This man left Silicon Valley for an innovative Birmingham-Based company
When it comes to technological hub cities, the first place that often comes to mind is Silicon Valley, California. Home to tech giants like Google, Facebook and Amazon, it is considered the holy grail by many in the field of information technology. Despite this, one rising professional chose to leave this dream nest for an innovative company in Birmingham, Alabama. Meet Erich Volkert, the new Vice President of Product Management at Moultrie Mobile.
From San Jose to Birmingham
Born and raised in San Jose, California, Volkert was no stranger to Silicon Valley’s tech buzz. He started his career working with Amazon’s Emerging Products Group, accumulating vast experience and knowledge in the field. Despite the glamour and comfort of Silicon Valley, Volkert decided to move his family to Indian Springs, Alabama in June 2023.
Trading the tech city’s hustle for the greenery and Southern hospitality of Birmingham hasn’t been a disappointment for the family. Besides, there is always the excitement of experiencing a different lifestyle, which includes snowboarding, playing soccer, designing furniture, and woodworking. The decision to migrate wasn’t entirely arbitrary, though. A job listing at Moultrie Mobile caught Volkert’s keen eye and led him to join the Birmingham-based company.
The Unique Moultrie Mobile
Moultrie Mobile, a company known for manufacturing hunting and outdoors products, caught the attention of Volkert. Their offer included cellular trail cameras, connected feeders, and an elaborate app for planning hunts.
Moultrie Mobile’s rapidly growing business and their strong camaraderie-filled company culture appealed to Volkert, making it a no-brainer to move to Alabama. Especially, what stood out to him was the employees’ excessive curiosity and open-mindedness towards learning, which fostered an invigorating environment for innovation.
Moreover, Moultrie Mobile, despite being a significant name in the hunting and outdoor products industry, operates as a nimble startup owing to its symbiotic relationship with EBSCO, its parent company. This unique combination offers the best of both worlds to its staff – a small, compact work team with a significant impact and a hefty infrastructure and funding to back it all up.
Birmingham and Southern Hospitality
Volkert is hopeful for the opportunities that lie in Birmingham, a city that has surprised him with its hospitality, politeness, and affectionate overall demeanor. He is looking forward to experiencing the local culture more and especially excited about the city’s first spring and a trip to the Gulf Coast.
Living in Birmingham has also broadened his perspective on various everyday matters like traffic and weather. Being embraced by the greenery, the Volkert family is absorbed in the natural beauty that surrounds them and promises never to take it for granted.
Volkert’s move from Silicon Valley to Birmingham has indeed been a fruit-bearing decision, not only from a career perspective but also in terms of personal growth and experiences. His story reveals how not all dreams are tied up in shiny city lights. Sometimes, it’s the green fields and cordial manners of the Southern towns too.