Venture X

Member Spotlight – Jason Franzen

Flexible workspaces, such as Venture X, have become a viable option for many businesses that had possibly never considered using such a space. The flexible terms offer the much-needed ability to scale up or down as businesses explore what works best for them in a COVID-19 world. Additionally, they offer an option to work in a professional space without the distractions of working from home. The high-end designer spaces are attractive and perfect for meeting with clients and colleagues in person or virtually when needed. At Venture X, we have found that a wide array of businesses prosper in our space. Jason Franzen is the President and Co-Founder of Listeners On Call and works from Venture X Dallas Park Cities.  

Jason is responsible for the design of the brand, message, marketing, and product for Listeners on Call. He explained, “Listeners on Call is a marketplace for empathy. We connect individuals in need of a sounding board with trained listeners who share an experience with the caller. We know that everyone has something they need to share, but not everyone has someone to listen. Our platform removes the stigma of seeking help as well as barriers like cost and compatibility so that everyone can find a confidante.”

We asked Jason some Q & As to get to know him a little better and learn about the journey he’s been on, career-wise. Here’s what he had to say:  

·         What made you want to get involved in this line of work?

I have been an extreme introvert since I was very young. My fear of engagement with others was a tremendous barrier to my growth, and it created an unhealthy pattern of keeping things inside – as my therapist has kindly decoded! While I was fortunate later in life to be able to access support, I know that I could have benefited tremendously from an outlet to share when I was younger. Listeners on Call is a support system for people like my younger self for whom an anonymous channel to connect with another person without fear of judgment can be life changing.

·         What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job?

As an entrepreneur, the realization of an idea into a fully-formed company delivering on our original promise to help people makes every day worthwhile. My Co-Founder and I, along with our spouses, saw the potential for a network of listeners helping people, and we have spent the last year turning that idea into reality. Knowing that we have people finding their outlet in our listeners every day, around the clock, makes all the hard work worth it.

·         What’s the biggest challenge that you have faced in business and how did you overcome it?

Honestly, the greatest challenge I have faced as an entrepreneur has been aligning my interests with a mission and opportunity that could hold my attention. Though I have created and been part of several companies, the toughest code to crack was finding the opportunity where all of my needs were met. As a design entrepreneur, I need to work in an area where my creative skills and business experience apply to a mission that can make a real impact on people’s lives. It took a long time, but I’ve finally found that balance that makes it clear I’m doing what I want to, with the skills I’m blessed with, for a meaningful purpose. When those all align, it’s no longer work!

·         What business tips would you like to share with others?

I always advise would-be entrepreneurs to accept that they are the “ship” in entrepreneurship. We set sail with an idea of where we want to go, but the winds and the waves we confront can take us places we didn’t expect. And there will be times when there is no land in sight and rations are running low. If you can imagine yourself lost at sea, exhausted, starving and even delusional – and then still waking up every day to find a way to reach your destination, you just might be an entrepreneur.

·         What has been your favorite part about working at Venture X?

We’ve had our office for Listeners on Call at Venture X for almost a year, and we’ve enjoyed every day of our time here. The design of the space and the views across Dallas create an atmosphere that makes me want to earn my place in this cool environment every day!

A Personal Look at Jason Franzen

When asked about his greatest inspiration, Jason shared, “My father taught me at an early age that working smarter will always win over working harder. Whenever I find myself swimming upstream, I’m reminded that more effort won’t create progress. Sitting on the bank and figuring out a new route is a much better use of energy.” Sage advice, if you ask us. And when he’s not working, Jason admits he’s a perpetual project person and always needs a new idea to explore and tackle. He says, “I enjoy writing and am always designing solutions to problems no one asked me to consider!”

Whether you’re tired of working from home since the start of COVID-19 or you are looking for a professional workspace that is ready to use on the first day, Venture X just might be the right solution for you. With locations around the country that offer perks and make it easy to focus on work without the stress of a long-term commitment, we think you’ll love working here because this is the future of workspace. Schedule a tour of your local Venture X today!

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