This is the time of year when gyms are full with new members. The regular gym rats who go year-round call these new members “January People” or “Resolutioners.” January People/Resolutioners are people who decide that the new year is the time to get in shape. This year will be when they get healthy and lose the weight. Regular gym goers impatiently wait for these people to clear out in March so they can have their gym back.
When I first became a member at 1871 in June 2013 there were days I couldn't find a place to work, let alone anywhere quiet to take a phone call. Headphones on and running to a stairwell to take a call. The last few months, I noticed that most days besides a couple regulars the auditorium was completely empty and there were actually open seats in the general shared space. I attributed the lack of people to a number of new co-working spaces opening like The Warehouse or maybe even the 1871 excitement dying down a bit, so I didn't think much of it.
Since January 1st i've been to 1871 three times and couldn't believe it each time walked in. Its crowded again. As I write this there are 30 - 40 people in the formerly desolate auditorium and there are no seats in the regular shared space.
I realized what happened. The January Founders are back. This year will be when they get their MVP built and raise their seed round.
Although I am thrilled to see more people working on startups in Chicago, I can't feel like a regular gym goer waiting patiently to get my gym back.
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