New idea hatches for Lakewood Ranch Main Street

When Keith Pandeloglou was 11, he learned to build computers and started selling them.

Now, at 34, his passion for being an entrepreneur continues.

Pandeloglou signed a four-year lease April 4 for the only vacant suite on Lakewood Main Street.

The Lakewood Ranch resident plans to launch his business, Cowork LWR, May 1.

His vision for Cowork LWR is similar to a business incubator, giving one- and two-employee companies, startups, freelancers and entrepreneurs somewhere to call home without the profit-obliterating costs of renting their own offices. Clients buy a membership, and the level of membership allows different access to amenities and services.

The interior of the space is under construction, but Pandeloglou has its future layout envisioned, a couch and lounge chair area, individual desks for the top-tier renting clients, a main “computer bar” for clients to plug in and hang out, a conference room and a recording studio for podcasting.

“I wanted to build a place I wanted to work,” he said.

Determined not to have the “corner office,” Pandeloglou said he could see himself sitting out at the computer bar, helping out clients with business development, or sitting outside on Main Street with his cocker spaniel, Riley, whom he plans on bringing along.

Pandeloglou owns UTC Venture Group, a business investment company, and Cowork LWR is his first investment.

Another of Pandeloglou’s passions, which he hopes to foster with his clients at Cowork LWR, is making better connections across organizations throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties, such as hosting joint events for both community’s Young Professionals Groups.

“The best thing is when there’s collaboration with other groups,” he said.