Meet Ikon 3 Founder Gary Hardwick

From a traditional gong to a fully-stocked bar cart, here’s what you’ll find in Ikon 3’s WeWork Meatpacking office.

An office can tell you a lot about an entrepreneur, and we were particularly captivated by Ikon 3’s bright, welscoming space.

Ikon 3 – The Creative Media Agency To Watch

Gary Hardwick is the chairman and co-founder of Ikon 3, a creative media agency that started in Australia and New Zealand before launching in New York City. They help companies such as Ultimat Vodka, USA Today, Honest Tea, and A&E with media strategies and branding, and they’re continuing to build a notable client list.

Hardwick was born in London to parents who ran their own private drinking club and hospitality business, so he’s always had the passion to run his own business. He eventually started his career in advertising at Young & Rubicam London before transferring to their Sydney office. In 1999, he finally made the entrepreneurial leap and co-founded his own communications consulting company and expanded it to New York City in 2011.

The company firmly believes in a work-life balance, so Hardwick made sure the office felt like an extension of the team’s own homes. “We deliberately tried to create a relaxed and informal space for our staff to work from,” says Hardwick.

At the Ikon 3 office, the mix of exposed brick and glass walls provides the perfect blank canvas for Hardwick and his hard-working team. Images of Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, and The Beatles add a dash of zest to their otherwise minimalist surroundings. The space feels comfortable, and it’s complete with a never-ending supply of tea, Vegemite, and magazines to curl up with on the tufted couch.

We chatted with Hardwick as part of The Desktop — a series that highlights interesting (and always inviting) offices at WeWork. Hardwick shares where he draws inspiration from inside these glass walls.

“We founded Ikon 3 in New York, and it represents the third country the business operated out of after Australia and New Zealand. That’s where the number three comes from in our name.”

“We’re continually solving creative problems for our clients, as well as creating unique brand IP (intellectual property). It’s important for us to have a relaxed space that allows us to have reflection time as well. We believe that we achieved this in our workspace.”

“By working with all the major media outlets, we end up on magazine VIP subscription lists.”

“All of the books here focus on creativity, innovation, and challenging the norm. It’s important for us to be vested in people or companies that are game changers in what they do.”

“A good number of our staff are Australian, and they find it hard eating breakfast before 10 a.m. The Vegemite provides a good back up.”

“Stemming from our Australian roots, we feel comfortable pouring a drink toward the end of the day. We don’t emulate the Mad Men era by drinking at 11 a.m. though!”

“Every time we sign up a new client or project, we hit a gong and then it’s often followed by drinks, too.”

“I personally collect photographic art so its a way of  collecting and enjoying — all at the same time.”

“I ride a lot because New York is so easy to get around by bike. Although, I will avoid it when we face extreme weather patterns.”

“It’s never dull when you’re working in Meatpacking. It’s a melting pot of creativity and innovation. Plus having access to great restaurants and bars, Chelsea Piers Sports Center, and the Soho House helps a lot, too.”

Photographs by Lauren Kallen