welcome its first members, it’s clear this is more than just another coworking space. It’s the next step in Wilmington’s entrepreneurial journey—one where work, wellness, and community come together in a way that makes people want to stay.