Our History

The Beginning (2014-2015)

In the fall of 2014, years of interest, need, and discussion about creating a flexible and collaborative co-working space in Fairfield began to take form and found a home. A group of creatives, rounded up by artist-preneur Lee H Ross, found the support of Adam Plagge and the Fairfield Economic Development Association (Grow Fairfield). In collaboration with Roland Wells and the Bonnell Project, they found an ideal location to turn into a kick-ass startup workspace.

A series of open community meetings were attended by business people, students, entrepreneurs, artists, and individuals seeking more connection with their community and opportunity through collaborating in a shared work space. The concept became a reality when 35 people contributed $35 to become “founding members.” Those members nominated and voted on board members to lead the creation of a 501(c)(3) non-profit – the Fairfield CoLab.

Building Our Space

Shortly thereafter, extensive building renovations ensued with a combination of volunteer and professional labor. The founding members rolled up their sleeves and got to work – walls were torn down, floors were re-finished, and a new space emerged from the dust after nearly a year’s worth of hard work and volunteer hours.

The CoLab exists because of the interest and generosity of the Fairfield community. A total of $32,000 was donated toward building renovations and office equipment by FEDA, local businesses, banks, and individuals.

Opening Our Doors

On Wednesday, August 26th, 2015, the Fairfield CoLab soft opened its doors, followed by our grand opening in September 2015. The space was centrally located downtown on the second floor of the building overlooking Fairfield’s central square at the southeast corner of West Burlington Avenue and South Main Street.

Early Leadership & Growth

The original board of directors brought diverse expertise to guide the CoLab’s mission. Key founding leaders included co-presidents Tai Ward (co-founder of Big Game Software) and Anna Bruen (environmental planner for Pathfinders Resource Conservation and Development), along with board members Joey Del Re (co-founder of Galaxy Ninja), Kevin Riley (founder of Riley Designs), and Minca Borg (co-founder of Naturewise Farm and EcoFairfield). Joshua Laraby from FEDA served as administrator, helping to coordinate the project’s development.

Within just six months of opening, the CoLab had become a hive of entrepreneurship and dialogue in Fairfield, helping to retain talent that might otherwise have left for larger cities. As one early member noted, “I was looking at moving back to Seattle to be part of a larger community that shared ideas and created a positive atmosphere for building a business. The Fairfield CoLab has created this type of environment in a smaller community.”

Growing Through Challenges

The CoLab thrived for several years as a hub for freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs. However, like many coworking spaces, it faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote workers chose to stay home rather than work in shared spaces.

A New Chapter & New Location (2022-Present)

Recognizing the need for greater visibility and community engagement, the board made the strategic decision to relocate. After keeping an eye on the former Iowa State Bank building for several years, the CoLab was finally in a position to make the move in 2022. Members began working in the new first-floor location on North Court Street in October 2022, and the CoLab celebrated its grand reopening in March 2023.

Continuing Legacy

Today, the Fairfield CoLab continues to serve as more than just a workspace – it’s a “connectivator” that allows people at all stages of business evolution to connect with and learn from each other. The space hosts regular community events including the recurring “Home Grown” meetings in partnership with the Southeast Iowa Venture Club, business pitch competitions, tech meetups, Traction Thursdays, and educational workshops.

TTwo of the original founding members, Kevin Riley and Tai Ward, remain on the board today, alongside longtime leaders Marla Brader and Eric Johnson. Together with current board members Megan Nelson, Amanda Potts, and Ben Stone, they help carry forward the original vision while adapting to meet the evolving needs of Fairfield’s entrepreneurial community.

The CoLab’s tagline, “Your Solution to Creative Isolation,” continues to guide its mission of providing a professional, collaborative environment where innovation can flourish and community connections can grow.

However, the longtime vision, “A connected community of entrepreneurs”,  perhaps more accurately describes the daily happenings at  the CoLab.