His new company will use those factories, his contacts at GE, and the large networks of clients he built up to build his business. The United States has 30,000 information technology graduates a year while India graduates 170,000 a year, Blackman said. Blackman, a New York City native, chose Burlington as the base for StrategIM party because he went to the University of Vermont as an undergraduate and graduate student. Burlington, he said, is a perfect match for this type of employee with its bike path, nearby skiing, an outdoor orientation and a culture of work and life balance. The emphasis on a life outside of work for his employees comes from Blackman's own experience in the corporate world, Blackman said.
People can enjoy living in Burlington.
Future employees Not only does the city provide a life for his employees, Blackman sees the Burlington area a fertile ground for future employees. The 15-person company could eventually grow to 40 or 50 people. His expects to use his contacts at UVM in finding employees and contracts. Currently he employs interns from Champlain College. We're paying above competitive wages for Vermont.