I Choose Indy!

After a successful stint in the United States Navy and then working at a Hampton Roads, Virginia Newspaper, I was struck by the “Dot Com” bug and found myself yearning to move West. I packed up my children and we drove out to Denver, Colorado, where I worked for a Database Marketing technology firm. The job was a huge challenge… I traveled internationally and worked on a number of high-tech projects, developing analytical and internet-based marketing automation applications. Denver was a beautiful city, with explosive growth, a high cost of living, and a dying tech industry. The bubble had burst, and I was stuck in one of the most expensive cities in the country.

I desperately wanted to stay in Denver, I didn’t want to be one of those fathers (especially since I’m a single father) to move his children from city to city as I chased job after job. However, it was apparent that the economy and cost of living were not going to give me the freedom I needed and the lifestyle I wanted to give my children.

My childrens’ mother was remarried and had moved outside Louisville, Kentucky on the Indiana border. I decided to look to the Mid-West. Although moving my children would be traumatic, being closer to their Mom would be a huge plus. My children were wrapping up as many Frequent Flyer miles as I was with their trips to and from Louisville.

The opportunity I was looking for happened when a Database Marketing Manager position opened up with the local Newspaper here in Indianapolis. I flew out for an interview and the deal was done. That was 4 years ago.

My transition to Indianapolis was incredible, far easier than I would have ever imagined. Fear of new friends and new schools quickly subsided for my children. They were befriended by great students and great schools immediately. I was able to immediately focus my attention at the job at hand, rather than counseling my children through a tough transition. I was impressed… great people, great schools and a fantastic cost of living.

A few years later, I find myself working for ExactTarget… the dream “Dot Com” job that I thought moving West would get me years before. Who would have thought that one of the fastest Software as a Service (SaaS) firms would be right here in Indianapolis? I would never have guessed it, but here I am.

Indianapolis is now my home. The convenience of the best Universities will soon be in my future as my son graduates from Greenwood High School this year. The city is alive with history, an appreciation for our military, incredible architecture, professional sports, and a growing art industry. It’s a big city with a small town feel.

I chose Indy… and I have no regrets.

Doug Karr
Product Manager