Erick Novack isn't an entrepreneur, but it's hard to find a new business owner in Detroit who doesn't know him.
The 35-year-old West Village resident is the operations manager for the
Russell Industrial Center. That means he brings in and sets up the
hundreds of small businesses, start-ups and artists who have flocked to the
old Rust Belt factory turned organic business incubator. His phone is constantly ringing from people with
big dreams of starting, or moving, a small business in Detroit. It puts Novack in the unique position of knowing what start-ups in Detroit are looking for and need.
Describe your business in two sentences or less:I am the operations manager for Russell Industrial Center, the fastest growing small business haven and artist community in the Midwest.
Why did you decide to set up shop in Detroit?We purchased the building in 2003 before it was to be shut down. At the time there were 30 tenants, 10 of which were small business and/or commercial artists. We decided to continue the natural occurrence which took place in the old factory. We designed small spaces that enabled small businesses, start-up companies, artists and any other innovative entrepreneur to have an office or operation at an affordable cost.
What are some of the advantages to doing business here?Square footage price for office and work space is very affordable. Also, Detroit is in an excellent location to ship products worldwide and being in the middle of the map it is a conducive place to centralize your business on a national level.
What do you see in Detroit that other people who live outside the city don't?Architecture, new developments with affordable rates (housing and commerical), a fantastic artist culture and community. So many institutions that are world class like the DIA, Detroit Zoo and countless modern art galleries or museums. Oh, and the library ain't half bad either.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about opening a business in the Motor City?Come see me first. If I don't have the space you need, I will help you find it.
If you could change one thing about Detroit, what would it be?I think most would say the transit system, and for others it would be the accountability of city officials. I personally believe any city or any place for that matter is what you make of it.
Source: Eric Novack, operations manager of the Russell Industrial Center
Writer: Jon Zemke
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.