Relocation Stories: Dave Durand
1. Name and what you do for a living?
Dave Durand. I'm the president of Visual Scientists, an interactive studio. We focus on high-end online campaigns that require an engaging presentation. Flash, 3D and motion graphics let us get creative with that.
2. How did you end up in Louisville?
I met my wife in San Diego, where VS had originally started. The company being so young at the time (just me), we decided to move here so she could be closer to her family. I had driven her here from San Diego, and when I arrived I was pleasantly surprised. So it was an easy decision to move the business here.
3. What did you think of Louisville before you moved here (if anything?)
Well, San Diego is pretty amazing. The ocean, awesome beaches, palm trees... so when you think of anywhere that is deep in the mainland, it just doesn't sound appealing. So at the time, I just couldn't really grasp why it would be such a great place to live.
4. What preconceptions did you have about Louisville that have changed since moving here?
I thought Louisville was full of crazy backwood country folk. I was only partially right there. I also believed that Deliverance was filmed here, and that also turned out to be incorrect. That being said, my first impression of Louisville was great, and all those crazy misconceptions are just laughable now.
5. How do you like living here?
I'm very happy. I have been able to start a family, get my business off the ground , and buy a house, all under the age of 30. The market in San Diego was competitive and pricey. It is comfortable here, and I think really easy to make things happen if you are motivated.
6. Has Louisville been a good place to run your business?
I would say for the most part, great. Affordable for sure. The only downside is that we wish we could do more business here. It seems like a lot of our clients are coming from cities larger than Louisville.
7. What's your favorite thing about Louisville?
The parks are great for going mountain biking , running, having a picnic, or grabbing a game of bocce ball with friends It's all something that I catch myself taking for granted sometimes, but we are pretty fortunate to have such great places to hang out. I'm probably at Cherokee park the most, either with my wife and daughter or flying solo.
8. What is Louisville missing (for my money it's a good creperie)?
Right now, it looks like a Kroger downtown. Why build all these fancy lofts, with no place to shop? Come on guys.
9. What's the one thing people should know about Louisville?
That VS is here. I'll give you another one too though, so I don't seem selfish. Probably that it is 'Possibility City', the city did a good job on encompassing a lot of good traits of this city with that title.
10. What's your favorite restaurant in Louisville?
Right now it is a toss up between two very different restaurants. There is El Mundo. This place has excellent Mexican food, and if you ask for the 'extra super' hot sauce on the side, you are in for a treat. And then L&N Wine Bar and Bistro. Number one, they have wine on tap, and their fish and chips is mouth watering.
Dave Durand. I'm the president of Visual Scientists, an interactive studio. We focus on high-end online campaigns that require an engaging presentation. Flash, 3D and motion graphics let us get creative with that.
2. How did you end up in Louisville?
I met my wife in San Diego, where VS had originally started. The company being so young at the time (just me), we decided to move here so she could be closer to her family. I had driven her here from San Diego, and when I arrived I was pleasantly surprised. So it was an easy decision to move the business here.
3. What did you think of Louisville before you moved here (if anything?)
Well, San Diego is pretty amazing. The ocean, awesome beaches, palm trees... so when you think of anywhere that is deep in the mainland, it just doesn't sound appealing. So at the time, I just couldn't really grasp why it would be such a great place to live.
4. What preconceptions did you have about Louisville that have changed since moving here?
I thought Louisville was full of crazy backwood country folk. I was only partially right there. I also believed that Deliverance was filmed here, and that also turned out to be incorrect. That being said, my first impression of Louisville was great, and all those crazy misconceptions are just laughable now.
5. How do you like living here?
I'm very happy. I have been able to start a family, get my business off the ground , and buy a house, all under the age of 30. The market in San Diego was competitive and pricey. It is comfortable here, and I think really easy to make things happen if you are motivated.
6. Has Louisville been a good place to run your business?
I would say for the most part, great. Affordable for sure. The only downside is that we wish we could do more business here. It seems like a lot of our clients are coming from cities larger than Louisville.
7. What's your favorite thing about Louisville?
The parks are great for going mountain biking , running, having a picnic, or grabbing a game of bocce ball with friends It's all something that I catch myself taking for granted sometimes, but we are pretty fortunate to have such great places to hang out. I'm probably at Cherokee park the most, either with my wife and daughter or flying solo.
8. What is Louisville missing (for my money it's a good creperie)?
Right now, it looks like a Kroger downtown. Why build all these fancy lofts, with no place to shop? Come on guys.
9. What's the one thing people should know about Louisville?
That VS is here. I'll give you another one too though, so I don't seem selfish. Probably that it is 'Possibility City', the city did a good job on encompassing a lot of good traits of this city with that title.
10. What's your favorite restaurant in Louisville?
Right now it is a toss up between two very different restaurants. There is El Mundo. This place has excellent Mexican food, and if you ask for the 'extra super' hot sauce on the side, you are in for a treat. And then L&N Wine Bar and Bistro. Number one, they have wine on tap, and their fish and chips is mouth watering.
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