SimplePart Makes Move to Burgeoning Downtown Tech Community

Local tech company attracted by Opportunity Zone credits, walkability and diversity will relocate growing business to historic downtown building.


ATLANTA, Ga. – SimplePart, an e-commerce firm currently based in Inman Park, will soon be calling 84 Walton Street, in the Fairlie-Poplar District, home. The company has doubled its staff each year for the last three years and is anticipating the same amount of growth by the end of 2015. The move is expected to be complete by Sept. 15.

“We’ve reached a point where we are scaling and innovating as fast as we can to anticipate and exceed manufacturers’ needs—both those that we have relationships with as well as those we foresee signing,” said CEO and founder Cole Getzler.

SimplePart, which has been creating, marketing and supporting parts websites for OEM auto manufacturers and dealerships since 2008, has grown 31 percent in revenue and gained 86 new clients in the first two quarters of 2015 alone.

“We’ve outgrown two spaces in the past four years,” said vice president Michael Oki. “We’re ready to settle into a space that will not only accommodate our personnel growth, but will also spur us on to create the next great thing.”

SimplePart considered space in several Intown neighborhoods, but was ultimately swayed by the history, energy and advantageous Opportunity Zone tax credits offered downtown.

“Downtown’s value isn’t just offered in its price per square foot, but in its walkability and unique, authentic environment catering to a diverse workforce,” said A.J. Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress, Inc. Adding, “Downtown is home to a diverse mix of industry sectors from large corporate headquarters to non-profits and small technology start-ups. Downtown is where companies like SimplePart can thrive and access talent from a multitude of market sectors.”

Fueling SimplePart’s growth is its comprehensive solution for dealers and manufacturers supported by full digital agency services to maximize sales and net profit for dealers. Offering proven SEO, SEM and business consulting services in-house has created strong demand. Its staff currently consists of 35 Atlanta-based developers, analysts, writers, creatives and more than a few dogs.

“It’s clear to us that Downtown is at a tipping point of development that’s really exciting. We want to be in a place with creative neighbors who are as committed as we are to building something meaningful, both from a business and a quality of life perspective,” Getzler says.

Diverse, walkable neighborhoods like those found in downtown Atlanta are favored by creative and tech talent — a fact that SimplePart hopes to leverage as it recruits in an increasingly competitive market.

84 Walton Street, owned by Selig Enterprises, was built in 1907 as the first of several buildings commissioned by the newly-formed Georgia Railway and Power Company, which today is Georgia Power. Streetcar tracks ran through the building for route transfer, and it was a transportation hub for downtown Atlanta.

“It’s very cool that our building is an old trolley repair facility. The history of transportation in Atlanta is in those walls, so we’re excited to work with Selig’s designers and contractors to create a space that will inspire a new generation of transportation innovations,” said Getzler.

“During the recent renovation of 84 Walton, we strove to highlight much of the original craftsmanship and detail that you don’t find in buildings today while bringing a bit of modernization,” said Jim Saine, vice president at Selig Enterprises. “We are excited to welcome SimplePart. Downtown has seen an influx of young tech businesses, and it’s great to see all of the new growth,” said Saine.

“We are very focused on creating an environment where people look forward to coming to work every day. A place where they can make a meaningful contribution with like-minded folks,” said Getzler.

About SimplePart
With a client base of car, motorcycle, truck, and powersports dealerships across nearly every major brand, SimplePart connects OE dealers with owners buying retail parts and accessories online. Its turnkey parts catalogs, user-friendly websites and digital marketing services serve more than 300 clients, representing Subaru, BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Honda/Acura, Honda Powersports, Isuzu, Yamaha, Chrysler/Fiat, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota/Scion/Lexus, Triumph and Volvo. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA., SimplePart’s websites generate $2.3 million in sales and 3.1 million website visitors monthly. For more information, visit SimplePart.com.

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