Today we’d like to introduce you to Spence Young.
Hi Spence, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began over 30 years ago in the corporate world, where I worked with industry leaders like IBM, United Healthcare, and GE Healthcare as a Network Administrator and in various other roles. Those years provided me with invaluable experience, but I always knew I was meant to forge my own path. In 2015, I made a bold decision to leave corporate America and start my own business, driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire for greater personal and community impact.
In 2018, I took a exciting step by purchasing my first franchise. After running a franchise for 3 years and learning everything small business, I sold and decided to come up with my own concept. I currently own and operate Litchfield Collective LLC in Pawleys Island. Our core mission is to support small businesses by providing affordable, flexible executive office space with all utilities and high-speed internet included. Having a phsical address is critical when owning a business. Everything from Google Maps to laws in South Carolina requiring a phsical address for some types of businesses. It is important to look professional as a company and be visible in a digital world. We rent to a diverse range of tenants, from national companies like JP Morgan Chase to local entrepreneurs just starting out. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see these businesses grow and thrive, knowing that we’ve provided them with a professional space to focus, succeed, and expand.
Over the past four years, we’ve evolved beyond just office space. We now offer Website Design, SEO, and Marketing services through our “Collective” brand, because we understand that local businesses need more than just a physical space, they need visibility, marketing, and community support. We have become a part of the fabric of Pawleys Island, helping the local economy flourish and fostering strong relationships within our community.
Additionally, I serve as an Administrator for Pawleys Island Peeps, managing over 200,000 followers on Facebook. It’s a platform where we celebrate local businesses, share community events, and strengthen our neighborhood bonds. Being deeply involved in this vibrant community is a true passion of mine.
My story is about community, growth, and giving back. I believe that local businesses are the heartbeat of our community, and I strive every day to support their success. That’s what drives me—and where I see our company heading next: continuing to empower local entrepreneurs and enhance our beloved Pawleys Island.
Alright, 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?
No, the journey hasn’t been a smooth road. Owning a business always comes with its challenges. But I firmly believe that hard work, dedication, and genuinely caring for your customers are the keys to success. One of the toughest decisions we faced at Litchfield Collective was letting go of our Co-Working space. Unfortunately, the Co-Working model didn’t take off as we hoped in Pawleys Island, which was a difficult realization.
However, instead of seeing it as a setback, we chose to adapt and focus on what works: our Executive Office Space. We’ve refined our services to offer flexible options like daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly rentals. No long-term leases or complicated contracts. We also don’t charge triple net or CAM fees, which can be burdensome for small businesses. Instead, we provide a straightforward, all-inclusive solution with just a 30-day notice to vacate, giving small businesses the freedom and flexibility they need to grow.
That experience taught us a valuable lesson in resilience and agility. We’re committed to supporting local entrepreneurs with affordable, hassle-free office solutions that truly help them succeed. That’s always been our mission, and we’re proud to pivot and continue offering real value to the Pawleys Island community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work life has been quite diverse, and I’m proud of the extensive experience I bring to the table. I earned my Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification in 2000, which opened the door to building networks for banks while working at IBM. Later, when IBM faced a slowdown in that area, I transitioned into the healthcare field at United Healthcare, working with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems. This shift gave me a unique advantage, melding IT infrastructure with real-world healthcare applications, including building apps that performed vital functions.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition, including a Certificate of Excellence from GE Healthcare for writing code that helped speed up surgical charts for doctors across the country. I’ve also created intranet websites for billion-dollar corporations, which gave me invaluable insights into both enterprise-level IT and customer service.
All of this rich experience translates directly into the services I offer at Litchfield Collective. We’re able to provide local businesses with a level of IT support and technology solutions that are typically reserved for large corporations. Everything from website design and SEO to comprehensive IT consulting and support. I’m most proud of my career’s journey and the ability to leverage my skills to support and empower local entrepreneurs here in Pawleys Island. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of both technology and community needs, allowing us to be true partners in small business success.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe that integrity is the cornerstone of true success. It’s about being honest, transparent, and consistently doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. In business and in life, integrity builds trust. Trust that your words are genuine, your actions are reliable, and your commitments are unwavering. For me, success is not just measured by accomplishments, but by the legacy of trust and credibility I leave behind. When you operate with integrity, you foster strong relationships, earn loyalty, and create a reputation that stands the test of time. It’s the most valuable trait I can have because it guides every decision I make and every interaction I have. Ensuring that I serve my community, my clients, and my team with honesty and honor at the core.
Pricing:
- Small Offices start at $495
- Medium Offices start at $695
- Large Offices start at $895
- Websites start at $995
- SEO/AEO/GEO available!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://litchfieldcollective.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litchfieldcollective
- Other: https://share.google/eC907R5d7J6T402aU
