02 Aug 8 Questions with #badass Woman – Kim Gros of SteelCraft Long Beach

Kim Gros is the Founder of SteelCraft LB and one of my heroines.  She is without a doubt one of the hardest working Women in Long Beach.  While already thriving in a full-time career in HR, Kim felt driven to take on the more-than-full-time undertaking of creating a community gathering space in the Bixby Knolls community of Long Beach, CA.  As a Long Beach local herself, it was a deep desire for Kim to have a hangout where we can all sit outside, eat craft food, drink craft beer and just share space.  

It started with a small one store concept and grew into an entire corner lot! Kim would be the first to tell you that commercial development isn’t easy and it doesn’t come without risks.  When the going gets tough, we need to remind ourselves that we chose this.  Being an entrepreneur isn’t for the weak of heart, but if you’re passionate and driven then you have all the energy that you need to take the plunge.  

Working hard and truly believing that your dream is possible is the ultimate key to success.  With a little faith, you’ll find that whatever comes your way will work itself out.  It takes bravery and courage to make big changes in a City and Kim Gros was the right Woman for the job.  Long Beach Locals and tourists alike are grateful that she did.

I sat down with Kim in February to find out how this all started and what’s in store for them next!

Introducing Kim Gros:

1. Tell us about the evolution of SteelCraft? How and why did you get started?

The design around SteelCraft started with just one shipping container (a stand alone), looking to serve a dessert concept in downtown LB and quickly evolved into a bigger concept, one celebrating craft (food and drink curated thoughtfully), community, and sustainability.

2. How did the project come to be in Bixby Knolls?

We were looking for a space large enough to hold ten shipping containers, had sufficient parking spaces, and was reasonable in its rent structure. Met with the Executive Director of Bixby Knolls, Blair Cohn, needing his help in locating a space, and he directed me to Martin Howard and his open space on Bixby Rd. and LB Blvd. Plus, I live about five minutes from the site…it feels a bit like a selfish move to have this so close to home for my family and friends to enjoy. 

3. What was the hardest part in bringing this together?   What was the most rewarding part?

The hardest part of this project involved scouting the perfect space along with figuring out the mechanical engineering. The most rewarding has been seeing the corner of Bixby Rd. and LB Blvd active and alive.

4. What was the biggest risk in diving-in to build SteelCraft and why did you go for it anyway? 

The biggest risk was the financial investment. Even with this risk and potential for great loss, we kept going with the project because we felt that the community deserved it. We knew we had a great group of vendors (young, creative, and curious) and together, as a team, they would create a compelling communal space.  Plus, I desire for my three kids Landon (7), Rowan (4), and Berlin (1) to be creative beings who engage society and culture and see the world as bigger than themselves. I want them to dream and see everything as a possibility. I want to be one who models that for them. 

5. Tell us about how you brought your dream team together? 

What advice to do you have for entrepreneurs building a team. The SteelCraft team started small with Brian (from CityFabrick) and I meeting regularly over a one year time span to draw, to design, to question, and to curate. Once Brian and I felt we had a solid Plan Design for SteelCraft, we went on the hunt for land, which led us to Blair Cohn and Martin Howard (HowardCDM). Our team is now made up of Martin Howard and the HowardCDM team (marketers, architects, designers, program managers, etc). In creating a team, it’s important to bring together a group of people that share a common theme, set of values, and those who aren’t afraid to fail. 

6. What’s next for SteelCraft? Where do you see SteelCraft in five years?

Currently, we are looking for our 2nd and 3rd SteelCraft location. We want to see SteelCraft continue to bring neighbors together in cities all over the US. 

7. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew-up?

An ice cream shoppe owner!

8. Where do you personally find inspiration?

From music, the Bible, pictures from the blog “Modern Hepburn”, traveling around New York City & Berlin, Germany, reading Kinfolk, and on bike rides. 

What is one of your favorite things?

Eating my favorite chocolate chip cookie from Levain Bakery in the Upper West Side of NYC and riding bikes with my husband in cities throughout the US and the world.

SteelCraft was born in 2016 in Long Beach, CA.  It’s a place where you can enjoy yummy food and drinks while you meet someone new or reconnect with someone from the past as it so often happens anywhere in Long Beach. Steelcraft #2 will be twice the size of the first and opening in 2018 in Garden Grove, CA.  If the Long Beach location is any indication, you can expect even more great spaces, amazing food and drinks.  We can’t wait!