From Farm to Community: Monaca Onstad’s Journey to OnPlace
From humble beginnings on a farm in Alabama to leading a thriving community-building business in Florida, Monaca Onstad has redefined what it means to create spaces that connect and inspire. Her journey—filled with resilience, creativity, and a commitment to community—culminated in the founding of OnPlace, a firm dedicated to crafting vibrant public spaces and experiences. Here’s how Monaca turned her experiences into a blueprint for success.
Early Lessons in Resilience and Leadership
Monaca’s story begins on a 5,000-acre family farm in Northeast Alabama, where she learned the value of hard work and adaptability. When her father became ill, she returned home from California to manage the farm—despite little prior experience. Overcoming skepticism and earning the respect of her employees, she quickly adapted to the demanding responsibilities of farming, from operating heavy machinery to navigating the complexities of crop management.
“It was one of the most challenging periods of my life,” Monaca recalls. “But it taught me the importance of perseverance, creative problem-solving, and leading by example.” These lessons would later shape her approach to business and leadership.
A Passion for Building Communities
After selling the family farm, Monaca pursued a career in community development. Moving to California, she worked for a prominent home builder, gaining experience in legal, sales, construction, and community relations roles. Her work in creating master-planned communities honed her skills in designing spaces that foster connection and engagement.
Her most notable role came at Lakewood Ranch, Florida, where Monaca spearheaded the development of Waterside Place and its signature Farmers’ Market. Her ability to blend public events with community-centric spaces earned her recognition as a leader in her field.
The Birth of OnPlace
In 2022, Monaca took a leap of faith and launched OnPlace. The idea was simple yet ambitious: to help developers and builders create memorable, people-focused environments. Her first client signed on within days, setting the tone for the rapid success that followed. Today, OnPlace boasts a team of 50 employees and continues to grow, emphasizing Monaca’s philosophy of blending design, functionality, and community.
“What we do at OnPlace is more than just design,” Monaca explains. “We’re creating experiences—places where people can connect, thrive, and feel at home.”
Innovative Leadership and Employee-Centric Culture
Monaca credits much of her company’s success to fostering an innovative and supportive work environment. OnPlace’s co-care agreement—a unique employee contract—emphasizes personal and professional well-being. Employees outline their needs, from flexible schedules to opportunities for remote work, ensuring they feel valued and empowered.
“When people are fulfilled in their personal lives, they bring their best selves to work,” Monaca says. This philosophy has created a culture of trust, collaboration, and creativity within the OnPlace team.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Starting a business during a global pandemic was no small feat, but Monaca’s resilience and adaptability—qualities forged during her time on the farm—helped her navigate the uncertainties. As OnPlace continues to expand, Monaca remains focused on staying true to the company’s mission: creating spaces that enrich lives and strengthen communities.
Future plans include expanding services to new regions, deepening partnerships with developers, and exploring innovative ways to engage communities through design and events. “The possibilities are endless when you prioritize people,” Monaca says.
Key Takeaways
- Resilience is Key: Monaca’s early experiences taught her the value of perseverance and adaptability, which she carried into her entrepreneurial journey.
- Community Comes First: Whether on the farm, at Lakewood Ranch, or with OnPlace, Monaca’s focus has always been on creating spaces that connect people.
- Empowering Employees: Through innovative practices like co-care agreements, OnPlace fosters a culture that values personal and professional growth.
- Looking Forward: With a clear vision and a commitment to community, OnPlace is poised to continue transforming public spaces into vibrant hubs of activity.
For more information about Monaca Onstad and OnPlace, visit OnPlace.life.