Thriving In Small Town Software

Whether in Silicon Valley or in a small town of Utah, software allows for decentralized teams, digital products don’t depend on proximity to the consumer, and the opportunity to scale. Why wouldn’t you live where you love be a part of this vibrant industry then?

Prevailing wisdom has traditionally said that in order to have a career in software and tech, you need to live in Silicon Valley. While Silicon Valley will always be the predominant technology hub, that doesn’t mean that San Francisco has a monopoly on creativity and innovation. Communities all over the US including the Midwest and the Rockies are becoming formidable hubs of innovation as well. The Cache Valley, while a short hour and a half north of Salt Lake, is the top of Silicon Slopes. Four panelists from our recent Silicon Slopes Logan event share how they’e been able to thrive in the software space off the beaten path.

Watch the full Silicon Slopes Logan panel hosted by Vivint Smart Home in Logan, Utah

Here are some of my takeaways from each panelist:

Dan Ostler — President, Lightning Kite

• Software provides the opportunity to create something from nothing. The possibilities are almost limitless.
• Quality of life is a huge attraction for developers and can be the key to keeping good talent here locally.

Glenn Thimmes — CTO, Centeva

• Cache Valley has an opportunity to keep talent who are passionate about this community as well as those who want stability. Software companies in hubs like Lehi encounter a lot of job hopping while Cache Valley companies can find people who love this community and are committed to stay.
• Software jobs are in demand and good developers will always find work even in smaller communities like Cache Valley.
• The key to success in Cache Valley is finding talent who have a passion for the community and that value the quality of life in Cache Valley.

Jon Evans — Founder/CEO, Tecuity

• Software companies are always looking for good talent, but it’s not enough for student developers or recent graduates to get a degree and expect a job to be there. Tecuity is looking for those with the drive to create and those who are self starters, building something on the side and pushing their knowledge and skill sets.
• Anyone looking for a career in tech must be comfortable with change and be aware that changes in technology won’t slow down for them. The industry is fast paced and constantly evolving.
• In order for a company to thrive, do the right thing. Taking care of clients is the key to success in software and in any business.

Zach Johnson — Founder, WorkSumo

• Logan is growing an ecosystem around startups and tech, but more needs to be done in order for students and recent grads to integrate and transition into roles with existing companies or identify partners and mentors who can help them grow their projects and companies in Cache Valley.
• There’s never been a better time or place to start something. Location doesn’t matter when building software. Clients are all over the country and world, so why not start something where you want to live. The barriers to entry to build a software product or company are so low. If you have an idea build it. If you’re not a developer, you can find one locally. There should be no excuses for forging your own path and building something.