Oneta's first occupant is the 10-year old gift wholesaler, Volo Trading. They moved in this winter after outgrowing their previous space - and they chose carefully when they relocated.Owner Mark Staiano identified location combined with price as their primary consideration. With seven employees at Volo, Mark estimates that their combined total daily commute distance is 10 miles! He loves the fact that Oneta is located in the heart of an artist and musician haven, referring to the nearby residential areas; Volo employees represent about ten Athens bands.
Volo has some room for growth in their new 6,400 square foot Oneta space. Mark liked that he was able to configure the space to their needs; they have a sizable kitchen, several offices - including spaces that could be used for retail - a large warehouse with garage doors to the loading dock, and a big mezzanine above the bathrooms and offices that houses a lounge, workout area and casual band set up.
As you can see here with employee Thomas dropping in, they had enough extra floor space to build a skateboard half pipe ramp.
Mark shared one detail about their space that shows how complete the Oneta facility is: Volo receives shipments via semi trailer delivery a couple times per month. At their old space, Volo would have to pay the shipping company a $140 lift gate fee. At Oneta, the loading dock eliminates that fee - and their warehouse door happens to be just yards from the dock.
Hanging out in Volo's Oneta space was fun. The open space is clean and well designed, and flooded with natural light from ample skylights. The staff was cuing up music and answering phones, taking a moment to show off some skating. From the front, you look out at the parking area, new landscaping, and the sky - tucked away right next to the by-pass, neighborhoods, and close to downtown. The Volo experience demonstrates the appeal of buying at Oneta, and enjoying where you work.
