Today we’d like to introduce you to Elvina Beck.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2012, I asked why we must commit to one address and a set of roommate(s) and when we travel, pay two rents (our storage unit at “home’ and for where we sleep on the trip). A membership-based housing network, like a gym, made a lot of sense and the way you share machines in a large open space, can be the same way we co-live. I leased a live/work unit in Hollywood as my MVP, and after three years – crowdfunded a DTLA location, then Los Feliz, Venice, Westwood, San Francisco and most recently San Diego. The “live-anywhere” plan is a low barrier to entry housing model with no minimum or maximum stays, just pay $15 for the day, $50 for the night, $280 for the week, or $1,000 for the month (no deposits). Today, we have built and operate 240 pods with more access points in the works. Our goal is affordable housing and social travel, paying one rate to live anywhere across the country – so long as you share.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve learned a lot about construction, management, staffing, legal, and raising money. We’re self-funded, we’ve crowdfunded and debt-funded. We’re an asset-light model in hopes of owning more than just our trademark. We initially struggled in 2015 when our building changed hands, placing the lease in jeopardy. We then learned how hard it is to expand a real estate brick and mortar concept with high competition, costs, and regulations. We are fortunate to receive a lot of organic press. However, often times the tag lines are clickbait, which invites trolling comments. We are constantly learning, fixing, and scouting our favorite neighborhoods for new opportunities. All of the staff live at PodShare, so it’s important that we select locations that we want to call home and visit.
Please tell us about PodShare.
PodShare is a shared housing network across expensive neighborhoods, for any duration of time. I identify a location, assess its returns, negotiate a lease, secure funding, create a layout with my COO, purchase lumber and build. I am most proud of building our own futures. This project was conjured up, built with my hands as well as those close to me, and a place I call home and invite others to as well. We’re different from apartments because we allow short term stays, we’re different from hotels because we’re not an expensive isolated room, we’re not a hostel because they do not allow locals and prohibit stays over 20 days, so we are a hybrid co-living community known as PodShare. I personally am set apart from other CEO’s because I eat my own dog food daily. PodShare is more than just my company, it’s where I lay my head at night and store my belongings. Pedestrians are my roommates. The furniture is my design. I have a great team that is supportive, and a big vision that we are patiently working towards.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck? My biggest luck was being born. I am so fortunate to have my parents, who were building blocks to my confidence that I carry every day. I am lucky to have traveled and tried a lot before settling on PodShare at age 27. I have been lucky with support from individuals who had the power to hurt me and unlucky with those that did. Luck is an interesting concept. One would hope it is karma related – but it’s not. One could be lucky or unlucky for a moment or a year or simultaneously lucky in one department and unlucky in another. I don’t think much about luck and just stick to gratitude and perseverance.
Pricing:
- $15/day from 10a to 10p at any PodShare (excluding bed) for use of wifi, showers, kitchen, etc.
- $50/night, out of pod by 11am but store belongings and use all amenities until 10pm
- $280/week
- $1,000/month, unlimited transfers across the network and no security deposit
Contact Info:
- Website: PodShare.com
- Phone: 2139737741
- Email: book@podshare.com
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