Account Management Through the Lens of Hospitality: An Interview with Mehgan Simmel

As organizations continue to rethink their corporate workplace strategies, the role of an enterprise account manager has become increasingly important. Beyond simply finding office space, today’s enterprise clients need a trusted partner who can simplify complex real estate portfolios, advocate on their behalf, and deliver flexible workspace solutions that evolve with their business.

We sat down with Mehgan Simmel, Senior Manager of Enterprise Accounts at Preferred Office Network, to discuss what enterprise clients are looking for today, how workplace expectations continue to evolve, and why exceptional customer service remains the foundation of long-term client relationships.

From Education to Enterprise Account Management

Caroline Hecht: Tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to Preferred Office Network.

Mehgan Simmel: I’ve spent more than 15 years in client-facing roles, primarily in the education sector, where building relationships and delivering exceptional service were always at the center of my work. I live in South Florida with my husband, and we’re raising our two children: our four-year-old son, James, and our six-month-old daughter, Francesca.

What initially drew me to Preferred was our tagline: “Flexibility. Without Compromise.” It immediately stood out. As I got to know the team, I realized it’s much more than a marketing message. It’s the philosophy behind everything we do.

Why Enterprise Clients Need Simplicity in a Complex Workplace

Caroline: What are you seeing from enterprise clients today in terms of workplace requirements?

Mehgan: Every client is different, but we’re consistently seeing demand for teams ranging from one to twenty employees. Beyond the physical office itself, clients are placing greater importance on operational requirements like licensing support, ADA compliance, private and secure workspaces, and on-site community management.

Geographically, the U.S. continues to be our strongest market, with particularly high activity in California, Illinois, and New York.

What’s interesting is that organizations aren’t simply looking for office space anymore. They’re looking for complete workplace solutions that fit how their people want to work.

The Preferred Office Network Difference

Caroline: What makes Preferred Office Network different from other options?

Mehgan: We remove complexity.

Instead of managing multiple operators, contracts, invoices, and contacts across different markets, our clients have one point of contact, one service agreement, and one consolidated invoice. Through our global network of trusted flexible workspace providers, we’re able to deliver consistent experiences while giving clients the agility they need as their workplace strategies evolve.

For enterprise organizations managing multiple locations, that simplicity creates real, measurable value.

Building Long-Term Relationships Through Advocacy

Caroline: Preferred has many long-standing enterprise clients. How do you maintain those relationships?

Mehgan: We genuinely advocate for our clients. We’re not just facilitating real estate transactions; we’re working to make their jobs easier.

Whether that’s negotiating favorable lease terms, solving unexpected challenges, or simply responding quickly when needs change, we take a white-glove approach to account management. Our clients know we’ll go to bat for them, and I think that’s why so many relationships continue to grow year after year.

Workplace Strategy: Convenience Over Brand

Caroline: How have client expectations changed recently?

Mehgan: One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is that companies are prioritizing convenience for their employees.

Rather than selecting a workspace based solely on a particular operator or brand, organizations are increasingly focused on finding locations that reduce commute times and make it easier for employees to get to work. Accessibility has become a major pillar of modern workplace strategy.

The Future of Flexible Workspace Solutions

Caroline: What trends do you think will shape the flex office industry over the next several years?

Mehgan: I’m especially interested in how AI will continue transforming the workforce. I don’t believe offices are going away, but I do think AI will accelerate the need for greater workplace flexibility.

Companies will continue looking for office solutions that allow them to scale, adapt quickly, and support changing workforce models without unnecessary long-term commitments. That’s exactly where flexible workspace excels.

Staying Connected to Industry Trends

Caroline: How do you stay informed about what’s happening in the flexible workspace sector?

Mehgan: I spend a lot of time talking with our Director of Enterprise Sales, Tara McCoy, to understand what she’s seeing in the market. I also enjoy listening to the 2 Marketers & a Coworking Podcast. They recently interviewed Flip Howard from Lucid Private Offices, and it was a great discussion about where the industry is headed.

Supporting Today’s Workforce

Caroline: As a working mom, how do you see flexible workspace benefiting today’s professionals?

Mehgan: One of the things I love most is helping clients create opportunities for employees to work closer to home.

If someone can avoid a long commute, drop their child off at school, and still have access to a professional workspace, that’s a meaningful improvement in their day. Those moments matter, and it’s rewarding to know we’re helping organizations make them possible.

Teamwork Behind Every Enterprise Solution

Caroline: What makes the Preferred team successful?

Mehgan: We work incredibly well together. Our enterprise sales, account management, and membership teams each bring deep expertise. Because we collaborate so closely, we’re able to connect the dots quickly and provide solutions that truly meet our clients’ needs.

That teamwork translates into a better experience for everyone we serve.

Looking Ahead

Caroline: Where do you see Preferred Office Network in five years?

Mehgan: I’m excited about the future of Preferred. There’s a real sense of momentum across the company right now. As our team continues to grow, I believe we’ll continue expanding our impact across the flexible workspace industry while helping even more enterprise organizations build smarter workplace strategies.

Quick Takes with Mehgan

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping solve problems that make a meaningful difference in someone’s day-to-day work life.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned?
Every client is different. There is no one-size-fits-all workplace solution.

What powers your work day?
Definitely coffee, any variety works! I also keep Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “What Is Success?” on my desk; it’s been my North Star for nearly 15 years. And if I’m working, there’s a good chance old-school R&B is playing in the background.

Thoughts on Airbnb expanding into workspace?
I think it’s great for the industry. It brings additional awareness to flexible workspace. At Preferred, we’ll continue focusing on what differentiates us: long-term partnerships, dedicated enterprise account management, and personalized service.

Currently reading?
I just finished Theo of Golden. It absolutely lives up to the hype. The emphasis on caring for people reminds me a lot of the culture we’ve built at Preferred.

Enterprise Workplace Strategies Are Built on Partnerships

Enterprise organizations need more than just office space. They need a trusted partner who understands how to simplify workplace management, advocate for their business, and deliver flexible solutions that evolve alongside changing workforce needs.

At Preferred Office Network, that commitment starts with people like Mehgan Simmel, whose hospitality-first approach helps organizations navigate workplace strategy with confidence, flexibility, and exceptional service.

Ready to simplify your enterprise workplace strategy? Contact Preferred Office Network to learn how our global network and dedicated account management team can help your organization scale with ultimate flexibility.