Heather Heckroot is a vital piece in the unique fabric of North Kansas City. As the founder of The Co-Op at Shoal Creek, Heather has created a coworking space that feels like family, designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses grow out of their spaces. Located at 6816 North Church Road, Pleasant Valley, Missouri, The Co-Op offers an ideal location with private offices, open coworking spaces, hot desks, and conference rooms available to the public. The venue also features four different-sized event spaces, capable of hosting groups of 15 to 1300 people, and they are in the process of incorporating a daycare and Montessori within the building, highlighting their family-focused approach. With proven techniques for coworking and networking intentionally being used the most unique is Heather herself, a heart and human-centric operator whose desk is next to her residents at the Co-Op.
Heather’s journey to building communities began with her roles at iWerx, the Grid, and other spaces dedicated to fostering work and interest-based communities. Her passion for creating connections and supporting small businesses led her to establish The Co-Op at Shoal Creek, where she continues championing local entrepreneurs.
Regarding teams and community, her most important one was built with Wes Heckroot and their kids, C.K., Zach, Lucas, Eralyn, and Tessa, who make up the ‘Super 7.’ They are her rock, with Wes always supporting her endeavors, celebrating her wins, and consoling her during tough times she continues bringing a smile through the challenges of entrepreneurship. Heather’s business partner, Bob Martin, started as her mentor and has become integral to The Co-Op. His guidance and collaboration have amplified Heather’s growth and the results of working with him. Together, this is the heart and soul of Kansas City’s newest community.
Heather’s dedication to community building is evident in her numerous accolades. She was named mentor and coach of the year for a youth program and has hosted over 100 events, including networking events, goat yoga, art festivals, car shows, fundraisers, and conferences. The Co-Op’s focus on small teams looking for a family feel is evident, and their event spaces are sought after by large companies like Publify Press for major events and conferences.
Heather’s passion for community and family is reflected in her personal story. In the late 2010s, her oldest son C.K. joined a robotics team, which required significant fundraising efforts. Heather, while not adept at building robots, excelled at problem-solving and community-building. Her efforts led her to a coworking space that offered her a job, and she fell in love with the environment, becoming a small business cheerleader and advocate. Her office became a therapy room for many businesses, providing a space to ideate, reflect, or simply get their minds off work. This experience solidified her passion for supporting small businesses and fostering community connections.
Looking forward, Heather sees herself refining her skills and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She envisions The Co-Op at Shoal Creek fulfilling its mission of supporting businesses until they outgrow the coworking space and become resources for current residents. The community concert series is set to launch at their state-of-the-art music venue, furthering their goal of building a vibrant community through local music and artist support.
The Co-Op at Shoal Creek is named for its location in Kansas City and its mission to build a cooperative community. Heather’s goal is for their residents to outgrow their coworking offices due to the support and love they receive while being part of The Co-Op. A story that exemplifies her heart for community and family is when her son’s robotics team needed a home during school construction. Heather reached out to a coworking space, connected with the community, and discovered her passion for supporting small businesses. She began hosting networking events and became the human connection for many entrepreneurs, providing a neutral, supportive environment.
Heather’s call to action is for readers to connect with The Co-Op at Shoal Creek. Whether through social media or personal outreach, Heather encourages everyone to reach out and become part of the community she has built. The Co-Op takes pride in maintaining a personal touch, and Heather’s story is a testament to the power of community and the impact one person can have on the lives of many.
For event space, career advice, or to hear a strong story about finding a way to work within her purpose, reach out to Heather Heckroot at heather@coopatshoalcreek.com. Follow The Co-Op at Shoal Creek’s journey on their website and social media at thecoopatshoalcreek.com and the ‘Co-Op at Shoal Creek’ on Facebook. Join Heather and The Co-Op at Shoal Creek in building a vibrant, supportive community in North Kansas City.
Published By: Aize Perez
