Building Community Brick by Brick: The Brickhouse Blue Story
Dave Mirgon's journey from corporate recruiter to the visionary founder of Brickhouse Blue offers a master class in purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His story demonstrates how a consistent philosophy of helping others can manifest across different ventures while creating meaningful impact.
Before founding Brickhouse Blue, Dave spent two decades in recruiting, where he developed a keen understanding of human potential. "Recruiting is identifying talent, understanding people's core behaviors—who are you, how are you wired—and how do I get you to the right position versus the position that you applied to," Dave explains. This foundation in human development would later inform his approach to both business and youth sports coaching.
The genesis of Brickhouse Blue came in 2016 when Dave partnered with Sid Romberg, a former Cardinal Health marketing executive. Their vision was revolutionary yet simple: create a space where businesses could escape everyday constraints and think differently. This wasn't just about providing offices—it was about fostering an environment where innovation could flourish naturally. The name itself carries deep meaning, with "Brick" representing the methodical, step-by-step approach to building businesses and people, while "Blue" symbolizes innovation, blue-sky thinking, and endless possibilities.
What distinguishes Brickhouse Blue from typical coworking spaces is its intentional design and philosophy. Rather than simply "plugging and playing" by painting walls and adding furniture, Dave and his team have created a comprehensive formula that considers both physical space and human experience. The result is an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses find not just workspace but community, resources, and support tailored to their unique needs.
The partnership between Brickhouse Blue and Innovate New Albany represents a powerful combination of coworking space and innovation programming. After years of conversation, the collaboration finally materialized, bringing together Brickhouse Blue's expertise in creating productive environments with Innovate New Albany's established Tiger Talks and resources for technology startups. This partnership has created what Dave believes is "probably the best formula in all the suburban communities within Columbus right now between co-working, innovation and just general knowledge giving."
Paralleling his business success, Dave has built Midwest Basketball Club from a single team of baseball players looking for an off-season activity into one of the largest AAU basketball programs in the country. With nearly 200 teams across multiple states and approximately 2,000 kids trying out annually, the program embodies the same "brick by brick" philosophy that guides Brickhouse Blue. The focus remains on development rather than just winning, with initiatives like the D-League providing opportunities for kids who might not be ready for travel teams.
As Brickhouse Blue continues expanding with locations in Dublin, Plain City, New Albany, and upcoming spaces in Hilliard, Lancaster, Findlay, and potentially downtown Columbus, Dave maintains his founding philosophy. The company's success isn't measured just in square footage or membership numbers, but in the businesses and individuals who find their potential within its walls. Through thoughtful design, community connection, and a genuine desire to help others succeed, Brickhouse Blue has become much more than a coworking space—it's a catalyst for personal and professional transformation.
