Business & Tech

Behind the Biz: ElevenForty

ElevenForty offers a "professional presence" at an affordable price.

You've started up a business, you're excited to be living the dream; but you can't afford any office space from which to work. What's a business-owner to do? Call up ElevenForty.

The aptly-named biz sits at 1140 Main Street, Suite 114, and was founded by three-year Ramonan, but lifetime San Diegan, Lezley Knott in April this year.

The company rents out office space for those without a permanent spot, creating what Knott calls "a professional presence at an affordable cost." Membership plans for ElevenForty are available on a monthly, weekly or daily basis and some features include individual access, use of computers, printers, wifi, mail service, conference room, etc.

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But perhaps the most noble part about Knott's company is the space she shares with Ramona High School. Read on to get Knott's perspective of this unique biz.

Patch: Why did you choose to start this business in Ramona?

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Lezley Knott: I started this business because I was working in my home office, meeting clients at their office or at and wishing I had my own place. I wanted to be able to have classes or meetings and have a place people could come to. So one day, I was down in San Diego attending a seminar and I went to this funky place that rented offices by the day, week, month or for meetings and I thought "Hey, Ramona needs something just like this!" And that is how it all started.

I have been able to start this with very little money with help from friends and it has proven to be very popular. I have a couple of home based businesses that meet with their teams once a week, and I have been able to help other small businesses realize thier dreams with an affordable, professional place they can call their own. And we have room for more!

Patch: What distinguishes your business from others in the same industry?

Knott: There are no other businesses like mine in Ramona. There are a few large scale businesses like mine in San Diego, but they are not as affordable as ElevenForty.

Patch: Any current challenges you face as a business owner?

Knott: This business is doing very well because it is has options for difference businesses, from just an address and mail service to conference room/meeting space, to a part time co-op office, to full time individual office.

Patch: What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

Knott: There has been so much good advice over the years, from college professors, to different mentors, to my dad; but the best business advice I have been given since moving to Ramona is from a colleague who said to me, “Join the Chamber of Commerce and become an Ambassador.” 

He was right. I have met so many great business people through the Chamber. It has made a huge difference in my business and I recommend it to everyone.

Patch: Why did you choose to co-utilize the space as Ramona High's art gallery?

Knott: As I sat in the office when I fist acquired the space, I was wondering what I was going to do to decorate the walls. I was thinking about all the amazing artists that we have in this community and how I would love to have rotating art for people to enjoy.

It occurred to me that Ramona High School does not have a place for the public to see their art, so I called the head of the art department, Liz Schaude, and she was very excited about the idea. We are currently showing our second exhibit, The Skater - Perspectives and Interpretations. For information on gallery hours call 760-277-3556.


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