Name: Amie Kromis

City: Irving

Neighborhood: Las Colinas

Company/Title: Skanska USA, National Director of Vendor Diversity

When did you move here? From where?
December 2014, from Nashville, Tennessee

What made you decide to Say Yes to Dallas?
After graduating from SMU, I moved back to my hometown of Nashville and quickly realized how much I missed Dallas. Due to Dallas’ burgeoning construction industry, I was able to transfer to my company’s Dallas office. The sunshine, cost of living, and multitude of restaurants didn’t hurt either — prime example of not knowing what you have until it’s gone!

How did you choose where to live in the Dallas Region?
I chose to live and work in Las Colinas so I could have daily views of the Irving Music Factory construction site. My company is currently building the Irving Music Factory, and I’m thrilled at how it will serve, not only as Dallas’ newest entertainment destination, but also an anchor in Las Colinas’ reawakening.

How has your opinion of the Dallas Region changed since moving here?
While I was a student at SMU, I did not explore the region as much as I should have; I had no comprehension of how massive, diverse, and rewarding this region is. Now that I have returned to the city as a young professional, I seize every opportunity to relish new Dallas experiences and also retreat to my Dallas go-tos.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move here?
First, hurry up because we would love to have you! Also, there are a lot of neighborhood options to consider when moving to the Dallas Region. Before you get overwhelmed with the number of impressive options, be sure to download the Dallas Regional Chamber’s relocation guide.

What is your passion, and how does Dallas help fulfill it?
My work and passion are intertwined and focus on bringing parity to the construction industry by increasing procurement opportunities to historically underutilized businesses. The Dallas Region is a national leader in construction and businesses owned by multicultural populations. That makes this area the perfect nexus for my passion.

What would you miss most about the area if you had to leave?
I’d absolutely miss the easy access to airports and airlines, the vast array of cultural neighborhoods, and the weather.

What is your favorite restaurant?
There are so many to choose from, but Kalachandji’s is truly an experience. It is Dallas’ longest-serving vegetarian restaurant and located in the Hare Krishna temple. The food is divine. Be sure to tour the temple for a unique experience.

What is your favorite outdoor activity, and where is your favorite place to do it?
Running White Rock Lake or enjoying a view of downtown from HG Sply Co.’s rooftop bar.

Where do you go to experience culture? Why do you like it?
I always visit “The Shops of Old Denton” to experience Asian food and culture. I can peruse through the 70,000-square-foot H-Mart supermarket, eat amazing Korean BBQ next door, then finish off my experience at Cocohodo with their decadent walnut pastries.

Where do you like to shop? Why?
I’ll just state the obvious: NorthPark Center is glorious. It includes a mix of affordable and high-end stores and restaurants, and it serves as a space for community engagement and culture.

Do you travel often? Easier or harder to do here?
I travel frequently for both business and leisure. Having access to multiple airports and airlines is a massive advantage for the Dallas Region.

Photo Credit: Michael Samples