Why I Bet on Our California Office (and Why You Might Too)
I joined Paperless Parts in Boston in 2022 and quickly fell in love with the mission. Everyone here is deeply committed to helping manufacturers grow their businesses and push innovation forward. That clarity of purpose and the energy behind it was palpable from day one.
But I came on board about a year-and-a-half too late to experience what we lovingly refer to as “the basement era”: when our team was packed into a tiny Boston basement office, wearing every hat imaginable and doing whatever it took to get the company off the ground. I’d always envied our early team for getting to experience that gritty phase of building our company’s foundation. So when the opportunity came to help establish our first satellite office in Southern California, I jumped at it. Most people assumed I was chasing sunshine (though, let’s be honest, that doesn’t hurt). But what really drew me in was the chance to build something from the ground up.
A Second Home Base
Our first office in Carlsbad, a vibrant beach community just north of San Diego, started with a crew of four. We were a small, scrappy team navigating new challenges together and trying to find the best taco spots for lunch (very much an ongoing effort).
We knew we couldn’t replicate our 100-person Boston HQ, so instead we focused on building something of our own on the same core values: “We are intentional,” “We are persistent,” and “We are a team.”
Fast forward to today, and we’ve doubled in size at our new office in Encinitas. We’re as tight-knit and collaborative as ever, and a great-sized group for a post-work game of pickleball. Everyone’s hands-on, and no win is a solo win.
Our team now includes folks across a variety of departments, from Sales, to Onboarding, and Customer Success. Fun fact: I actually came out here as a Sales Manager leading our BDR team. Over time, I transitioned into a Customer Success role, which has given me the chance to work more closely with our customers and see firsthand how they use our platform to solve real problems every day. It’s deepened my appreciation for what we’re building and given me a whole new perspective on the impact we can have as a company.
Same Mission, Different Coast
Southern California is home to some of the most innovative manufacturers in the country. Aerospace is huge here, and we’re surrounded by tech-forward precision manufacturers that are eager to embrace new tools and drive the industry forward.
And in manufacturing, being local matters. It’s a highly tangible, relationship-driven industry—and for good reason. Precision manufacturers face a unique set of operational and business challenges that are best navigated with a strong network. Having trusted partners close by means they’re not solving those challenges in isolation. We’re a stone’s throw from hundreds of our customers, which means we can be there when we need to be, whether it’s jumping in for product support or just nerding out over someone’s new 5-axis machine. We also bridge two time zones, giving our team more coverage and flexibility to support shops nationwide. (And as an added bonus, we’re a bit closer to Australia, where Paperless is starting to grow.)
If you’re excited by the idea of being a pillar of something that’s still growing, still evolving, and still full of possibility, Paperless Parts’ San Diego office might be the place for you. We’re growing roots in a place surrounded by opportunity and filled with teammates who genuinely want to see each other win (unless we’re playing spike ball).
A Bet That Paid Off
Looking back, taking the leap to move out here opened more doors than I ever expected. I’ve grown in my career as a result of working with people who challenge and inspire me every day.
Paperless Parts is the kind of company that creates opportunity; you just have to be willing to take it. If you’re looking for the next step in your career and want to be part of something meaningful, the San Diego office is hiring. Check out our open roles today!