A local company obsessed with how “unseen” work gets done

SCLogic

Michael Saldi is passionate about building enterprise technology solutions for people and places often overlooked by big-company Chief Information Officers—so much so that over two decades ago, he started SCLogic from his basement in Potomac, MD, and built a company to help the people who run large facilities bring order to the movement of items inside them. Today, the company’s proprietary Intra Enterprise logistics management platform allows clients to configure and manage complicated logistics workflows such as internal package delivery, facilities service requests, tech recycling, building concierge services and dozens more from one user-friendly platform. Thousands of corporate, government and university clients rely on SCLogic’s platform to take the clipboards, spreadsheets and email out of internal operations tasks. The global company has now grown to 50+ employees across six offices, yet is unwavering from its Maryland roots with its new headquarters in the heart of downtown Annapolis.

With the company’s recent rapid growth, Mike realized that the office space would play a crucial role in recruiting and retaining tech talent. When it became clear to him and Chief Operating Officer Hollis Karr that their current space was hindering those efforts, they turned to JLL to lead the search for a new one. The partnership between SCLogic and JLL ran deep as JLL had helped the company with its four prior office moves, from a small office in Beltsville to flexible space on Riva Road in Annapolis. In June of 2017, SCLogic still had a year and a half remaining on their existing lease, but Brad Crosley and the JLL team wasted no time. The stakes were high: SCLogic was looking to create a work environment more reflective of the company’s progression and attractive to potential employees, and Brad was confident he could find the ideal space.

It was of utmost importance to Mike and Hollis that the office help attract and retain top talent, so the building’s quality and location really mattered. SCLogic wanted a full-service, Class A space, preferably in a new development, so the JLL team led Mike and Hollis on tours of every feasible option. However, the spaces came up short, and they couldn’t find a property that felt right.  Brad convinced the team to pivot their focus to options they had not previously considered, including renovating an older space. Once they toured 275 West Street in downtown Annapolis, the search was over. The JLL team helped SCLogic envision how the 13,000- square-foot, full-floor space could be transformed into their ideal office environment. 

Brad engaged Rory Etherington of JLL’s Project and Development services team to lead the renovation and design process. Rory managed every aspect of the comprehensive and complex project so Mike and Hollis could continue to focus on running their business. The JLL team hit every deadline, including the decommissioning of SCLogic’s old space, and left Mike and Hollis with nothing to stress about. The result was an office that transformed the way the SCLogic team works by enhancing its friendly, open-door culture and bringing employees together in a way they had never experienced.

The new office blends semi-open workstations with private offices and communal spaces—a dramatic change from what the team was used to. To overcome initial skepticism and privacy concerns, effort was made to accommodate a variety of work styles. Employees quickly noticed the improvement in collaboration, teamwork and engagement as a result of an open layout. The space brings everyone together, whether for Friday lunch served in the kitchen area or happy hour on the private wraparound patio. Throughout the space, big elements and small details come together to tell the SCLogic story. Scannable QR codes outlining the glass walls reveal photos of company events, and conference room names reference previous office locations. The space was also built with the future in mind, providing ample room for SCLogic to grow its current 50-person headquarters population to over 70 employees. 

SCLogic now has the right office to communicate who they are and where they are going. Everyone has taken notice, as it is hard not to be awed when the elevator opens onto the beautiful, welcoming space. The move to downtown Annapolis has also been a significant improvement, as it is now easy for clients, guests and prospective employees to find nearby accommodations, great restaurants and more right outside the office doors. As SCLogic continues to grow and evolve as a company, they now have the right office space to do just that.