Dallas is one of the best cities in the world to raise a family and build business.
This place has fostered our entrepreneurial journey and personal growth.
I was recruited to join the marketing team at Balfour Beatty five years ago, which moved our family from Louisiana to Texas. The company’s U.S. headquarters offices are in the Harwood/Uptown neighborhoods of Dallas. We didn’t know a soul here. Our friend network started at the office and the neighborhood we chose to live in – Oak Cliff.
I’ve lived all over the country from Maryland to Washington, California to New York, New Jersey to Louisiana. Dallas welcomed us with open arms and our family has landed in a place where we have now set roots. It’s a special place with all of the amenities and diversity you could ask for in a great city, with a strong economy and entrepreneurial spirit that is infectious.
Current polls/data affirm our experience:
Did you know that Dallas has more Fortune 500 companies than all U.S. cities but New York and Chicago?
DFW is the fourth-largest metropolitan statistical area in the U.S., with a population of 7.5 million in 2018 (Census Bureau), but the unique and beautiful pockets of neighborhoods and warm Southern hospitality makes you feel like you’re part of a village.
We started CONNECTIVE Agency five years ago, and I joined the company three years ago after working at Balfour Beatty. I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur, but something in the air here is an encouraging elixir to try new challenges and embrace new opportunities.
Since then, we have had the privilege of adding incredible talent to our team, building a portfolio of clients from all over the world and we have recently established our headquarters in the vibrant Design District neighborhood. I’ve had the opportunity to build teams in many cities, but the talent pool in Dallas is particularly impressive. Maybe it’s because the education system here is strong and there are so many great universities where people can pursue a solid higher education.
Most importantly, our kids are flourishing here. We live in a community that is family-focused and looks out for one another. Our kids have myriad opportunities to have a strong education – from STEM schools to leadership academies, dual language and art programs. I’m excited that they get to grow-up in such a diverse and dynamic place.
Dallas has made me see the world through a new lens. The spirit of free enterprise is alive and well here, making us feel that the world is abundant with opportunity for those who want to go get it. The city has inspired us to dream bigger and think more creatively about how we want to structure our personal and professional lives.
We feel lucky to be here and are committed to doing our part to help keep this city strong – from doing pro-bono work for key nonprofits, to participating on boards of organizations that make a positive impact on our community. It’s our way of showing gratitude to the city that has given us so much.
So, thanks, Dallas. May you forever be this bold and inspiring.
