Well, maybe. With this type of thing nothing’s sure until it happens. If any of you are familiar with the area and have recommendations as to where to live, where my wife can find a job as a project manager, what the local gang signs are, etc., I’d appreciate your input.
My wife and I have been planning on it, with or without Harvard, for a number of years. Neither of is from Utah and when we came here in 1998 neither of us intended to stay here this long. Both of us have been jonesing for the east coast for several years.
There’s nothing specific causing us to think about moving now vs. two years ago. We just finally decided that no matter when we move it will probably be inconvenient, so why not now? I’ve always held back because after all, I’ve got a business to run, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more I think “Wait, all I do is sit in my office and type away on a computer all day answering emails, talking on the phone, etc. Why can’t I do that from Boston?” There really isn’t much I’m needed for around here on, and those things I am needed for can easily be passed off to someone else.
By opening a sales office for MWI in Boston that gives us a physical presence in an entirely new market. The risks are small, and seem to be outweighed by the potential gains.
And with the new SEO tool we’ll be launching here within a few months my own location will probably become even less of an issue.
Of course there are questions about who can sign checks, what do I do in a business emergency, how do I hire someone long distance, etc., but can easily be worked out or dealt with. So there it is. If everything falls into place we might be there as soon as July of this year, probably no sooner.
And just in case I need to clarify, no, MWI is not moving to Boston, just me. MWI would stay here as it is. But instead of me sending my employees chat messages from the office 20 feet away from them I’d be sending messages from the other side of the country.
Sell MWI to the employees. It’s better than running the thing from far away and you can start fresh.
I don’t think anyone would be interested in buying MWI’s debt load right now.
Woh, move to Boston!? That means you’d be right near me! Creepy…
Are you looking to live in Boston itself or outside of it? Looking to be close to any specific wards?
I’m from the area (Foxborough, MA) so I could try to help with whatever little knowledge I have.
Just don’t succumb to the Bostonian tendency to think anything with wires or chains in public is a bomb. Especially a Lite-Brite or a traffic meter.
You should be able to pull off the distance business stuff fairly easily. Just make sure you have a good office manager, and make the occasional trip in to check up on things. My father has a business here in SLC, but he’s lived in Sun Valley, ID for the past few years… and he doesn’t even use the interweb.
Awesome news, Josh! We’ll have to get a steak before you leave. You’ll do great there. Just promise you’ll go to a Sox game for me. (Second oldest park in baseball after Wrigley… 1915 baby)
@Sean
What ward is Clayton Christensen in? Ha. But seriously, we’ve been told the Watertown/Cambridge area is probably where we want to be and that’s where we’ve been focusing our online property searches.
Boston is cold. If you want to move out of Utah go to San Diego. That’s my choice but my wife isn’t down with it.
I’m not sure about gang signs in Boston. I’m only familiar with the homies from the Heber Valley Crips. However, when you tell a Bostonian you’re from Utah let them feel your head to prove that you don’t have horns. That will help our image back here.
Most likely one of the Belmont wards, not sure which one though.
I would try to go with Watertown over Cambridge. Watertown, IMHO, has a much more homey feel to it than Cambridge, not to mention a bit easier on the wallet. Either one of those towns puts you right near the Boston Temple too. Another thing I would watch out for when choosing where you live is where you stick yourself regarding highways, I would make sure you’re near Route 95 (west of Watertown/Waltham) or 93 (East of Cambridge) else to go anywhere in a hurry you’ll need to hop on Route 90 (Masspike) and pay a stupid toll.
If you don’t mind a little commute you could always try one of the towns further out, but that depends on what type of an area you want to live in.
And one piece of advice… if you do move out here, be prepared to face the crazies who think anything is bomb (as gb mentioned above), a-hole drivers, and make sure to always keep your speed up. If the sign says 55 mph on the highway… you can bet everyone will go 75-80! So watch out! Oh, and don’t mess with the Staties… they’re like Marines out here…
Boston…
I personally think you are nuts.
After spending around 2 years in Holliston here are my 2 cents of free advice…
Boston is cool because of the history… So much to see that is so close…
Its beautiful from Spring to Fall.
Education opportunities abound.
Boston sucks because of high taxes
The Mass Pike (Great advice Sean) and getting around town is miserable. There is a lot of public transportation available… regional buses and the T (Bostons Subway)
Ice Storms/Winter Utah Winters don’t compare to Boston at all.
Very Expensive… Housing prices are in the not affordable category.
Personally I would live in Maine (40 Miles) and commute to Boston when I needed to.
Somebody else recommended New Hampshire too, but I’m not sure about the Shire.
I’m crushed man…Just kiddin, good for you!
I’ll be moving to New Hampshire in the fall. It would be good to have a familiar face in the area!
I’m moving to boston too! Mattapan or Dorchester, I just cant make up my mind!