Hello,

Before I get into the detail, basically I live in Ireland and have decided I want to move to the US. The point of this thread is to put the feelers out there to see if you guys think I will be able to find work with a custom installer, and to seek any other advice you can give me!

In particular, I would love to hear from anyone here that has had experience of hiring foreign employees before they arrive in the States. I´m looking at my options to get there, and a work sponsored visa seems my best bet at present. First question: if you found someone you wanted to hire, but they were from another country, would you go through the lengthy visa application process for them? (I know, the question is a bit rhetorical at this point). I just want to get a general feeling from you regarding this.

A quick bit about me. I´m 27, and am about 5 years in the business. I began working as the manager of a very busy discount hifi / home cinema store in Dublin, before moving on to manage a higher end hifi store that dabbled in custom installation. The jobs they did were in the region of $50 to $75k. After 2 1/2 years there, I left to start my own custom installation company which has been running now for 1 1/2 years.

I started the company when the hifi shop turned down a 100k contract, and the owner recommended that I pursue the contract on my own! So I did! All my work since has been referrals, biggest job to date was $225k cinema / mutliroom system.

I have been to CEDIA UK for the past 4 years, and have attended about 30-40 seminars with them. Also have specialisist training from Linn, Lutron, OPUS, Russound and quite a few more manufactures. Software wise, I´m strong on MS Office, D-Tools, ProntoEdit, and just average on AMX and setting up networks.

My experience has had me addressing teams of architects with PP presentations, right up to eating fiberglass for hours at a time in attics! I can sell, manage, program (to a certain degree), pull wire, cut holes, terminate C5, install projectors and all with a charming Irish accent....

Sorry for long winded post, but please feel free to comment with your honest advice. I´m particularly interested to know if (hypothetically) you had a vacancy, would you consider pursuing the long winded option of a work visa for someone like me. Am I worth it?? :D

Thanks in advance,

Robbie

If you are a decent installer you can find work just about anywhere there is money.

Do you have an idea where you would like to live?

Dave

I´ve been thinking about where I want to live quite a lot. I don´t really have any major preferecnes to be honest. Of the places I´ve visited in the states, I have really liked NY, New Orleans and Chicago. I wasn´t that keen on Minnesota, Georgia or Tennesse, I apologise to those of you living there!! Having said that, I would still consider moving there if it suited.

You are right, I need to go somewhere where there is money, but there are still many options. In Ireland, the money is in Dublin, very simple! I´m open to persuasion.

Robbie