About Our Co-Warehousing Community
Meet Our Team & Learn the History of Elevator
Providing A Platform for Growth
At Elevator, community is at the heart of everything we do. We’re creating an environment where small businesses, ecommerce brands, creatives, and founders can thrive, connect, and scale together.
Our spaces combine flexible offices, coworking, and warehouse units with business-minded amenities, educational events, and hands-on support — all in one membership.
But what truly sets Elevator apart is our belief in doing well by doing good. Our members grow their businesses here and contribute to a stronger, more connected local economy while they do it.
The Elevator Story
From Living Room Chaos to Community Catalyst
The Idea
Like many entrepreneurs, Shannon and Emiliano Lerda started their first business from home. Between raising two kids and fulfilling online orders, their living room turned into a chaotic mix of inventory, packing tape, and stress. It didn’t take long to realize they needed more space. But when they started exploring their options, everything seemed to be either inflexible, unaffordable, or simply not designed for small and growing businesses.
That problem sparked an idea: what if warehousing worked like coworking? Flexible, scalable, and built with entrepreneurs in mind. Not just office space with Wi-Fi, but a physical infrastructure that supported shipping, receiving, inventory storage, meetings, content creation, and community.
A Vision That Became a Movement
In 2022, they turned that idea into reality by opening Elevator in Omaha, Nebraska. They repurposed a historic downtown building — once home to O’Keefe Elevator — and transformed it into a multi-level hub for entrepreneurs. With warehouse units, private offices, coworking space, meeting rooms, loading docks, and business amenities under one roof, Elevator quickly resonated with a diverse mix of ecommerce sellers, creatives, service providers, and small teams.
What started as a solution to a personal challenge has grown into a platform designed to help others solve theirs.
Led by Experience. Driven by Purpose.
Shannon brought a background in finance and commercial real estate lending, giving her a sharp understanding of how infrastructure can support business success. Emiliano’s roots in law, nonprofit leadership, and real estate investment and development made him a strategic leader, deeply committed to creating community-driven spaces that provide value to investors and fuel economic mobility.
Elevator is proudly minority- and woman-owned, and was built to serve entrepreneurs and the neighborhoods and cities they’re growing in.
Still Just Getting Started
Since opening, Elevator has expanded to new markets and continued to evolve its model, always with the same mission: to elevate small businesses by giving them the tools, space, and support they need to thrive. Whether you’re shipping orders, building a brand, or looking for a work environment that understands your hustle, Elevator is here to help you grow.
2022
Elevator Omaha opens as the flagship location
2025
Elevator expands to Des Moines
2025
Elevator is launching Kansas City & Lincoln locations this fall!
Meet the Elevator Team
Emiliano Lerda
CEO & Co-Founder
Shannon Lerda
President & Co-Founder
Levi Cermak
Chief Revenue Officer
Josh Peterson
Vice President of Marketing
Miles McDonald
Vice President of Operations
Leigha Atkisson
Regional Community Manager
Alexander O'Neill
Director of Sales Enablement
Maci Freiburger
Des Moines Community Manager
Zane Caudell
St. Louis Community Manager
Marisa Potts
Des Moines Community Growth Manager
Ethan Munson
Lincoln Community Manager
Alicia Deleon-Reyes
North Kansas City Community Manager
Brandon Haggard
North Kansas City Community Growth Manager
Now Hiring!
Apply Today
Nick Hansen
Des Moines Community Manager
Yahaira Steward
Omaha Community Manager
Dan Stergos
St. Louis Community Growth Manager
Truman Ashby
St. Louis Community Growth Manager
Want to Join the Team?
We’re always looking for kind, driven, creative humans to join Elevator. If you’re passionate about small business, community, and great spaces — we’d love to hear from you.
Email us at hello@elevatorspaces.com with your résumé and sample work (if applicable).
Even More About Elevator
There's more to learn! What would you like to read about next?
Amenities
Learn about the amenities and perks offered to all of our members!
Events
Click here to see our scheduled events!
FAQs
Answers to the questions we're asked the most.
Testimonials
Hear real stories and reviews from our members.
Workspaces
Learn about the types of workspaces we provide!
Need More? Let's Talk!
We’re always looking for ways to support how our members work. If there’s something your business needs, let us know — we might already have it… or be working on it.