Evan Jones: Good Life unveils a very different office building
Co-founders say they want to give back to the community.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 02:11 PM
WRITTEN BY EVAN JONES
Conor Delaney and Courtnie Nein wanted to show Berks County how a business can think outside the box.
The co-founders of the Good Life Companies, a financial advisory firm, opened their headquarters in Cumru Township to the public Thursday with tours and refreshments.
Located in the former La-Z-Boy furniture store along Lancaster Pike, the 28,000-square-foot building underwent $3 million in renovations.
And if you think it is nothing but desks and computer monitors, along with a simple break room, you’d be very wrong.
Just stepping through the front door, you’re in a spacious lobby area with a high ceiling, that is also a juice bar that’s open to the public. Good Life Organics serves smoothies, juices, teas and yogurt dishes.
On the same side is a fully equipped gym, the Good Life Fitness Institute. It’s also open to the public and memberships are available that allow use of the facilities and 24-hour access.
Health, in both finances and the body, are a common theme.
After all, stress over finances has been known to shorten lifespans. Delaney said there are plenty of millionaires with health problems, and those with small savings accounts that are in good physical shape. The goal is to get both positive aspects in sync.
“We want health and wellness going in the same direction,” Delaney explained.
Another reason for the headquarters’ open spaces is to remind customers that Good Life is not just any advisory firm.
“People expect to see crown molding, but we want to think more like Good Life and less like Merrill (Lynch),” Delaney said. “They expect men that are buttoned-down with cuff links. We look like the people we serve.”
Meeting and office space on the first floor are open for area non-profits and a dozen have taken up Good Life’s offer. Two that have set up shop include the Reading Berks Council of Churches and a new organization called the Small Business Resource Association.
Upstairs, the company’s offices are mixed in with a studio to make podcasts and videos, including an editing room, and baskets of fresh fruit along the hallway for a quick snack.
Additionally, Good Life employees have additional perks including a full-service bar, a game room and a full kitchen area. The latter is being used for after-hours cooking classes for children.
Essentially, they want to present this refitted building as a gift from Good Life to the Berks community.
“We broke the mold when we designed our headquarters,” Nein said in a press release. “We created a space were our employees, clients and the community will be excited to spend time. Most importantly the building fits our mission, a good life equals health and wealth. In our workplace, we promote a culture of positivity, physical wellness and financial knowledge.”
Contact Business Editor Evan Jones: 610-371-5066 or ejones@readingeagle.com.