Start-Ups Thrive at W@tercooler

Recently, Patch explored Tarrytown’s communal co-working space, W@tercooler, and its history. Here’s a look at the professionals who call the venue their home—er, their office.

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James Riina joined W@tercooler just two weeks ago, after coming out of the corporate world, where he worked for the marketing department of Kraft Foods.

After he left Kraft, Riina began working from home to launch his own marketing consulting business. But he soon learned that having young children did not create the best office environment. Riina happened to come across The W@tercooler by accident.

“My wife and I were walking down the street one evening, and we saw this new place, W@tercooler,” he said. “She said I should check it out, so I took a brochure that was outside the door and thought, what a cool idea.”

Now, Riina has his own desk.

“It’s such a great environment to come and focus,” Riina said. “There are so many smart people here with various backgrounds, and so far it’s been a very positive experience.”

July 3 was Larry Hororwitz’s very first day at W@tercooler—and by midday, he could already tell he loved the atmosphere.

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In 2002, after 15 years of working in advertising, Horowitz started a personal documentary business, Long Story Short. Horowitz now works as a videographer, editor and filmmaker, creating short videos to put on small business’ websites and producing films for individuals.

Currently, Horowitz is working on an oral history of a 79-year-old man who wanted to tell and save his life story.

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Mitch Rubin became a member just as W@tercooler opened, and last year, became one of The W@tercooler’s unlimited members.

After witnessing a need for online testing, certification exams and training for employees across multiple industries, Rubin started his e-learning website, exambuilder.com in 2000. Since its founding, Rubin’s company has served between 250 and 300 businesses.

Six-and-a-half years ago, Rubin moved to Westchester, and tried working from home. Soon, he decided to rent office space in Pleasantville to give himself more structure, but it didn’t take.

“The solitude was driving me crazy,” Rubin said.

So, after two years, Rubin closed his office in Pleasantville in exchange for a desk in the city. However, after dealing with the commute, he felt the city was getting a bit stale.

Rubin learned of W@tercooler from Ross herself, who he had known before she opened the space. If Rubin had it his way, he would stay at W@tercooler forever.

“It’s been a fantastic experience, with so much interaction,” he said.