June 2017
Background
Andy Zimmerman is a seasoned businessman and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HQ Greensboro, a shared working space focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. HQ Greensboro features co-working spaces, private suites, conference rooms, multipurpose rooms, a café, and opportunities to connect with local entrepreneurs and expert business advisors. The company focuses on six core values: be authentic, empower others, drive forward with purpose, think big, leave the world better than you found it and embrace diversity.
Interviewee: Andy Zimmerman, local entrepreneur and founder of HQ Greensboro
Interviewer: Suzanne Patinella, Staff Editor, Elon University School of Law L’17
SP: Tell me about your career and how you got to where you are today?
AZ: I did not graduate from high school. I dropped out to go and work for my family furniture business. A friend of mine and I then started a kayaking company. Kayaking is both a true passion and hobby of mine. I had various kayaking companies, one of which generated $32 million in sales. In one company my partner and I sold to a venture capital company, in another my non-compete clause ran out. From there, I then decided to focus on real estate. Today I own various properties in Greensboro. I am basically a developer who fixes up community neighborhoods. After finding the inspiration for this space, I started HQ Greensboro.
SP: What are some of the challenges you have faced in your career?
AZ: I have faced the challenges that most people face in the business world. I have dealt with issues dealing with a lack of capital, being stretched too far and wearing the role of too many hats. When I face these challenges, I know I need to be patient and do just that.
SP: What does your core team at HQ Greensboro look like?
AZ: I am a person who greatly values strong relationships and human character. I have great relationships with my team. My core team members include a banker, an accountant and of course my attorneys.
SP: What role do attorneys play at HQ Greensboro?
AZ: Attorneys are crucial to my success. I have a real estate lawyer, who helps me with the leases, an environmental lawyer, a trade/patent lawyer, who is crucial in dealing with intellectual property, and attorneys who deal exclusively with any litigation matters. I am fortunate enough to have a team of really powerful attorneys. I also have strong relationships with some local attorneys in Greensboro. Attorneys from Brooks Pierce and Womble Carlyle often come and provide lectures to residents at HQ, such as legal advice on start-up companies.
SP: What are the benefits of a collaborative office space? How do the attorneys feel about the open space?
AZ: The benefits of a collaborative office space are exactly that, it is collaborative. I am a person who is driven by inspiration. When I saw the collaborative office space, I was inspired. This inspiration actually came from an elevator type speech. Despite the more lax and informal space, it does not hinder professionalism in any manner. The attorneys on my team love the collaborative space. The attorneys utilize the space, as much as they can, but have to resort the more traditional space due to client confidentiality issues. Residents can also chose to work in a private space and we have phone booths to better help promote privacy.
SP: How would you describe your leadership style?
AZ: I think you would have to ask the people who work with me, but if I had to describe it, I would say I am the type of person who leads by example. I like to use “the sink and swim” method. I like to throw ideas out there and see what works. The idea either swims and works, or sinks and does not work.
SP: How do you maintain a proper work-life balance?
AZ: I don’t think I have achieved a work life balance or ever will. My work life balance is about 50% work, 50% play. At times it is 60%- 40%. My personality is a work hard, play hard type of personality. I am a serial worker, I am addicted to work, but I also like to play. I am very into physical outside activities. I do extreme high thrill activities most don’t, such as mountain climbing and extreme kayaker. Ultimately, I have my priorities in check. I focus on being the best at the game I am playing. I want to be the biggest, the baddest and the best.
SP: What attributes do you look for in an HQ Greensboro employee?
AZ: I believe in the power of “healthy body, healthy mind.” I really look for employees who embody the healthy body and healthy mind. I believe that a healthy body and mind are crucial to productivity. I am also driven my values, I tend to have employees who share the same political values as me. I am a person who focuses on human character. I value integrity, loyalty and customer relationships.
SP: What are the keys to your success?
AZ: The keys to my success would have to be determination, tenacity, strong relationships and doing what I can to the best of my ability.
SP: If you could give any advice to young entrepreneurs today, what would it be?
AZ: I am so fascinated by millennials. I have actually taken a class to try to better understand millennials. But the advice I would give would be to strongly consider old school values/ways and find ways to integrate them into your life.
For more information on HQ Greensboro, visit hqgreensboro.com.