“Living in Philly” interview series where realtor Cherise Wynne (“Agent Lady”) highlights interesting people & organizations in the civic, real estate, restaurant and lifestyle space that help first time home buyers navigate our great city of Philadelphia.
Meet Nicole from SPiN Philadelphia Location
Agent Lady: In regards to SPiN, when people ask that famous question “what do you do”, how do you typically answer?
Nicole: I would say that I wear many hats. My main goal is to drive group event business to our new venue located at 15th & Walnut opening late this summer and to keep my team motivated. I really am a ping pong advocate or “brand ambassador” if you will as I live our brands’ culture every day through my love of art, fashion, music and people.
Agent Lady: What does SPiN do, what neighborhood(s) does it provide products/services in, and what do you find special about those Philly areas?
Nicole: SPiN has grown into a global brand, with venues in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Toronto, opening Philly & Austin this summer. Since our inception, we have helped steer the growth of an iconic ping pong culture, lifestyle and movement, which has redefined the game to know no boundaries. Our vision is to inspire and connect people through ping pong while celebrating creativity, diversity, and inclusivity. Our location in Philly will serve as an epicenter of brotherly & sisterly love in Center City.
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Agent Lady: How do you believe SPiN is making Philadelphia better?
Nicole: In addition to the 60+ jobs we will create in the community, SPiN will work with and support young, upcoming artists, designers and music makers alike. At our core is the drive to connect through ping pong – a game that transcends age, gender and boundaries.
Agent Lady: If you had to choose between a Philly cheesesteak or a Philly pretzel, which would you choose?
Nicole: Philly soft pretzel from Philly Soft Pretzel Factory but not to forget my favorite slice from Lorenzo’s Pizza on 4th & South (is that allowable?!)
Agent Lady: What’s the biggest misconception people have about your industry or type of organization?
Nicole: The perception that table tennis is really a game, rather than a sport; believe me on this one, at the higher levels of the sport, almost every player is very fit. Those who aren’t usually have some other edge, such as experience or tactics, which allows them to keep up with their more athletic competitors. Our SPiN pros & ambassadors are available for lessons as well as fun to watch during any Friday night tournament in Center Court!
Agent Lady: What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?
Nicole: I’m a to-do list freak with multiple calendars mapped out months in advance, and I’ve recently taken to creating vision boards.
Agent Lady: What is your favorite word?
Nicole: Absolutely
Agent Lady: If you had to pick another career what would it be?
Nicole: Famous Interior Designer
Agent Lady: For anyone looking to buy their first home in Philly or move to the Philly area, what do you have to say to them?
Nicole: You have, quite clearly, chosen the best city! Prices in some “hot spots” have started to rise but I’ve noted my favs that are a bit outside those established “hotspots” that I see as up-and-comers for those in the know:
You want: Fishtown, Consider: Kensington – As the host of two Stephen Starr joints and a veritable La Colombe palace, it’s safe to say that Fishtown is an established ‘hood with the price tags to prove it.
You want: Point Breeze, Consider: Grays Ferry – With the University of Pennsylvania on one side and investor darling Point Breeze on the other, Grays Ferry is an attractive option for patient buyers with a budget.
You want: Fairmount, Consider: Francisville or Brewerytown – Fairmount has come with a steep price tag for years. But right next door? Not so much — yet, that is.
Finally, if you’ve considered defecting to New Jersey but don’t want to completely leave city life behind, make sure Collingswood is on your list.
Agent Lady: If someone wanted to learn more about you or SPiN, where could they go?
Nicole: You can connect with me on LinkedIn, attend one of many networking events I regularly attend – I currently serve on the board of the Professional Women’s Roundtable and Party Partners of Philadelphia – or email me at nicole.morgenstern@wearespin.com for a hard hat tour of our venue currently under construction. We are now booking events for Fall 2017 – visit www.wearespin.com. Also, follow us on social media @wearespin to see what the buzz is about!
Last Words
Lets give a huge thanks to Nicole for stopping by to share her thoughts, and for also making Philly a much cooler and fun place to be with an awesome ping pong hang out. I’m not that good at ping pong, but I’ll try my best and have fun watching the pros at work!
If you enjoyed this interview (or a ping pong lover), please spread the word to all of the people in your network. If you’re looking to become a first time home buyer, contact me here. Until next interview, stay awesome people!
About Agent Lady: Cherise Wynne is a leading real estate agent in Philadelphia, helping home buyers and sellers navigate the City of Brotherly Love, with a special focus on first time home buyers. To chat about getting started with your first time home buying experience, click here.