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Don't just take our word for it – other people think our coworking with us is pretty great, too.

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When I joined Gravitate in 2017, I was looking to get out of my home office and find a place to be more productive; I wasn’t expecting to also find my “Office Tribe.” Every morning, I look forward to going into Gravitate, because I’m surrounded by innovative and creative minds!

- Colleen Kinsey, KinseyCo.

 
When I moved to Des Moines I was in need of two things—workspace that was outside of my house, and a way to meet new people. Gravitate has been an indispensable resource that has helped me manage both my professional and social life in one convenient place.

- Mason Kessinger, Wright Auction


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You know what they say – it takes a village. Say hello to the friendly faces who keep everything "Gravitate" running smoothly.

 

GEOFF WOOD

he/him
Founder, Owner

Geoff studied community planning at Iowa State and business at Indiana University. For the first decade of his professional life he consulted with local governments around the country. In the second decade he helped build the startup community in Iowa and throughout the Midwest. Now into his third decade he’s working to make sure the community at Gravitate Coworking is the best that it can be while also taking time to enjoy life with his family and the ups and downs of Cyclone sports. He loves travel and meaningless trivia. Fun fact, he circumnavigated the entire Earth over three weeks in 2023.

Abby Rowling

Abby Rowling

she/her
Director of Operations

Meet Abby, a valuable member of the Gravitate team since 2017, previously one of our own members! With experience gained from working with various startup companies, Abby brings a strong passion for the community. When she isn't busy working, you can find her spending time with her partner, laughing at her silly cats, attempting to bake sourdough, or out around town catching every pocket monster on Pokémon Go!

Taryn J

she/her
Project Manager

Meet Taryn, a proud Iowa State graduate and lifelong Cyclone fan. With a major in Human Development and Family Studies, she is well-prepared to understand and support the needs of our members and community. During her free time, Taryn finds joy in the simple pleasures of life — cooking, reading great books, and spending time outside. Oh yeah and her favorite food is pickles.

 

Sydney

she/her
Community Manager

Syd is the glue that holds Midtown together — truly loyal to the suburbs. She has a background in environmental policy and sustainability, but has a lot of experience in so many different industries! She’s been a nanny, vegetable farmer, caterer and house plant professional. You can find her hanging out with her family and partner, laying in hammocks, reading fantasies and planning her next road trip. Come visit her and all the Midtown office dogs! :)

Kelsey

she/her
Community Manager


Meet Kelsey, a creative soul who traded scissors for paintbrushes. Married and a mother of two, she cherishes family adventures and vacations, where she can relax and recharge her creative spirit.

Kelsey has found a home at Gravitate, where she is excited to foster meaningful relationships within the community.

You will find Kelsey at Gravitate Downtown!

Stacey E NILES

she/her
Community Manager

Stacey is a wanderer who loves making friends. She’s ambled her way around places like Dublin and Tokyo and she has dreams of visiting every one of the state parks in Iowa. Her favorite place is where her cats (and fiancé) are. Stacey dreams of building communities where people of any background can find belonging and she is excited to do that through Gravitate. She grew up in a family of storytellers, so don’t be afraid to stop by because she is more than excited to chat! You will find Stacey at Gravitate East Village!

MATT Wetrich

he/him
Gravitate Ambassador


Matt is a family man cruising through a busy chapter of life with 6 school-aged kiddos.

He loves all things nature, traveling to beautiful places with his beautiful wife, art, and photography. Matt is passionate about showing anyone and every one the wonders of the outdoors. And would love if you joined him on an adventure!


Our History

Gravitate Coworking began on July 8, 2013 as Welch Avenue, LLC, an organization focused on helping people to build early-stage, tech-enabled businesses in Iowa.

On September 2, 2014, we launched a coworking space in the heart of downtown Des Moines in the historic Midland Building which is now home to the Surety Hotel.

In April 2017, we expanded to the near-west Des Moines suburbs with our second location, and in October 2020 in Windsor Heights.

In January 2021, we opened our third location in Jefferson Iowa. Gravitate Jefferson is our debut into rural Iowa and an exciting new chapter for future Gravitate across Iowa.

In February 2022, we opened another downtown location on the second floor of the flagship RAYGUN store in East Village Des Moines.

Clay & Milk, a publication focused on telling the story of the entrepreneurial and technology communities throughout Iowa, was created as a separate company in 2016 and acquired by Gravitate in 2018.

Throughout our history we’ve been a home to hundreds and hundreds of members of every color, gender, political-affiliation, sexual orientation, creed, skillset and from every industry you can think of; sometimes for just a few hours or days and often times for many months or years. Gravitate is a place where every one is welcome.

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Recognition:

2021

  • Voted “Best local Coworking Space” by CITYVIEW Magazine

2020

  • Voted “Best local Coworking Space” by CITYVIEW Magazine

  • Selected as one of "The 5 Best Iowa Coworking Spaces of 2020” by Zippia

2019

  • Named to “The IT List: Best Coworking Spaces” by This Is It TV

  • Waukee APEX 2019 Catalyst Award Winer

  • Selected as one of “The 50 Best Coworking Spots in America” by Big 7 Travel

  • Voted “Best local Coworking Space” by CITYVIEW Magazine

2016

  • Named “The Best Coworking Space in Iowa” by Symmetry50


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You can find most of our entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, startup team members at one of our five locations across the state of Iowa. (You may have also seen us all over the internet in stock photos.)


Want to meet in person?

Visit one of our spaces and see the Gravitate difference for yourself.