Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Pastewka.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Phase Two began as a hazy idea about two years ago. The idea was to help bridge the gap between the “creative” and “business person”; between the technologist and storyteller. We have noticed that companies and people tend to define themselves too early. We have experienced this personally. The issue is: when you define yourself narrowly, you tend to dismiss opportunities that might be good for you and cling to outdated ideas. So, we believe in flexibility. Flexibility in identity; flexibility in beliefs; and flexibility in approach. Individuals or organizations with seemingly opposing mindsets can benefit from each other. In some ways, they define each other. It’s all about the community. Smart people with diverse perspectives. And it is this thought process that led us to settle on building this business. The space brings together the best of well-designed workspace, with the flexibility to accommodate an array of events, educational seminars, screenings, productions, while cultivating a unique community around tech, media, and entertainment.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any other business, we encounter new problems every single day. Sometimes they’re immediate and administrative; other times they’re longer term and big picture. I think a lot of being an entrepreneur is rolling with the punches, so that’s what we’re trying to do. There’s a lot of learning and we’re just trying to stay open-minded to all the feedback. Because ultimately, that’s what is going to make us better. Feedback from members and thinking about ways that things can be done better.
Phase Two – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Phase Two is a coworking space for entrepreneurs and creators in tech, media, and entertainment. We had the opportunity to take over the previous Maker Studios space in the Culver City area and design it with our own unique mission in mind. We provide all the elements of a well-designed workspace, as well as the key amenities of a small studio. We have a 1,000 square foot green screen cycle, onsite lighting and grip rentals, offices, conference rooms, onsite parking, phone booths that can be used for voiceover work, a 150″ projector screen, 4K projector, a shower, high-speed internet, and dog friendly atmosphere. We host events, educational seminars, mixers, etc. We are a family business and pride ourselves on being flexible to our customers’ needs. This is all part our mission to cultivate a community of forward-thinkers.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
It has been two years of hard work to get to this point, and like with any new business, you sort of live with this base level of fear that it might not last. The fact that Phase Two has launched and people are impressed and receptive to the space is amazing. Now we’re excited for the next phase of the space: to build and cultivate a strong community.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5877 Rodeo Road
Los Angeles, CA 90016 - Website: www.phasetwospace.com
- Phone: 424-603-7936
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/phasetwospace
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/phasetwospace
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/phasetwospace
Image Credit:
Top Photo: Phase Two Team (from left to right): Peter Pastewka, Lilly Nguyen, Dan Pastewka
Location Photos by: Barcelo Photography (http://mrbarcelo.com)
Photo Booth Photos by: Prime Booth (http://primebooth.com)
Featuring: Elise Laplante & Franki Butler
Still Photos from Phase Two 90 Second Promo Video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfKPPePJsfE)
Producer: Dan Pastewka (www.phasetwospace.com)
Director: Sarah Wilson Thacker (http://www.sarahwilsonthackerfilm.com)
Director of Photography: Ryan Broomberg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3517217/)
Featuring: Brandon Hairston & Emily Wilson
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