Francisco Gutierrez, a semi-finalist for the Community Manager of the Year award, has spent nearly a decade as a Community Manager at IOS Offices. His career, however, didn't start in the coworking industry. Gutierrez's journey began in the hospitality sector, working as a concierge in a hotel in Playa Del Carmen. Guitierrez spoke with Michelle Steigler of Premier Workspaces. The finalist will be announced at the GWA FlexForward 2024 conference in Phoenix.
"I worked in reception and concierge at a hotel," Gutierrez recalls. "Service has always been a part of my professional life. Transitioning to IOS Offices was a natural step for me."
Falling in love with IOS Offices
Gutierrez's introduction to IOS Offices was serendipitous. A friend invited him to an anniversary event at one of their locations. "I walked in and was immediately struck by the beauty and cleanliness of the space," Gutierrez shares. "The atmosphere was welcoming, and I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of it."
Shortly after the event, Gutierrez's friend informed him of a job opening. "I didn't hesitate. I was eager to join the team," he says. "The people, the environment, and the opportunity to build relationships with clients were all very appealing to me."
Nine years of building community
Gutierrez is celebrating his ninth anniversary with IOS Offices, a milestone that speaks volumes about his dedication and passion for his role. "The most rewarding part of my job is the connections I make with our community," he says. "Seeing businesses grow and thrive within our spaces is incredibly fulfilling."
Gutierrez emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and engaging environment for clients. "We focus on building strong relationships with our guests. Watching enterprises expand from small offices to larger spaces is the best reward."
Challenges and unique experiences
Being a Community Manager is not without its challenges. Gutierrez reflects on some of the more difficult aspects of his role, including dealing with government departments. "Working with government entities can be complicated due to their rigid procedures," he notes.
Gutierrez also shares some of the more unusual requests he's received. "Once, a client asked us to organize his son's birthday party. It was unexpected, but we made it happen," he laughs.
Creating a thriving community
At IOS Offices, community building is a top priority. Gutierrez and his team organize numerous events to foster networking and camaraderie among clients. "We host one or two events per month, such as wine tastings, economic talks, and mental health sessions," he explains. "These events provide valuable opportunities for our clients to connect and support each other."
One of the standout events is a charity race. "We host an annual race to support a local foundation. It's a significant event for our community, attracting over 2,000 participants," Gutierrez says proudly. "It's a great way for our clients to come together for a good cause."
The ideal community manager
When asked what qualities make an excellent Community Manager, Gutierrez highlights empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills. "Empathy and humanity are crucial. You need to understand and connect with people," he asserts. "Good communication is essential, and being able to solve problems efficiently is a must."
Gutierrez's dedication to his role and the community is evident. He continues to strive for excellence, aiming to connect the three business centers in Guadalajara more effectively. "Our goal is to create a unified community across all locations," he says.
While he hasn't yet attended a GWA conference or webinar, Gutierrez is eager to participate in the future. "It would be amazing to attend and learn from others in the industry," he says.
A bright future
Francisco Gutierrez's story is a testament to the impact of passion and dedication in the coworking industry. As he looks forward to the GWA FlexForward conference in Phoenix this September, where the national and international finalist for the Community Manager of the Year award will be announced, he remains committed to fostering a thriving community at IOS Offices.
With his extensive experience and heartfelt commitment, Gutierrez is undoubtedly a deserving candidate for the prestigious award.
For Coworks, sponsoring the Community Manager Awards for the third year is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the coworking movement.
As a company dedicated to providing space management software solutions, we recognize the invaluable role these folks play in shaping successful community spaces. Read about last year’s nominees.
