How We Built 
EO House: New York

The concept of EO House: New York has been a longtime dream. Over the last 15 years, there have been a few starts and many discussions about having a space for EO New York entrepreneurs to come together for community, communication, and collaboration.

When Debbie Kiederer became President of EO New York in July 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic was still very much present. But Kiederer was determined that the chapter would bring positive change and impact amidst such a challenging time. Emerging with Power was her theme, and within that the goal to resurrect the EO House idea.

Preliminary discussions and plans with board members got underway in April, as Debbie is eager to get to work while ideas are fresh. She and her EO House: New York Committee, David Jaffe, Liz Reitman, and Adam Jernow, were busy scouring locations in Chelsea, Flatiron, and Union Square and reviewing potential contractors, architects, designers, and other key experts that would help bring EO House to life.

It was at the 2021 Strategy Summit in June that Kiederer presented her strategy, and the 2021-22 EO New York board voted unanimously in favor of making EO House: New York a tangible reality. By August, the 4,146 square-foot space on the 5th floor at 151 West 19th Street was secured, with a lease in hand. Countless meetings with contractors, designers, and furniture experts eventually led to the EO House: New York grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration on January 20, 2022.

We are grateful for the 2021-22 EONY Board members who contributed a total of $91,200. EO House: New York would not be here and thriving without their generous contributions.

Tom Conlon
Tedd Drattell
Sarah Evans
Robin Hafitz
Debbie Kiederer
Bryan Luoma
Shad Mohammed
Chintan Panchal
Liz Reitman
Domenic Romano
Paul Smith
Dave Stein
Sel Watts
Chris Wilkerson

Many thanks to those EO New York members below who graciously donated $19,700 to support our initiative.

Victor Chan
Mark DeRosa
Jason Englander
Brad Ginsburg
Joe Giovannoli
David Jaffe
Adam Jernow
Dominic Piccirillo
Rich Shinnick

Additionally, many thanks to the following companies who invested their time and expertise to allow our space to come alive: Contango, Sabre Integrated Security Systems, The Cody Group, Jaffe Management, Romano Law, Doherty Greenwald LLP, The A Team Consulting, Town Stages, ThorTech Solutions, Manhattan Home Design, and College H.U.N.K.S.: Hauling Junk and Moving in Long Island.

We'd also like to note that the EO House: New York Committee worked with CANOA Supply Co. to procure and oversee warehousing, delivery, and installation of furniture and other furnishings. CANOA is a collaborative modern design tool, based in Brooklyn, that provides interior designers, architects, ff&e specifiers, and facility managers with an embedded marketplace for new and used planet-friendly furniture, lighting, and accessories.
‍
‍EO House: New York is a valiant team effort that speaks to EO Core Values and to the passion we all have as entrepreneurs. Special thanks to everyone listed here—each person was vital in making EO House what it is! 

See you all at EO House: New York!