Small business owners who rent their storefronts know that having a good relationship with the landlord can be an important factor for business success, not to mention peace of mind. But how would you like to have a landlord that actively works to promote your business and cares deeply about your business principles?
Such is the case with Pam Rogow, who owns the Green on Greene building in Mt Airy. She actively recruits tenants that have green mission--not just green practices, but a full intention to their work. The businesses that occupy her building have contributed to the eco-conscious vibe in the area around Carpenter Lane and Greene Street known as the Mt Airy Village. Her current tenants include GreenPadLiving, which sells green housewares and refurbishes furniture using environmentally sensitive products, the Moving Arts of Mt Airy Studio, which Pam founded in the space over a decade ago, and Philly Electric Wheels, which sells electric bicycles. Her two-story, mixed-use corner building has a number of charming features, including a huge terrace on the second floor that overlooks a private garden (she also lives in the building), and reclaimed interior features from a Wanamaker mansion brought in after WWII. Even her electricity wiring was updated to be as energy efficient as possible.
For Pam, the decision to recruit businesses with green ethics stems from a long history of cultural and sustainable projects in Philadelphia, namely through planning and design. About three years ago she worked as the Founding Producer of Greenfest Philly, and, as she says “knew a lot of the folks in the sustainability world here.” She was also beginning to rethink how her building was being used, so when she found out that one of the event’s sponsors wanted to open a store retailing green home design products, she decided to offer him a space in her building.
When that business was sold and changed locations, Pam decided to begin advertising only for businesses with a green mission to occupy the space. It is the story of her recruitment of Philly Electric Wheels, the current tenant, that most clearly demonstrates Pam’s commitment to environmental and community-oriented principles. She says that once she began advertising, many people approached her with different ideas about how to use the space. But, when her neighbor, Afshin Khaighobady, talked with her about opening a store that rents and sells electric bicycles she knew it was just the right fit.
“So I made him an offer: The first two months were rent-free, but he would hire me to do his launch. That worked out very well for everyone and today Philly Electric Wheels (Phew! to its fans) is still the only store in Philadelphia dedicated to electric bicycles, and has by far the biggest selection of models and makes of electric bicycles in the region.”
Pam’s commitment to green standards and her desire to work with people in the community demonstrates the power that landlords have to promote small businesses with strong environmental ethics. By supporting these small businesses, she is helping to create a business community that provides products that change the way we interact with the world.
Electric bicycle commuting, anyone?
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