What it’s really like at The Co-Create Innovation Hub

I almost gave up on the idea of a creative community in Russellville—until a 7:30 AM Facebook post stopped me cold. One minute I’m sipping coffee, convinced the timing isn’t right. The next, I’m staring at my phone thinking, well…there it is.

I realized tonight that I’ve never told the real story of what it’s like being part of The Co-Create Innovation Hub (The Hub). So here it is—how a half-formed idea, a tiny downtown office, and one unexpected post ended up shaping my work life.

How It Started

It’s around May 2023. I’ve just met a few local entrepreneurs and we’re all saying the same thing: Russellville needs a place to build things together. Coffee shops are too distracting. Libraries too quiet. Home is too isolated.

Emily Young and I decided to give it a shot. She had a ~400 sq ft office downtown where she ran her design agency—perfect as a proof-of-concept. We called it The Brainstorm Space. We knew it wouldn’t be a money machine, but maybe it could at least break even and show the need. Emily kept her lease. I basically “office-surfed” while I figured out my next move.

They Beat Us

None of that ended up mattering. By the time we started putting The Brainstorm Space out there—around February 2024—word hit that a brand-new project called The Hub was about to launch.

Emily sent me a Facebook link at 7:30 AM. I stared at it and thought, They beat us. There was no way our little room could compete with the size and resources they clearly had. For about thirty minutes, I felt completely deflated.

Eureka!

Then it hit me.
Did I ever really want to own a coworking space?

The answer was no. What I wanted was to work around driven, accountable people who were building big things. The space was just a way to get there. Once I saw that, I realized... Maybe this wasn’t a setback at all, it was the door we were looking for.

Joining The Hub

Within two weeks I’d reached out to Chris and Tara Abington to see what they were building. At the time I was deep into my podcast LevelUp Russellville, so I invited Chris on to talk about it.

I loved their vision. I trusted them (they’re also the aunt and uncle of my childhood best friend, Luke Scott). So I went all-in. As a bonus, Chris and Tara hired me to build The Hub’s website and help with early marketing.

They're Crazy, They Have To Be

The Abingtons had to be a little crazy to pull this off. They looked at Russellville—a town known for saying no to new ideas, and decided it needed a 15,000-square-foot innovation hub. Then they just went and built it.

I’m glad they did. They bet on the future when most people wouldn’t, and they didn’t let fear win. When you feel called to build something, you either answer or pay the price.

Tackling Doubt

Not everyone in town has been sold on the idea. I’ve had plenty of conversations with people who say Russellville isn’t big enough, or that the need isn’t really here. Maybe. But I’ve seen what happens when you give people space and community, ideas multiply. I’d rather bet on possibility than on fear.

Finding Identity

A place like The Hub can go one of two ways: it can drift into being just another office complex, or it can become an incubator for big dreams. The second path is where the long-term value lives. Right now The Hub is walking that line, and the community is what tips the scale.

For me, it’s given something a home office never could: drive. When you’re surrounded by people chasing hard goals, the vibe changes. My closest community is in my own team and in Chris and Tara, who’ve become both mentors and peers. Helping out, even when nothing comes directly back, has become part of my routine, and part of my calling.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. Even on pure dollars and cents, the membership pays for itself. The internet, amenities, and visibility are worth more than I spend, and I rent the most expensive office layout. On top of that, the connections and business that have come from simply being here are hard to measure. The intangible value just keeps growing.

The Pros

1. Client wow factor. The size and design of the space instantly signal credibility.
2. 24/7 access and speed. High-speed internet and plenty of quiet corners mean I can work any time I need.
3. Everyday comforts. Coffee, snacks, and a front café make long days easier.

The Cons

1. Interruptions. My office location brings great connections but also unexpected drop-ins. When I need deep focus, I sometimes slip into a quieter nook.
2. Community depth. I’d love to see more high-energy members to tighten the circle.
3. Events. More member-driven workshops and regular gatherings would take it to the next level.

The Future

I see a season of explosive growth ahead, The Hub becoming the place on Russellville’s radar. I want to see a regular calendar of workshops, guest speakers, and seminars, and a back member space alive with people building things side by side.

The Connect & Accelerate weekend was a glimpse of that future: two days of guest speakers, booths, and dozens upon dozens of community members in motion. If that energy became monthly, we’d have something rare.

Closing Note

The Hub proves that big ideas don’t have to leave small towns. If you’ve got a dream, you don’t have to wait for the perfect time or a bigger city. Come see the space. Meet the people. Catch the spark.

As Chris and Tara like to say, Why Not Here?