Meet Gerrit - our member of the month in March!

Introduction round: Who are you and where are you from?
Hey, I’m Gerrit, Hamburg-born, Berlin-raised and Berlin-based. So I would say “Ick bin Berliner” – and even most of the (usually merciless) Urberliners agree.

What made you come to Berlin?
My parents moved to (still divided) Berlin when I was 5. So, it was not particularly my idea to move here. But I’m still and definitely fine with living here.

What exactly do you do? What's in the pipeline for the near future?
I work/live as a freelance brand and marketing consultant with focus on the German market. I started as a copywriter long long time ago. And I still love to do some copywriting from time to time. But nowadays I spend most of my worktime on brand strategies and marketing concepts.
At the moment I’m working on a sustainable real estate project in Pankow (with 84 family homes in the making), a new Berlin-based CBD brand launching this year, a manufacturer’s brand for raw-vegan snack bars (which are far more yummy than “raw-vegan” may sound at first), and last but not least I’m working with my former agency on different projects in the insurance market.
As most of my clients are quite happy with me and are planning long-term collaborations I’m not actively acquiring new projects for now.

Since when do you cowork at Office Club Berlin Prenzlauer Berg?
I’m still quite fresh at Office Club and started the coworking thing just in December of last year.

What is the benefit of using a coworking space for you?
After three years I quit my agency job as head of strategy to get out of the daily treadmill and look out for new challenges. During the first lockdown I learned a lot about my (low) motivation to get things done in the home office (which in my humble opinion is a quite absurd concept, as your home should be your home and not your workplace).
So for me the professional surrounding (other people working), no chance to procrastinate at home, as well as the simple fact of having a journey to and from work are definitely the core benefits of coworking for me. The hot drinks flat is definitely worth it as well.

Which questions / problems could you help your coworking neighbour with?
I’m quite good in challenging ideas. I like to destruct and rebuild concepts – which may be hard in the destruction part but usually provides stronger outcomes in the rebuilding part. I can also help with proper brand development, marketing concepts and copywriting (in German). And to the few smokers around: Yes, I’ve got a lighter :)

Do you have favourite spots in Berlin? Something to recommend / consider especially for people coming here?
Hoping for the end of the lockdowns one day: I always recommend having food and drinks at The Bird, Am Falkplatz, quite close to Office Club. For a relaxed day with friends, beer, some Flammkuchen and maybe a classic Nackensteak I like to visit Schleusenkrug close to Bahnhof Zoo. When you like to enjoy some park life I would consider a stay at Treptower Park or Friedrichshain Park (for sure the back side with the pond and Restaurant Schoenbrunn).

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Thanks a lot and all the best to you!