In the historic Factory at Franklin, just outside of Nashville, a new kind of business environment is quietly transforming the way local founders, executives, and creatives work. Harbor+ Union is more than a co-working space. It’s a purpose-built ecosystem designed to fuel growth, connection, and innovation among the region’s most ambitious professionals.
“Our goal was never to simply become landlords who rent desks and offices,” says Jordan Berry, President of Harbor +Union. “We’re here to build a community of pioneers — people who are committed to creating something that matters.”
That philosophy has shaped everything about Harbor +Union, from the elevated, 27,000-square-foot facility to the intentional way it brings business owners together. It’s a philosophy that’s rapidly earning it a reputation as one of Middle Tennessee’s most forward-thinking hubs for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Born from a Bigger Vision
The concept for Harbor + Union began in 2021, when Jordan Berry, EVP of the Diakonia Group, noticed a costly pattern: traditional shared services like HR, recruiting, and finance were black holes for cost and efficiency. The idea was simple— flip the model. Turn those cost centers into growth engines. And surround them with a community of builders who could benefit from sharing infrastructure, insights, and energy.
The vision evolved into a multifaceted model: part premium office space, part creative agency, part event venue — and all built around helping ambitious business owners grow.
By late 2023, Harbor + Union had opened its flagship location in Franklin with a bold goal: to create a harbor for the pioneers of Williamson County. Not just a place to work, but a place to connect, build, and belong.
A Place for Pioneers
Harbor + Union doesn’t cater to the average co-worker. Its members are typically business owners or solo executives with a growth mindset — those doing between $250K and $5M in revenue, looking for not just space, but strategic advantage.
And that’s exactly what they get.
“Our obsession is growth within our ecosystem – both for our leaders and businesses they lead ,” Jordan explains. “Whether they need space, creative services – including world-class brand activations, introductions, or just a sounding board — our team is here to help them move forward.”
What results is a curated network of nonprofits, tech startups, agencies, healthcare firms, and independent operators who collaborate, exchange insights, and challenge each other to level up. It’s a culture built on value creation, not just shared Wi-Fi.
A Multi-Faceted Growth Engine
While workspace is a core offering, Harbor + Union’s real magic lies in its layers. The space doubles as an in-demand event venue for executive offsites, corporate kickoffs, and curated mastermind experiences. With event packages that include everything from catering to production design, the team takes the complexity out of high-end business events and brand activations.
Inside the same building, members also have access to an in-house creative studio — complete with podcast production, brand strategy, and growth services. It’s a one-stop solution for leaders who need more than a desk — they need momentum.
This hybrid model — part co-working, part boutique agency, part community builder — is what sets Harbor + Union apart from other players in the region.
Scaling With Intention
As word spreads, so does the demand. But unlike many co-working startups that rush to scale, Harbor + Union is taking a page from brands like Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out — focusing on excellence before expansion. Future locations in Nashville, Nolensville, and even other states are all possibilities, but only if they can match the culture and quality of the original.
“Our goal is not to be the biggest,” Jordan says. “It’s to be the best. And to serve as a model for what growth spaces should feel like.”
Elevating the Nashville Innovation Scene
At a time when the lines between office, brand, and experience are blurring, Harbor + Union is setting a new standard. It’s a space built around the belief that the right environment full of the right people can shape not just careers, but entire communities.
As Nashville continues to attract talent and investment from across the country, Harbor + Union stands as a lighthouse for entrepreneurs looking for more than just a place to plug in. It’s a home for builders. A haven for creators. A harbor for pioneers.
