I am so happy to share with you that Southwest Florida is getting its share of co-working spaces, we will get to explore some of these places and meet the people behind them in the next couple of weeks. I am very excited about this, because when I started looking for an office a couple years ago, there weren’t many options.

The Industry is a co-working space in Bonita Springs, Florida. The office has a different concept, they offer an open working space, but they also offer a very different type of private offices. These private offices are housed in empty -and repurposed- shipping containers.

10 Questions With Ken Delaney, Founder of The Industry

1. Ken’s background

Ken is a user Interface designer by trade. He went to art school, taught himself how to code, and became a software engineer overtime. He has always been around software, but has always had a deep passion for starting his own ventures as well. Ken considers himself a serial entrepreneur.

2. Where did you come from and how did you end up in SWFL?

Ken grew up if Florida, and spent most of his adult career in Atlanta. But his love for boats and scuba diving brought him closer to the beach.

3. What is The Industry? 

The Industry is a co-working space that creatives and entrepreneurs can call their work home. The concept came from Ken’s need for an office for his real estate technology business, and then transformed to a place where like minded individuals can come together to work and share ideas. 

4. Is the space only for tech entrepreneurs? 

No, in fact The Industry is for people who are creative minded in all fields. 

5. How are you creating a sense of community through The Industry? 

The goal is to do it organically and have different type of networking events.

6. How does sustainability play a role in the building? 

The building is refurbished and they repurposed shipping containers to use them as offices. They keep lots of plants in the building and LED lights. 

7. What makes the industry stand out from other co-working spaces? 

Ken hopes that the sense of community is what will make The Industry stand out. The theme of containers, and the industrial theme of bringing your industry to The Industry to build something. 

8. What inspires you daily? 

Ken has a passion for software. Making sure that user experience is top of the line inspires him daily.

9. What is your favorite spot in SWFL? 

Anywhere in the ocean, on a boat. 

10. Any advice for young entrepreneurs? 

Follow the dream! If you shoot for the stars, it’s not so bad if you hit the moon. 

You can listen to the full interview below or follow us on our Gulfshore Local Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.