Eventbrite is one of those cool tech companies that has planted some of its West Coast roots right here in the South. What started as a customer service outpost in Nashville, Tennessee, has grown to also include engineering and sales. “The talent and drive of the people we’re seeing here in Nashville is awesome,”says Bryan Mayes, Nashville head of engineering. “That’s leading us to continue to lean into the opportunity of expanding our presence here.
And they’re just getting started. Eventbrite, the world’s largest self-service ticketing platform for events large and small, is hiring to expand its sales and engineering operations, and some of those positions will probably be filled from within the company.
“We’re constantly trying to build career opportunities for people on all of our teams,” Mayes says. “Eventbrite is all about helping people grow personally and professionally, and are highly supportive of internal mobility.”
That’s just one glimpse into the kind of culture Eventbrite lives and breathes every day, and it’s reflected in its product. Mayes says the Eventbrite culture “seeps into the product.”
“If you have a great culture of transparency, respect and honesty, then that is reflected in the products and services you build, and the support you provide to your customers,” he says.
The culture is also built around assembling a team that reflects the wide spectrum events on Eventbrite—musicians, marathon runners, foodies, fundraisers. But they vet for these interests specifically during the hiring process.
“Usually when you find people who are passionate and driven, they naturally live really interesting lives with unique backgrounds,” Mayes says. “We are looking to build a diverse culture in every way, and I think when you have that as your foundation, you’re going to build a group of people that embody a wide spectrum of interests.”
Of course, every startup wants to hire the best person for the job, but Mayes says that should go beyond just hiring the best coder or sales rep.
“Personally two of the most important traits I look for are people who demonstrate that they are self-motivated, and are always looking for personal growth. That curiosity and drive is not the only path to success, but I believe there’s high correlation between those who learn and build on their own, and those who become the highest performers.”
Mayes says it’s important to have a clear idea about what your company stands for, and to be deliberate about how that manifests in every decision you make. “The reality is that the DNA of Eventbrite founders—Kevin Hartz, Julia Hartz and Renaud Visage—are at the heart of our culture, even 10 years later. Clearly communicate those values to the team, and they will embraces and embody them.”
As the company’s presence in Nashville continues to grow, Mayes suspects a little bit of our culture—you know, that Southern one—will be seeping into Eventbrite’s.
“Nashville has affected Eventbrite by re-energizing the San Francisco team with a startup spirit influenced by our motivated and mighty team,” he says. “On a lighter note, we shouldn’t forget that we’ve also created a deep appreciation for Nashville Hot Chicken. I think most of the Britelings (Eventbrite employees) that visit from our offices around the world are fans of Pepperfire.”
This post was made possible by support from Sifted, a Nashville-based startup.
