Loloft, a local venture backed startup whose investors include RZC Investments, the investment platform for Steuart and Tom Walton, and  Revolution VC, is redefining the warehousing/coworking landscape in NWA, by opening its innovative co-warehousing space in Downtown Rogers. 

About Loloft

The company was founded by Brendan Howell and Paola Ibarra. In just a few months, Loloft has transformed the old ice factory at 600 S 1st St in Rogers from a derelict warehouse into a state-of-the-art co-warehousing and co-working facility. For those familiar with the building, the renovation has been nothing short of astonishing. Modus Studio of Fayetteville served as the architect and Rogers-based construction company sqf2 designed the interiors and completed the build. With doors opening earlier this month to members, this unique facility is already home base to a number of small and growth-stage companies that need physical space to store, manage, and ship their products without the traditional burdens of long-term leases. Current members encompass a wide array of businesses, such as those specializing in cycling equipment, health and beauty products, technology, coffee brewing, and even champagne distribution.

Loloft's Micro-Warehouses provide private, lockable, climate-controlled, and secure workspaces, ranging from 150 SF to 2,000 SF, available on a monthly basis. Catering to businesses in e-commerce distribution, final assembly, and R&D operations, the shared dock facilities include drive in access and a dock high door to receive semi trailers. Loloft seeks to be a catalyst for growth and success in the region.

The Downtown Rogers location also offers private offices for those who want their own space, dedicated desk space for those who want their own desk in a shared environment, and hot desk memberships for entrepreneurs who prefer to hang out and work in the common areas. The space has shared conference rooms, private phone booths, high speed WiFi, and freshly brewed coffee on tap all day.

About the Founders

The company was founded by Brendan Howell and Paola Ibarra. Howell has led a diverse and fascinating journey, beginning with working on aircraft in his native New Zealand through to launching tech startups in San Francisco and Miami. 

Ibarra’s journey began at the Council of Communication, a nonprofit organization specializing in crafting above the line media campaigns in Mexico City, where she supported social initiatives aimed at fostering job creation and enhancing education. Ibarra also worked with social entrepreneurs at Ashoka, Florida.

After a partial exit from his last tech venture, Howell and Ibarra began manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This became more than just a business move; it ignited a passion and a strong desire to bring manufacturing back to the US.

With a recommendation from a friend, the pair sent the equipment ahead and moved from Miami to Northwest Arkansas to build this new venture. However, upon arrival, they faced an unexpected challenge: finding a suitable space for the manufacturing business. They needed 5,000 square feet for a year, but the closest accommodations they could find was 20,000 square feet for five years.

Undeterred, they turned this challenge into an opportunity. After persistent efforts, Howell managed to convince Bill Stribling, president of Stribling, to let him build a 2,000 SF micro-assembly plant inside a 280,000 SF warehouse. (Stribling is a locally based company that owns distribution and fulfillment centers in Rogers and Lowell as well as locations in Missouri and Nebraska.) The image of Brendan and his father-in-law rolling out medical-grade epoxy on the warehouse floor--akin to rolling chewing gum-- embodies their hands-on approach and creativity. 

As word spread about their project, interest grew among other businesses. “People saw what we had done and asked if they could also share the space,” says Howell. He then got the idea to combine coworking office space with warehousing. Inspired by the frustration of small businesses lacking feasible warehouse space options led to the birth of a new company. Loloft emerged from a problem and became the solution, reflecting Howell and Ibarra’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovative thinking.

A community of like-minded creators

Loloft offers opportunities to connect, collaborate on projects, and learn new skills through their events including meet and greets and talks with experts in their fields. Their community is designed to inspire and motivate business owners and entrepreneurs to reach new heights. They are committed to helping businesses scale up as needed. Their mascot, Monster, is there to be helpful. He illustrates the team's willingness to assist with whatever a business needs to thrive in their spaces.  

Ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration

Loloft will officially open its doors on August 24th with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration at 5:00 p.m. The community is invited to join the ceremony along with leaders from the Rogers Lowell Chamber. Attendees will hear an introductory conversation with Startup Junkie's Jeff Amerine and founders Brendan and Paola. Following the ribbon cutting festivities is a reception with  "thank you drinks" to show appreciation for new and continued friendships.

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Join Loloft in Building a Bright Future

Loloft embodies the collaborative spirit of Northwest Arkansas, committed to alleviating the challenges faced by scaling businesses. You are invited to: take a tour, share this opportunity with a friend, and become part of a future filled with growth, collaboration, and success at Loloft.