“We took a neglected down-
town building, paid homage
to its history, and made it a
new, welcoming, relevant and
restorative space for women
and the community. Feeling
connected and fi nding a work-
life balance is possible!”
Toni Bowles
Founder & CEO
The Neon Exchange
T
oni Bowles, 41, is Founder and CEO of The Neon
Exchange, which just opened recently. At The Neon
Exchange, women can meet for business and community
connections in a space conducive to creativity and wellness.
To launch her new company, Toni purchased and is lovingly
renovating one of Gilroy's historic downtown buildings,
the neoclassical Louis Hotel, built in 1921. This project
is changing the business landscape on Monterey between
6th and 7th Streets. The Neon Exchange is a beautifully
appointed innovative co-working center. There are individual
work spaces, meeting rooms, gathering areas, and a kitchen.
The new art Gallery 1202 at the south end of the building
is accessible as well. Upstairs, a collection of twenty offi ces
are under construction. The offi ces are confi gured in such a
way that they can be rented individually or as a set of suites.
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
Some of the units are already under contract. There are also
conference rooms and a yoga studio.
Previously, she devoted nearly 20 years of service to the
Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County. Toni has
held various roles in the judicial system, earning her Judicial
Administration Certificate from Sacramento State University
(2012), a JD degree from Lincoln Law School (2006), and a
bachelor's degree in Global Business Management from Cal
Poly San Luis Obispo. She also received the Access to Justice
Award from the Legal Aid Association of California in 2009.
Toni is an active member of the Gilroy Chamber of
Commerce and the Gilroy Downtown Business Association.
She lives in Hollister with her husband, Chris, a Design
Engineer for Loon, a Google company. Their twins, Austin
and Sophia, attend Third Grade at St. Mary School.
WINTER 2020
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