Why a Lifelong Northeasterner is Loving the Move to Nashville

SmileDirectClub is a dynamic company with a mission to unleash the power of a person’s smile and empower them to positively impact their place in the world. Not a bad brand promise! I was immediately energized by SmileDirectClub’s mission and the world-class team members who share my commitment to creativity and curiosity, data-driven decision making and winning as a team. It was a no-brainer to move to Nashville for the job, but since, I have discovered what an amazing fit Nashville is for my family, too.  

Living my entire life in the Northeast, Nashville had three major selling points for me--- no state income tax, an abbreviated commute and a culturally rich, fulfilling lifestyle. 

Since I moved to Nashville my commute has decreased from an hour plus each way to an 11-minute drive. ELEVEN MINUTES. Having this precious time back in my life has improved my lifestyle – I have time to hit my Peloton in the mornings and cook with my family in the evenings. Nashville is also centrally located so when I need to travel for business or pleasure, I'm a two-hour flight away from anywhere east of Denver. 

I’ve quickly discovered that friends and family are eager to visit us in Nashville, as it’s become the country’s new “it city” with endless activities. Musicians of all genres flock to Nashville – rock, country, pop, R&B, hip-hop and all the major Broadway musicals. Every week there are stadium shows, daily acts rocking the honkytonks (I know they are supposed to be for the tourists, but I like them) and dozens if not hundreds of intimate venues to see amazing artists and songwriters. Tickets are much more accessible, affordable and generally available than they ever were in Manhattan, Boston or Philly. [Hamilton tickets? Done.] 

Access to pro sports is minutes away - I can see my Patriots (don’t hate) play NFL’s Tennessee Titans, the Preds (live hockey is awesome), the Nashville Sounds Minor League Baseball team and MLS which is coming soon. I’m discovering the intense excitement of SEC college sports, too, with Vanderbilt in my backyard as an access point. 

I am beyond impressed with the worldly restaurant scene here - not simply amazing barbecue, haute southern and (the original) hot chicken, but also James Beard House nominees abound and phenomenal Japanese cuisine - two of my favorite spots are O-ku Sushi and The Green Pheasant. I will admit I still haven’t found my go-to Chinese place yet, but the mission goes on. My wife and I are spending more time outdoors since we've left the I-95 corridor, too. With a milder climate and nearby mountains and lakes, it’s easy to get up on the weekend and within an hour be on a boat, biking or hiking off the grid.  

Nashville maintains a small-town feel, despite being one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. People here are friendly. When we moved into our new home, neighbors brought homemade toffee, cookies and granola along with warm welcomes. Almost every restaurant I go to has one of our SDC team members also there with a friendly smile. There is something heart-warming about southern hospitality. I will admit that is does actually freak me out a bit. How are people this nice?  

My wife and I have two teenaged daughters and while moving away from our support system was a challenge, we have discovered a large, welcoming community of parents, teens and professionals, strong college preparatory schools and access to world-class doctors and health care. I feel safe where we live and where we spend our time. 

While my work at SmileDirectClub could not be more exciting, I am just as pleased with how our lives are flourishing in Nashville, too. Come on down to see it for yourself. We can grab a table at my favorite place, Fifth and Taylor.