ANZ mobile lender Rafael Reyes is a classic example of the dynamic small business entrepreneurs driving the expansion of WOTSO, Australia’s home-grown ASX-listed flexible workspace operator.
Rafael started his mobile lending franchise in 2021, working from home, riding the highs and lows of COVID, while steadily growing the business in Sydney’s western suburbs.
All went well all for the first couple of years however when he added two staff, Paula Raso and Yurhan Yazicilar, in the back half of 2023 it became apparent his family and working life could no longer happily co-exist.
“It was good for a while – because I’d been working from home since the pandemic and my kids know not to make too much noise,” said Rafael.
“But it came to a point in the Christmas holidays where I felt they couldn’t enjoy themselves while we were either working on laptops or talking over the phone.
“I felt guilty because while I was there physically, I wasn’t there emotionally and that’s when I decided enough is enough.”
He wasn’t ready to buy an office space and didn’t want to be locked into a traditional commercial lease.
“I knew of WOTSO from previous meetings I had with customers and was impressed with their modern take on the commercial office space and funky industrial vibe,” Rafael said.
“I wanted a space to professionally represent my business, a place to invite customers and business partners and have a safe environment for my team.”
So Rafael chose WOTSO Liverpool, which recently became the company’s 26th flexible working space.
“This has been the perfect space to establish my business and my team,” said Rafael.
“Living local, and being party of the small business community, WOTSO has done a fantastic job in bringing a range of businesses together to collaborate, network and support one another.”
Landlord Antonio Cavallaro from AC Developments has partnered with WOTSO to deliver the 900sqm site, which for many years was leased to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Antonio, who worked with WOTSO before returning to his family’s property business, said there’s been a significant shift in tenant demand over the past five years.
“When this space became available in the middle of last year, it was clear there was declining enquiry for larger office floor plates and a noticeable increase in demand from smaller organisations who emphasised short-term leasing and smaller spaces,” Antonio said.
He discussed the situation with Jessie Glew, CEO of WOTSO.
“Together, we identified the opportunity for WOTSO Liverpool to become a conduit for many small businesses looking for flex space closer to home in the south-west corridor,” said Antonio.
“The WOTSO narrative is more than just a story. WOTSO just doesn’t build communities within the four walls it operates, but also adds to and builds the local community they operate in.”
Liverpool is the fifth WOTSO FlexSpace in western Sydney, joining Penrith, Campbelltown, North Strathfield and Blacktown.
Jessie Glew says the networking effect is very real in western Sydney with many members taking advantage of WOTSO’s Passport Program, which allows them to work from any WOTSO in Australia or New Zealand.
“The western Sydney network is one of the highest-used networks by our members leveraging all the different locations,” said Jessie.
For Rafael, the western Sydney network is a major bonus. “I never would have imagined having access to multiple locations as a value add to my customers,” he said.
“It has allowed me to build my business without the other distractions of managing a traditional workspace. And it has opened my eyes to dream bigger and reach higher. I am very proud to call WOTSO Liverpool my new office.”
