Member Spotlight: Kat P. from Wrapbook
Since it’s inception in 2018, Wrapbook has embraced a hybrid work model, with members who are located all over the country and GTA. We sat down with Kat who runs their Toronto “hub” out of our Corktown location to learn more about how the company has embraced this work model to help facilitate team collaboration and productivity and enhanced customer service.
As is the case with any of our Corktown members, we also learned about Kat’s favourite spots in the neighbourhood and why our 340 King East address is a convenient location for the GTA team that fosters their love of local communities.
WP1: Tell us a bit more about your professional journey? What brought you to where you are today?
KP: I worked in the financial services industry for 16 years before making the switch to a tech startup in 2021.
WP1:What do you enjoy doing when you aren't at work?
KP: The pandemic has made me appreciate the outdoors in a whole new way. I have 3 small kids and being cooped up inside is a problem for all. I go for walks daily and we make sure to do a big family hike on the weekend. We have discovered so many new trails in and around Toronto (Mast Trail in Rouge is a favourite!)
Outside of the pandemic and lockdowns, I try to travel and practice yoga as often as possible.
WP1:How do you describe your company to a stranger?
KP: Wrapbook provides easy to use software for employers to on-board, pay, & insure project based labor in the entertainment industry. A typical employee in the industry can work on up to 30 projects a year. With each project, their onboarding, payroll and insurance need to be done individually. With Wrapbook, workers receive a profile that is portable between employers empowering them to instantly on-board & get paid. Wrapbook has recently raised $130M from Jeffrey Katzenberg, Andreesen Horowitz, Tiger Global & others so this is a very exciting time for our company.
WP1: How many people does your company employ?
KP: We have grown from a team of 20 a year ago to 110 today and will be at over 250 by the end of the year.
WP1: How has the pandemic impacted your company and the way your team works?
KP: Wrapbook was remote-first from its’ inception but the pandemic has made us realize that the employees can be based anywhere in Canada or the US. We now have employees in both countries and on both coasts. We have core business hours that include both time zones to make sure everyone can collaborate well. We also have in-person company-wide retreats twice a year to make sure everyone has a chance to meet and get to know each other.
WP1: Where do you and your team members live in Toronto? What neighbourhoods do you call home?
KP: Our Ontario employees are in downtown Toronto, the east end, GTA, Hamilton, Waterloo and London. Having a co-working space at Workplace One is a great way for everyone to get together when needed or to work individually when you need some time away from home.
WP1: What are some of your favourite local businesses either in your neighbourhood or in Corktown near your office location?
KP: I recently discovered Ecostems just down the street from the office on King East and it just might be the best flower shop in the city. Their flowers and plants are absolutely beautiful and they have a great selection of pots. Our office plants are from there and always get tons of compliments.
My second favourite spot is Tandem Coffee. The owners are lovely and their coffee and baked goods are amazing. If I’m at the office, I will stop there at least once that day.
WP1: How long have you been a Workplace One member?
KP: Since 2021
WP1: What made you choose Workplace One?
KP: The location was convenient for most people: it’s easy to get to by TTC, within walking distance of Union Station and it’s a beautiful space.
WP1: What are the 3 most important things for you in a workspace?
KP: Lots of natural light, space to both collaborate and work independently and ease of access.
WP1: What amenities do you take advantage of most? Complimentary coffee? Reception Services? Other locations? Meeting Rooms?
KP: Sometimes it’s hard to be on a Zoom call when multiple people are at the office so the small “phone booth” rooms are a great resource.
WP1: How has your company or you personally benefited by being part of the Workplace One community?
KP: It’s been nice to have a hub where everyone can get together without the pressure of “having to be at the office” every day. We’re enjoying the fact that the team can finally use the office more!