Meet Robert Lopez, our Member of the Month!…and the very first from our Builders location! Robert, owner and advisor of Freedom Travel, has brought so much enthusiasm & warmth to The Root since day one. He’s embraced everything that makes our newest location in Omaha special, from the vibrant atmosphere to the friendly faces and the sense of connection that coworking brings.
He’s found the perfect balance of focus and community, helping him thrive and feel right at home in our growing corner of downtown Omaha. We’re so grateful to have him here (and we’re already looking for more excuses to take a trip just so he can help plan it for us!).
What is your favorite part about being a member of The Root Coworking?
Way too much but really being in a new place that has a such a fun and welcoming vibe makes it worthwhile to come to the office everyday – and even on the weekends. Being in this new area of downtown makes it feel like I am back home in LA. Like your name says – it has helped me get back to my “roots” and get the spark I have missed. Brandi & Chasity really make this place what it is! They are here to make you feel welcome and a part of The Root community. They do what they can to make this the best place everyday in different ways – from introducing us to other members, to doing little things for us (e.g., lunch), to bringing the community to us. They are proud of who they are and who they represent, and that shows day in and day out.
What is your work story?
I am the owner and advisor of Freedom Travel and opened on January 14, 2014. This entrepreneurial adventure, the industry and name is fully credited to my late wife, Dulcie. She saw how miserable I was and said that I should go into business myself. She had more faith than I did and gave me the kick in the ass to get started. So much so that she took out her 401K and said, “Here – make it happen and be a success!” Almost 12 years later, after financial crises, wars, elections, and of course a global pandemic (because why not just make things more interesting), we are still standing!
What’s the most surprising thing on your desk right now?
My Glass Globe and the anime character my daughter gave me.
If you could teleport anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
It would be Rüdesheim, Germany. They have an amazing coffee experience! Again, you need to experience it and if not check YouTube!! The others would be Italy and France. I fell in love again with France last November when I was there with my wine appreciation river cruise group.
If you could have lunch with any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Do movie characters still count? If so, it would be Nick and Nora Charles from the The Thin Man series (1934-1947). A must see! They were the really cool couple who loved to have fun and enjoy cocktails whenever possible. They were outgoing but intelligent, and while they loved to banter one another, it would be amazing to have a conversation with two very different personalities and perspectives.
What is the best event or activity you have attended at the Root?
To date, it would be the Speed Networking hosted by the Omaha Chamber.
There was an open house I came to before I moved in. It was great to see some of the people working here and get a vibe of what it would be like. I know that there will be more to come and am looking forward to more new experiences.
What’s a local Omaha gem (hidden or not-so-hidden) you think everyone should know about?
Hot Shops in downtown Omaha, hidden and yet not so hidden. In reality, the Builders District is a hidden gem waiting to be found. No one knows it yet but they are learning about as I promote my business and really cool new office space. It will be a neighborhood within a neighborhood.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through coworking?
I’ve learned that it gives me the balance that I need of solidarity and community. Also, to be the best version of myself, the environment is crucial!
