Meet Maria
When I think about Traverse City, I think about home. I think of sunshine-drenched days on the shores of Old Mission Peninsula, swimming and eating sandy sandwiches. I think about wandering around downtown, poking around the shops and anticipating a delicious lunch with a glass of local wine. It was this feeling of connection that drew me back after living in the Deep South for decades.
After making the move back north and starting a job at 20Fathoms, our local startup incubator and co-working space, I was pleasantly surprised at the spirit of entrepreneurship and community engagement that exists in the region. TC has always been a town that rewards hard work; my grandfather owned a steel company in Traverse and I can still point to buildings that he helped construct.
I have thrived in this environment. My background in liberal arts and law fits in perfectly with the tech entrepreneurship ecosystem, as I connect with newcomers to the area and find them a remote-workplace – and business – home at 20Fathoms. Returning to Traverse City has provided me with that ineffable feeling of being part of something larger than oneself – a supportive community.
ASK MARIA ABOUT:
- Remote work
- Food & Drinks
- Community
- Moving a business here
- Career opportunities/job hunting
- Financial services
- Office space
INSPIRATION FOR MOVING HERE:
Traverse City really has one of the most welcoming communities in the Midwest. I joke with coworkers that when someone asks for help, we tend to overwhelm them with offers. I love going to a TCNewTech event and making connections between people when they have business or community questions. It makes them feel connected and rooted in this place, which is what we want as our area grows.
TOP TIP?
You need to invest in snow-ready outdoor apparel! It can be easy to hunker down indoors during the winter, but the key to strong mental health in the overcast winter months is to go outside, and a good jacket and winter hiking boots are the answer!
