Big companies rarely if ever move here. It has always been that way even when housing was relatively cheap. What is unique about SD is that it is a HUGE draw to intellectual, creative thinkers with an entrepreneurial spirit. SD has always been a business incubator where many great young companies start. Once they reach a critical mass, they ultimately get sold to a corporate giant. The jobs leave, the money stays and the founders start another company. The cycle continues. Too many of you out there seem to be brilliant but lack the entrepreneurial spirit that makes SD great. This is a great place to start a company with tons of bright, young potential employees willing to take a risk on your start-up ideas. I could go on and on with stories, including the company I started in the late 90’s and ultimately sold off. Here’s one:

Ever heard of Nixon Watches? Probably not! It is a company that basically started in an Encinitas garge by two bright ambitious surfer dudes. Company struggled for several years, eventually gained traction and sold out to Billabong for close to $80M.