By Ann Donnelly
Glens Falls is witnessing a surge of entrepreneurial spirit, spearheaded by the dynamic Chuck Copenspire, a creative strategist and author with a penchant for the unconventional. Copenspire is partnering with fellow creatives Heather and Shane Johnson to launch a new shared workspace. Opening in May 2025, Glens Falls Hub will foster creativity, collaboration, and community with flexible workspaces and room for events. The new space will offer desk rentals, meetups, and classes.
Glens Falls Hub will be located at The Shirt Factory, in the Rockhill Bakehouse Building on Curran Lane. The Johnsons, both artists, designers, and producers, who currently operate the Hub Gallery in The Shirt Factory, are giving up the gallery space for the move to Glens Falls Hub, which will also be a place for poetry, art, and connection and will continue selling their artwork, prints, and apparel. Noir Star Emporium will take over the space that was the Hub Gallery.
Copenspire’s vision extends beyond physical space. He is also developing an AI-based referral network connecting local experts with businesses seeking their services. “The idea is to assemble local experts who already know each other and work together,” he explains. “It’s about efficiently connecting talent and keeping business local.” This network will begin with the first members of Glens Falls Hub.
Copenspire’s journey to Glens Falls is a testament to his adventurous spirit and a keen eye for opportunity. Originally from Washington State, with a background in IT and 3D animation, he honed his skills in the vibrant creative scenes of Spokane and Portland, working in advertising and film, and even dipping his toes into improv. “Improv classes changed my life,” he reveals, “They helped me overcome crippling social anxiety and taught me to embrace failure as a learning experience.” This philosophy of fearless experimentation permeates his approach to business and community building.
His move to Glens Falls three years ago, prompted by family ties and a desire for a supportive environment, has proven to be a catalyst for his innovative projects. “I was pleasantly surprised by the creative underground here,” Copenspire admits, noting the vibrancy of The Shirt Factory and the burgeoning queer community. “Glens Falls has a unique blend of community spirit and entrepreneurial drive.”
This spirit is evident in his diverse ventures. Beyond his marketing business, Identity Pending, Copenspire is a force for community connection. He hosts meetups, talent shows, and developing improv workshops for public speaking and networking. “People are like, ‘How do we make this happen?’ You literally just create a Facebook event and invite people,” he explains. “It’s a fun game to see who’s going to show up and then who’s going to become best friends and create something amazing.”
Copenspire’s approach to marketing and business is refreshingly authentic. He eschews manipulative tactics in favor of relationship building and genuine connection. “I help people create sales and marketing tactics that don’t feel like you’re compromising your values,” he says. He emphasizes vulnerability and storytelling as powerful tools for building trust and attracting clients. “People connect with real stories and lived experiences,” he asserts. “There are 101 people who can give you a report or prompts, but a person who really understands you is more valuable.”
He is also a strong proponent of adaptability in the face of rapid technological advancements. “Everything about our world is changing minute by minute,” he observes. “Having that flexibility and willingness to experiment is crucial.” He encourages businesses to embrace new platforms like Threads and to focus on creating scroll-stopping content that disrupts patterns and captures attention.
Also a published author, Copenspire’s book, “A Pocket Full of Seeds: Healing through Poetry – An Autistic Transgender Story,” filled with poems, diary entries, drawings, spells, and song lyrics, gives “a real and raw look into Chuck’s life and his journey of finding himself” is available on Amazon.
Copenspire’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his dedication to building a thriving community in Glens Falls is undeniable. With the Glens Falls Hub and AI-powered referral network, he is poised to become a key player in the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a sense of belonging. He puts it, “I’m always sharing what’s on my mind, and people end up getting interested in what I’m talking about.” And in Glens Falls, that’s translating into a vibrant and growing community.
Find out more about Chuck Copenspire at www.identitypending.com.
