Coffeehouse America

I have to give credit for this blog idea to my good friend and coworker, Robby (Vice President of The C4 Group). One day recently, we were working at coffeehouses in our respective cities (him, Seattle, me, Springfield, MO). We were talking through a bunch of C4 communications pieces and it struck us as funny: how much of our careers do we owe to America's coffeehouses?

Okay, I'll be the first to admit it's a funny question. But think about it. In an age where the physical office is being traded for a virtual one, and the surge of coffeehouses offering patrons free internet access, a flat work surface, and a constant flow of caffeine, how much have we been able to accomplish outside the office? A lot. And does it speak even more to the type of work many nonprofits, such as The C4 Group, are doing: going outside their offices, their selves, and partnering with others in addressing the needs of a world that is 'out there' and not at our desks? What do you think?

Don't get me wrong. I'm moving to Seattle next month and am really excited to be working in an office. We'll get a lot done and be better equipped when more members of the C4 team can work in a collective space. I just wanted to take a moment today to poise an interesting cultural observation. And also, to thank my coffeehouse of choice, the Mudhouse in bustling downtown Springfield, for allowing me to work away in their 'office'.