The address of the downtown office building oozes success. Stepping out of the elevator on the ninth floor of One Utah Center, a visitor is greeted with a large aquarium, plants and avant-garde paintings.
The receptionist, who's already on a first-name basis because of a desktop placard, offers visitors a seat and alerts the executive somewhere in the maze behind her that the next appointment has arrived. All that's missing is a huge corporate logo of brass on the wall.Of course, that's the rub. While it may appear to be the headquarters of a Fortune 500 firm, it's really home to smaller companies, entrepreneurs and visiting executives on temporary assignment from headquarters in a faraway city.
These so-called "executive office suites" are gaining in popularity in Utah and growing to 4,000 nationwide, according to an industry group.
Mike Nichter chose the CRMG Executive Suite at Gateway Center in Park City over working out of his home as a sales representative. Nichter, who negotiates computer and office equipment leases for the St. Louis-based CSI Leasing in three Western states, said the executive suite gives him convenience.
"It gives me a choice of where I want to live. I get someone to answer our phone. It gives a sense of `bigness.' . . . It's a turnkey solution," Nichter said.
From the desk in his 150-square-foot office he has access to a receptionist, data lines, a shared copier and fax as well as service staff who he admits treat him better than those at his own company.
Beth Kapp, director of the Park City property, said she and her staff concentrate on providing extra-mile services that help make sharing office space attractive. She tells of helping clients schedule car repairs, getting their house cleaned, getting their laundry picked up and even opening their mail while they are on extended business trips.
At the newest addition to the Salt Lake executive suite market, daVinci Executive Office Suites near 6200 South and I-215, they will host a company's Web site, order in lunch or bring an expert to teach relaxation and stress reduction techniques.
For Salt Lake attorney Bruce Baird, an executive office suite is a perfect solutionfor his two-person firm. The offices at the HQ Center at the One Utah Center give the aura of a big law firm without all of the overhead. He said he spends 70 percent less on space and clerical assistance than would a large downtown law firm.
The executive office suites are havens for attorneys, mortgage companies, financial planners, travel agencies and local representatives of national and multinational firms. For some, its a way for companies to get a foot in a new market. For example, one firm has been developing a new line of restaurants from its base in an executive office suite.
Of course, some startup firms may just need to put a good face on their efforts. At most executive office suites, clients can sign up for as little as $150 a month for a "business identity program." The program includes mail drop, a business-hours receptionist and after-hours voice mail. Technology allows the receptionist to answer the phone any way the client wishes, giving that big-organization impression.
For additional fees, services can be tailored to fit other needs. For example, telecommuters can have a receptionist forward calls to their home office or maintain a professional image by scheduling meetings with important clients in the centers' conference rooms or day office.
Among executive office suite providers, HQ Centers has the largest presence in Utah, with offices in One Utah Center, Triad Center, Sandy and Murray. For example, at One Utah Center, HQ has carved up the ninth floor into about 60 offices, a board room, a break room, a day office, a video conferencing room, a mail room, a work room with copy machines and secretarial assistance.
HQ's network also allows clients to set up a short-term office in any of the 10,000 offices at 175 HQ centers worldwide, according to Don Benedict, director of sales and administration for HQ Centers in Utah and Nevada.
Partners Sam Souvall, Bob Darling and Joe Sasich opened daVinci Executive Office Suites hoping to cater to an upscale executive market. They boast the best in high-tech capabilities and the best in ambience and luxury.
"In a competitive environment, it is a struggle for small business, especially if they have large competitors. They need to appear bigger and better," said Darling. "Our theme is to bring Fortune 500 technology to small- and medium-size businesses."
Included in daVinci's commitment is everything from data conferencing capabilities with an electronic white board to an on-site technician all in the atmosphere of upscale decor and furnishings. daVinci also offers conference room facilities, class room and office-for-a-day facilities.