As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Parking Made Easy, one of the key decisions that shaped my journey was made even before the business officially launched in 2011. From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to build something innovative, but I also recognised that I needed to be smart with costs—especially in those early days. A significant area where I found savings was by completely avoiding the need for a physical office space.
You might be thinking, "How can a business run without an office?" The reality is, it’s easier than you’d imagine, and it’s more efficient than many might expect. In fact, my entire team operates virtually, and it has allowed us to save thousands in rent while maintaining flexibility and a great work-life balance.
We’ve embraced virtual offices fully. I work from co-working spaces, cafes, and even libraries. Whether I’m in Sydney or travelling, these spaces offer everything I need—Wi-Fi, a comfortable environment, and a chance to network with other professionals. Many of my team members, from developers to marketers, also work remotely from their own chosen locations, whether it's a co-working space or their home office.
One of the most surprising things? Some of the people I work with, such as accountants and lawyers, I’ve never even met in person. And yet, we collaborate seamlessly using virtual tools like Zoom, Slack, and other project management platforms. These tools make it incredibly easy to stay connected, share progress, and deliver results without the need to sit in the same physical space.
In fact, not having a fixed office has allowed Parking Made Easy to stay nimble. We can easily adapt to changes in the market, and it’s helped us maintain a low overhead cost—a critical factor for any startup. The savings we’ve gained from not renting a space have been reinvested into growing the platform, marketing, and improving our customer experience.
Of course, this strategy isn’t unique to us. Many other Australian startups are finding similar ways to bypass traditional office setups. There are platforms and services that make this possible—offering access to workspaces on demand and enabling teams to function as if they were in a high-end corporate office, but without the hefty price tag. It's the same with parking, too.
In my experience, the decision to ditch the formal office was not a difficult one. The business landscape is evolving, and with technology at our fingertips, it’s possible to run a successful startup without being tied down to a physical location. It's about finding what works for you and your team and being open to alternatives that can help you grow without burning through your budget.
