Parallel Entrepreneur with Mark Cleveland

Get ready for a masterclass in multi-venture entrepreneurship from Christian Paro, founder of Center 615, Studio 615, Five Points Alley Shops—three of the most dynamic co-working and creative spaces in Nashville—and a new 49-acre trail-oriented development, featuring artist lofts. Hosted by Mark Cleveland, this episode of Parallel Entrepreneur explores how Christian turned a park-management background into a cutting-edge real estate empire that thrives on community, collaboration, and creativity.

What You’ll Learn:

• Banker Skepticism → Big Vision: How Christian overcame early financing doubts to build Nashville’s go-to coworking hub.
• The Power of Celebration: Why throwing parties and embracing small wins keeps your team and tenants inspired.
• Mindful Pauses & Ping Pong: Christian’s secret to staying calm under pressure (including his favorite “reset” technique).
• Mentoring vs. Micromanaging: How giving autonomy attracts long-term staff and nurtures a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Expanding Into Events & Arts: From a single building to 49 acres of innovation—Christian’s massive new development plan.

Chapters List:

00:00:00 Meet Christian Paro: The Man Behind Nashville's Most Innovative Collaboration Spaces
00:01:28 From NYU Parks & Rec to Property Investor
00:03:06 Discovering Coworking: The Birth of Center 615
00:05:19 Banking Skepticism & the Power of Relationships
00:08:29 Studio 615: Expanding into Creative Production Spaces
00:12:05 Patterns, Parties & Parallel Lessons
00:13:48 Biggest Lessons & Avoiding Over-Leverage
00:14:54 Mentoring, Not Micromanaging
00:16:32 Mindfulness Practices & the Entrepreneurial Journey
00:22:13 Designing a New 49-Acre Community
00:24:13 Mindful Pauses: Staying Centered Under Pressure
00:27:25 Rapid Fire Insights: Gifts, Mantras, Books & Jedi Wisdom
00:32:36 Do What Scares You
00:37:12 Facing Fears & Final Thoughts

Show Notes: