In the suburbs northwest of Chicago, a community hub has taken root. COCIAL, a coworking space founded by Matt Irvin, is redefining what it means to be a neighborhood gathering place. With an unwavering focus on cultivating growth — for individuals, businesses, and the community at large — Irvin has created a unique space that is equal parts launchpad, think tank, and local hangout.
Though he spent years living and working far from his Midwestern roots, Irvin eventually found himself drawn back to the region where he grew up. "I grew up in Addison, so we're Midwesterners at heart as well," Irvin shared. He and his wife, a therapist, left the Chicago suburbs as children but returned with their own three kids in tow.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, Irvin operated a coworking space under a different brand. "Out there, you didn't really need to educate anybody on what coworking was. Everybody just sort of knew," he recalled. But when the pandemic hit and their Bay Area lease expired in September 2020, the Irvin family headed back to the Chicago suburbs.
Spotting an opportunity in downtown Arlington Heights, Irvin said, "I just wanted to bring something to downtown Arlington Heights. There's a growing downtown, with the train station, great restaurants, and new businesses." His aim was to design a space tailored to the local community's needs.
When he founded his first coworking venture, the focus was more squarely on providing professional services, like therapy offices. But this time, Irvin envisioned something broader — a true community hub. He rebranded as COCIAL, combining Connect Socially into one name. “But there are so many other words that work,” he laughed. “Like coworking, conference, community, coffee…" But no matter which CO you use, it combines into one flexible, multi-use space.
A key part of Irvin's mission is nurturing local entrepreneurs and passion projects. "I want to provide a space that people can utilize for their events," he said. From baby showers to startup launches, the bright, modern space hosts an array of gatherings and happenings.
"We had an entrepreneur recently who rented the space for a pop-up shop developing gift baskets," Irvin shared. He's also welcomed members launching nonprofits, activity clubs, and more. "Those are the ones I love to celebrate — people doing amazing things that you wouldn't necessarily hear about. I want to give them a platform to shine."
Irvin aims to empower his members not just with physical space, but with services and support. Virtual mail, event hosting, podcasting, and networking help all levels of professionals establish their brands and connect with the wider community.
While community-building is central to COCIAL's mission, Irvin is careful not to force it. "I don't want everyone to feel obligated to be at every event," he acknowledged. The goal is providing opportunities for enriching social connection without being prescriptive.
At the same time, COCIAL members can genuinely invest in each other's journeys with a "growth mindset." It's an openness to keep evolving personally and professionally, with ample encouragement from a supportive peer network.
For those still finding their footing, COCIAL offers a low-pressure chance to test ideas or simply have a productive temporary office away from home. "We've had members here where their spouse is happy they're out of the house," Irvin said. Just having a dedicated workspace, he believes, can jumpstart a fresh outlook and unlock new inspiration.
COCIAL aims to blend an elevated hospitality experience with seamless operational efficiencies. The aesthetic is warm yet modern, with an open layout plus plentiful private nooks. "I tried to design it where it feels open, yet we have private pockets where you can really quietly get work done," Irvin said. Natural light filters throughout, and the space has the ambiance of an upscale hotel lobby.
Using integrations with the space management software Coworks, Irvin can grant keyless entry and manage other automated features remotely. While physical upkeep like cleaning is a constant, tech tools reduce some administrative lift. "I was able to let someone in yesterday while at home with my family," he recalled. "That technology is just priceless."
The ultimate goal is minimizing friction so members can simply focus amid an environment conducive to productivity and inspiration. "Little things provide an experience folks don't even realize they're getting," Irvin reflected.
Embedding COCIAL into the fabric of Arlington Heights is paramount for Irvin. He's forged ties with the local Chamber of Commerce, economic development agencies, and surrounding businesses. COCIAL even hosts Chamber of Commerce meetings and other civic events while the space doubles as a marketing venue for local brands.
"I think there's room for us to partner on more things," Irvin said of the ongoing conversations. He's energized by the warm community reception so far. "We get a lot of jaws dropped and eyes open when people walk in."
From day one, COCIAL has been a personal labor of love. Irvin has done just about everything, from designing the space to assembling each desk and chair. "I wear a lot of different hats," he expressed, and the work has always been rewarding. As the business continues to grow, it's required him to embrace delegation — hiring part-timers, outsourcing marketing to experts, and remaining open to new ideas.
"If you get the right people and give them the autonomy to generate new ideas, and who feel appreciated, then we’re only winning," Irvin said. "It's winning for our members, for the community, for the brand."
Continuing to focus on COCIAL's purpose — that sense of ‘why’ — keeps Irvin motivated on this journey. "I believe heavily in the growth mindset," Irvin reflected. "You've got to stop, reflect on where you've come from, and not forget where you're going."
Looking ahead, Irvin can't wait to meet COCIAL's next wave of members and stakeholders. The coming months and years are sure to continually inspire fresh thinking around community, prosperity, and human potential.
"It's just a blank canvas to create your own story," Irvin said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm for the journeys yet to unfold.
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