Community and What it Means to the Factory
Unlike traditional office environments where routine feels rigid, creativity is stifled by deadlines, and interaction is often obligatory, The Factory offers something different. Here, we work at our own pace, collaborate when inspired, and connect simply because we want to. Much like the neighborhoods we live in, cohesion is at the heart of our space. That’s why we make it a priority to come together intentionally; to reflect, reset, and recognize the value our community brings to one another.
During our recent Thinking Locally Series, organized by Frederick Polk, The Factory’s own Community Cultivator, members were asked what community means to them within this space. Though each answer was unique, common themes emerged: shared values, like-mindedness, and the sense of belonging that sets The Factory apart. What followed was a rich and heartfelt discussion touching on the power of collaboration across different industries, the friendships formed through mutual respect, and the comfort of knowing you belong to something meaningful.
These conversations didn’t just celebrate what already exists, they sparked ideas for growth and deeper connection. Over the course of the three-part series, we explored what community means within The Factory, dove into the role of microeconomics in local ecosystems, and examined the importance of credit unions in building stronger, more equitable communities.
Through it all, one thing became clear: The Factory is more than a place to work but a space to belong, grow, and build something bigger together.
Community at the Factory
When asked what community means to members of The Factory, their responses, while unique, shared a common thread: collaboration. Whether in a professional context, social setting, or personal moment, collaboration stood out as a defining value. What makes The Factory truly special is the sense of connection that forms naturally among members, even when their industries or job titles differ. It’s not just about sharing a workspace, it’s about building relationships that transcend professional boundaries.
Another word that frequently emerged was cohesiveness. Members spoke of a shared sense of purpose, values, and mutual respect. There’s a kind of like-mindedness here, not in what people do, but in how they think and how they show up for each other.
Take a typical walk through The Factory: you might hear members chatting over lunch or swapping stories about work challenges. One might be a software engineer, another a senior front-end developer, each working for different companies, yet finding common ground in their experiences. In many workplaces, coworkers remain just that: coworkers. But at The Factory, work becomes optional, and connection becomes inevitable.
People First (Formerly Local First) for a powerful talk on micro-economies and community-centered thinking
For the second day of our Thinking Locally Series, we had the pleasure of welcoming Arick Davis, Director of Growth and Partnerships with People First (formerly known as Local First) for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation on solidarity economy and community-centered thinking. Their presentation served as a powerful reminder of the importance of shopping local and the critical role it plays in shaping a thriving, resilient economy.
In today’s fast-paced consumer landscape where shopping name brands and online giants have become the norm it’s easy to forget the impact of our everyday choices. But People First emphasized a vital point: to shop local is to invest in the community. When we choose to support independent businesses, we’re not just buying a product or service, we’re strengthening the economic and social fabric of our neighborhoods.
According to People First, if just 10% of all retail sales in Kent County were redirected to local merchants, it would generate a staggering $1.4 billion in new economic activity, along with the creation of thousands of new jobs. That’s not just theory, that’s transformative potential. More of each dollar spent locally stays in the community, circulating through wages, services, and local reinvestment.
This session served as both a wake-up call and a celebration, a reminder that every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of community we want to live in. We’re grateful to People First for sparking meaningful dialogue and inspiring us to think more intentionally about how our economic habits shape the future of Grand Rapids and beyond.
Michigan First Credit Union (The vital role that Credit Unions play in the Community)
For the final day of our Thinking Locally Series, we had the pleasure of welcoming Matt Hofman, Senior Branch Manager at Michigan First Credit Union, for an insightful conversation titled “Why Credit Unions?” This session focused on the vital role credit unions play in strengthening local economies and fostering deeper community connections.
Unlike traditional banks, credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit institutions that operate with a “people before profit” philosophy. Matt highlighted how this member-first approach sets credit unions apart. Rather than serving distant shareholders, credit unions exist to serve the people who live and work in the communities they’re rooted in. This creates a unique model of financial cooperation, one that emphasizes trust, equity, and shared prosperity. Throughout the discussion, we explored how credit unions prioritize personalized service, offer more competitive rates, and are often more willing to work with individuals and small businesses who may not meet the rigid requirements of larger financial institutions. In doing so, they actively promote financial inclusion, especially in underserved areas where access to fair and affordable financial services is limited.
Matt also spoke about the economic ripple effect credit unions can have when they’re invested in local growth. From offering small business loans to supporting community events and education initiatives, credit unions function not just as financial entities, but as community partners. This conversation tied beautifully into the overarching theme of our series: rethinking how local systems can uplift the collective good. It served as a powerful reminder that where we choose to bank, much like where we choose to shop or work, can significantly influence the health, equity, and vibrancy of our communities.
As we closed out the series, the takeaway was clear: intentional choices create meaningful change. Whether through co-working, local shopping, or community-first banking, we all have a role to play in shaping the kind of communities we want to be part of.
Conclusion
Before the COVID-19 pandemic redefined how we live and work, just 6.5% of the U.S. workforce operated remotely, primarily within the private sector, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By July 2024, that number had climbed to over 35%. A staggering shift that represents more than just a change in location; it signals a transformation in how we connect, collaborate, and build community.
As office buildings emptied and homes became workspaces, many of us lost the small, everyday moments that foster connection, impromptu conversations, shared lunches, and the organic bonds that grow when people gather. This shift forced a reevaluation not only of where we work, but why we work the way we do and who we want to share those spaces with.
Out of this disruption, a new model emerged. Places like The Factory have evolved into more than just shared workspaces and instead became intentional communities, hubs of creativity, belonging, and support. Here, people come not just to meet deadlines, but to engage, share, and grow professionally and personally. Whether through a casual coffee break, a meaningful collaboration, or an inspired discussion during a community series, The Factory reminds us that work can be human, and that community; real, supportive, intentional community, is something we can still create and sustain.
In a world that’s been fundamentally reshaped, one thing remains clear: community isn’t just a concept but a commitment. And at The Factory, it’s one we’re proud to make every single day.