Sean Hawkins has spent his career helping shape the places where people gather, work, and connect. As Executive Director of the Loveland Downtown District, he brings years of experience, a strong sense of community, and a deep appreciation for the long-term work that goes into building a thriving downtown.
This week, we’re excited to feature Sean and highlight the perspective he brings to Loveland, downtown development, and the value of meaningful public-private partnership.
A Career Built Around Downtown
Sean has spent the last 26 years working in economic development and downtown development across Indiana, Montana, Washington, and Loveland, where he has been for the past nine years.
His passion for downtown work began during graduate school in Missoula, Montana, when he became frustrated by issues affecting their downtown district. That frustration led to a part-time job with the Missoula Downtown Association-and from there, a career was born.
Today, Sean serves as the Executive Director of the Loveland Downtown Development Authority and Historic Loveland Business Improvement District, where he helps lead efforts to restore older downtown buildings, build community, and support local events, activities, and promotions. As Sean describes it, the organization is a true public-private partnership at its core.
How It All Started
Interestingly, Sean says he never would have guessed this would become his career. Before his part-time job in Missoula, he didn’t even realize downtown development was a profession. However, his experience growing up in a family that owned a large antique mall helped shape his understanding of community and business in a way that now feels surprisingly connected to downtown work. In many ways, he says, the antique mall was like “its own little downtown.”
Why Coworking Works
Before joining desk chair, the Downtown District office was located on the ground floor right across the street. Because Sean and his team were already so connected to the downtown community, they became familiar with the building and the people who worked here.
Sean appreciates that desk chair helps his team avoid many of the typical office headaches, including cleaning and technology support. He especially values the concierge service, saying that it alone makes the membership worthwhile.
One of his favorite parts of desk chair is the strong sense of community. He enjoys how the building grows together, and how it allows his small team at the DDA to feel less small by creating opportunities to work near and connect with new people.
Life Outside the Office
When Sean isn’t working to support downtown Loveland, he loves spending time at concerts and being outdoors with his eight-year-old son, Jack. Whether they’re skiing, hiking, or simply enjoying time together, family and adventure are clearly important parts of Sean’s life.
When it comes to local favorites, Sean says there are so many great businesses downtown that each bring something special to the community. A few places he and his son frequent include Dairy Delite, Culver’s, and El Cielo.
If Sean could share dinner or drinks with anyone in the world, he’d choose the members of Phish. Having seen them 171 times, Sean admires not only their music, but also the way they use their platform and profits for good-such as supporting drug treatment centers and other meaningful causes.
Making an Impact
Sean’s work is a reminder that downtown revitalization is a long game. While the changes underway in Loveland may not always be easy to see right away-especially with current construction-momentum is building, and the future is bright.
His passion for the work, appreciation for community, and dedication to downtown development all speak to the important role he plays in Loveland’s ongoing growth.
To learn more about the Loveland Downtown District, visit: