Seattle vs the Valley - Through Glenn Kelman’s Eyes

By: Drew Meyers, Zillow Business Development Specialist | February 12, 2008

Glenn Kelman’s masterful keystrokes resulted in yet another superb article on the Redfin Blog — How Green Was My Valley. He contrasts Seattle with Silicon Valley in a way that, well, only Glenn can describe. Topics discussed include the difference between a business and a “cool idea”, cost of living, differences in cultures and work mentalities, and loyalty.

At the end of the article, Zillow’s CEO, Rich Barton, is quoted as saying, “You work hard here because it’s gray, then you go hiking or fishing or skiing” — and I can attest to the fact that we definitely follow the work hard, play hard motto here at Zillow. I’ve heard those in the valley sometimes forget the 2nd half of that motto.

Which environment/culture do you prefer?

Stumble it!
Categories: Real Estate, Zillow

Comments

3 Comments so far

Seattle vs. Valley: Daycare vs. Kindergarten « The Notorious R.O.B. on February 13, 2008 10:13 am

[...] Drew Meyers over at Zillow blog comments that: I can attest to the fact that we definitely follow the work hard, play hard motto here at Zillow. [...]
Port Orange Homes on February 18, 2008 5:47 am

Unless you walk in someones shoes it’s all talk so I say. You have to try it out for six months in each place to make your decision but if weather has anything to do with it my head is in a better place where it’s nice outside not rainey!
Liam on February 18, 2008 12:34 pm

The NY Times article by John Markoff (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/08/technology/08nation.html), which sparked Glenn’s response, has set off another thoughtful piece, this time on Crosscut.com. Margaret Pugh O’Mara is an assistant professor at the Univeristy of Washington and a research scholar at Stanford. She studies urban “tech centers” and has some interesting thoughts. See http://www.crosscut.com/business-technology/11646/We+are+not+%27the+next+Silicon+Valley%27/