Move Date

I think if you get there the early part of November to middle of November you will have just as much success. December is when things really pick up but it is a good idea to get there a few weeks before so you can get settled, find work, apartment. So mid-nov/early nov is good.

--Islander

Hi Bri,
My fiancee and I are moving there in Late July to open a bar. Perhaps "Islander" could tell you more about it. Anyway, she and I hope to have it up and running by the beginning of October. Anyway, I have been talking with some of the locals and they seem very receptive to the idea of a "local" hang out. Anyway, my point being, I will be needing to hire a staff when the bar and season is in full force. Perhaps we could help each other out. Tell me a little more about you and your boyfriend. Thanks.

Scott

Hi all,
Just curious if you feel that mid-to-end of august is a difficult time to move to st. thomas? i ordered the handbook, so i could answer my own questions, but i haven't gotten it yet.....so anyways....
I am moving with my boyfriend and possibly one of his friends. i am looking to teach (i have sent out a few resumes...no word yet), my boyfriend wants to do something in the business/economics field and his friend wants to bartend....i probably will also want to get a second job waiting tables or working in a store..but besides that...
are we choosing a good time to find jobs like that and housing? we are expecting to be strapped for cash for a few months, but hope to get our feet on the ground after that.
What do you all think?
Thanks so much!
Brooke

Oh, how long, on average, does the settler's handbook take to get to the states? a week or so?

I'm just curious: will you be following on the heels of an established place, or do you plan to scout out and open your own location? If the latter, where?

Well my plan is start from the ground up. New location, new attractions that no other bar offers on the island etc. etc. I did this three years ago when I open Tailgators Sports Bar in the Cleveland area. I feel like there is a better "public response" when it is done this way rather than taking over an established bar. When doing that, you always have comparisons to the old place, and no matter how hard you try to improve it, you cannot please everyone. Someone will always say, I used to love when the old place did ________ (You fill in the blank). When starting new, it is a little more time consuming, but in the long run definitely worth it. Anyway, if you have any insight, I am always looking for it. Thanks for your reply.

Scott

Hi Brooke,

Well Mid-August for teaching is right - school starts right about then. August is real quiet here as is September.... things start to pick up in Oct, and really pick up in Dec when season starts in full swing. But if you are looking for teaching work then thats the right time. And as for your boyfriend in business - that time is fine as well - particularly if its not tourism related - a job in the private sector. Your friend will have to look arouind a bit more - but will find something and maybe can keep looking for a better bar/restaurant when season picks up. It will give him time to figure out which are the better places to work and be there before the temp. seasonal workers come in. Might be a bit early for the seasonal work - but good for you and boyfriend.

Definately follow up on teaching jobs - did you send it to public or private schools?

The Settlers Book takes on average 3 days to a week. E-mail me directly and I will have someone look into shipping date of your order.

--Islander

Hello Brooke,

My Settlers handbook took 3 days. Regards,

Craig
Rochester Hills, MI

Scott-Thanks for writing-my boyfriend and I would definatly be interested in such an opportunity-maybe we could e-mail back and forth-are you in the Cleveland area right now? We are graduating from Ohio University in 3 weeks-just let me know the best way to correspond with you-looking forward to talking soon-Bri

how cool is that Bri. All I have to say is go Bobcats! To answer your question though, yes I am in the Cleveland area, Avon Lake to be more specific, which is a suburb 20 miles west of C-town. Where are you guys located, and if at all possible, can we get together at a convenient location to talk about our upcoming adventure? It doesn't matter either if you wanted to wait until after graduation, I have nothing but time on my hands now that I sold Tailgators. Anyway, if you want to get in touch with me more directly, my e-mail is kiawaso@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Scott

scott, check your e-mail...my boyfriend is from avon lake, and i have been to tailgators...this is amazing
-bri

hi Bri,
I just sent him an e-mail, and am very anxious to get his/your reply. Anyway, like I told him, maybe you remember my ex-wife, Lori, she usually worked the bar, while I )aka "Gator") usually worked the kitchen. How funny would it be if you guys actually knew who I was. Anyway, Janet, my fiancee also worked as a bartender there so perhaps you might know her as well. OK everyone on STT, no comments about the "boss" dating the employees, my ex-wife and I were finished before Janet and I hooked up. I just wanted to clear the air on that. Anyway, I look forward to hearing from you or your boyfriend, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

-Scott (aka Gator)

Hi Scott, my girlfriend and I are considering the move to St Thomas. We will visit in early September and if we find a place most likely buy a condo. I own a successful marketing/advertising business but I was hoping to open a beach bar type of place as well. Maybe we can talk? Email me at swhitey@attbi.com if interested.

Scott

Oh no! 2 Scotts that want to open a bar!! One that is running around with his bartender after divorcing his wife! Sounds like you guys are already a St. Thomas soap opera in the making! You will fit right in.
So, Scotts, guess what? There is a blown away bar that I think is for sale. It's sort of on the east end and was very popular before it blew away. Guess where it is? Give up? Scott's Beach, imagine that! The bar was called For the Birds and could be a good venture for you guys, Scott' Bar on Scott's Beach what an opening!
Ronnie

Scotts,

OK, I want to party with you guys! I met my wife more than 10 yrs ago... we were working in the same... BAR. Now far removed from that Industry/ lifestyle... I am a recovering (nicely) automotive industry Regional Sales Manager... looking to not do too much on the island... however not sure if my type "A" will allow that... gonna give a good college try! My wife is a contract marketing guru (multi media), interior decorating wiz and professional peanut butter and jelly sandwich maker... We will be relocating to the land of fun and sun (STT) in a few weeks! kids in tow. See ya soon, Craig

Hey Ronnie,
Well after laughing at your message for about 5 minutes (thank you I enjoyed that), I called my fiancee in to read it. She didn't find it quite as humorous as I did but what can you do? After owning a bar here in a small town west of Cleveland, I realize how it is a soap opera. It's all in good fun though. Imagine all the stories I haven't told you. Anyway, here is one that you, and everyone else reading this will appreciate and enjoy. My ex-wife was actually the one "running around" behind MY back. Not exciting enough for you? how about this...She was running around with the Chief of Police of the same town we lived in and worked in! You want more? The chief is 30 years her senion, and oh by the way, he too is married! General Hospital, eat your heart out! I just can't wait to continue the saga on STT, the island will never be the same. Thanks Ronnie, I'll talk at you soon.

Scott.

Hey Craig,
And party we shall my friend! Let me know when you and your wife arrive on STT and how the transition went. I look forward to throwing back a couple Carib's together.

Scott (aka Gator)

A cousin of mine and I are planning on moving to St.Thomas in November. We have not found an apt. yet. And are searching for any type of jobs. I would prefer retail, sales, resort, etc. Anyone with any ideas where to apply? We need to find a furnished apt. We are moving from Michigan! And can't really take a lot of stuff with us. I've been reading the message board a lot and have found a lot of people have the same ideas as we do! We want to live and work in the land of FUN and SUN!!! Any reply's to this would be greatly appreciated!!!

Hey Hol,
Coming from Buckeye country (you know the national champion OSU Buckeyes!) I do hope you are MSU fans. Just kidding, always looking forward to meeting new people, especially those who share the same @$#! ing weather I do in NE Ohio. I'll be down there in July, and opening a bar by the beginning of Oct. Depending on how much you've read on this message board, you've probably already been warned about me, and all my dramatic stories that surround me. I can assure you though, I am really quite normal, at least that is what my shrink says (ha ha). Anyway, stay in touch, and perhaps we could hook up sometime down in the islands. Talk to you soon.

Gator.

Hey Gator,

Thanks for your reply to my message! I have been reading the message board a lot! Your bar sounds interesting. I'll keep on reading about your plans as you post them!
It would be great to meet down in St.Thomas when things get rolling down there! All I know is I can't wait to get out of MIchigan and this nasty weather! Oct/Nov. can't come fast enough! Talk again soon, Holly

Holly, you really need to move, then look for a job and a place. Hardlly anyone finds jobs or places to live on line. You may want to take an exploratory tour to see what's available. Being a place that may people come to every season, you can understand that the requests are heard all day long. Those that arrive on the island are the ones that get hired. Just happens that way!
Ronnie