In The City of Frederick, business spaces go beyond basics. Here, unique offices allow businesses to cultivate creativity, express their company's culture, and create a work environment that inspires. From industrial to classic, artsy to funky, historic to high tech, spaces abound to meet a variety of needs.
Inspiring Offices is a feature that highlights some of the creative and unique office spaces in Frederick.
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes peek inside this month's inspiring office in Frederick - En-Net Services.
June 2015 Inspiring Office - En-Net Services
Originally, En-Net offered networking and energy consulting services to government contractors and major utility companies. By 1997 their offerings expanded to include information technology products to Federal Government agencies. In 1998 En-Net was awarded a GSA schedule that is still utilized today and have formed many partnerships which allows teamwork on additional contract vehicles. Today, they take pride in offering turnkey solutions to all public sector entities including federal, state and local governments, as well as education.
DED staff met with Brian Sheffer, the original founding member and President, and learned the history about their unique building and office space.
Why did you choose your current office location and how long has En-Net been located here?
En-Net has always been located Downtown, in a previous location from 1996 to 2009, and now in our current location on East Street. We were looking to expand our facility and wanted ample parking for our employees. Our current location provides both, plus easy access to all parts of Frederick County. En-Net employees love the fact that they work close to wonderful shops and restaurants in Downtown Frederick.
Was it “move in” ready or did you have to design/fit it out?
The previous owner of our building did a remarkable job in renovating and updating the building to accommodate a growing business. However, due to our specific office needs, we reconfigured some of the office space. We also repainted the entire interior and exterior of the building and just recently put in all new energy efficient lighting and windows.
An original torpedo hangs above the front porch entrance, honoring the building's
original use as a torpedo manufacturer.
What inspirations did you use to decorate/design the space?
When redesigning our office space, we wanted to preserve the history of the original structure, which was a torpedo manufacturer, and then a gymnasium. We kept the original hardwood floors in the main entrance with the gymnasium logo. The office space also has an open warehouse ceiling, so we designed our sales staff offices to reflect the modern "aluminum and glass' feeling. Overall, we wanted to strike a balance with historical and modern while making the office space updated and functional for our business needs.
Another previous use of the building was the East Street Gym. Current owners Brian Sheffer and Kyle Yost kept the original hardwood floors and the gym logo intact.
What are the most unique aspects about your office space?
When sales representatives come into our office for the first time, they are amazed at how unique it is compared to other modular-style office buildings. We have vibrant colors on the walls throughout both floors and an original torpedo hanging above the front porch entrance honoring the original structure. The business unit locations on two floors allow camaraderie among colleagues while providing easy access for all employees to work together as needed.
Offices retain an modern feel with aluminum and glass design elements.
What do your employees like best about the office space?
En-Net prides itself in having a family culture among our employees. It was important for us to provide an office space reflecting this unique working environment. Our current office provides the appropriate balance of an efficient business operation with an updated and fun decorating style in a convenient location in vibrant downtown Frederick.
Enjoy More Photos of En-Net's Inspiring Office Space
Corrugated metal and artwork balance nicely against the original hardwood floors and a pop of green color.
Metal mail slots are functional and allow staff to also express their personalities.
Paintings such as the silhouette of a woman and the faux window scene add an element of fun and whimsy to the office space.
This cheerful office swag is sure to bring a smile to faces.
Find Your Own Inspiring Office
If you are looking to open or expand a business in Frederick, we can help.
Contact us, and let us help you find your own inspiring office space so you can build your dream.
If YOU know of any interesting office spaces, let us know and we will put them on our list to feature!