Ben Rao, a real estate investor, started Community Buying Group in 2010 in the garage of one of his rental properties as a two-person operation. Five years later, CBG reached 60,000 investors and more than 350 affiliate organizations.
In typical entrepreneur style, Ben is now using his powers to help other entrepreneurs and small business owners accelerate their growth by providing resources and connections to the broader business community.
His latest venture is Bridge Space, a 13,000 square-foot co-working space that has transformed the old Lee’s Summit Post Office into a destination for Lee’s Summit entrepreneurs to convene. Bridge Space was designed with the entrepreneur in mind. Not only does it provide flexible office space but meeting rooms and an event space that can hold up to 200 people.
Our first meeting ran three hours as Ben interviewed me for his E2 Hustle podcast which will be airing soon. Then I had the opportunity to interview him for In Layman’s Terms. You can listen to the episode here.
As is always the case, I learn something from each of my guests. Ben surprised me with his ‘first date’ questions so I couldn’t help but borrow of a few of those questions. And if it sounds like Ben is leading the interview on occasion, you would be correct.
When asked his favorite read, Ben said: The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results. As for adding value, if you know of someone who would be a great community manager, Bridge Space is ready to hire. The requirements: good with technology, great with process and fabulous with people. Contact Ben at [email protected].
Be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn and check out the Bridge Space website too. If you’re a podcast fan, then be sure to listen to the E2 Hustle podcast. On a side note, Ben mentions Crazy Boxers which you can find on Amazon.com.
For the rest of the In Layman’s Terms episodes go to iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. Be sure to subscribe for automatic updates and thanks to everyone who’s left a review! You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn or feel free to drop me a line at [email protected].
Stay tuned for episode 43!
