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Tom Purdy
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"There's a lot to be said about the quality of life for which North Dakota is known."
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Perfect Timing
Taking Advantage of Economic Opportunities
Tom Purdy sometimes takes several hours to purchase a few items at the grocery store. That's because the Minot native runs into so many people he knew growing up.
Purdy returned home to Minot from Las Vegas this fall, along with his wife, Chantanee, daughters Maleah, six, and Aris, four, and his mother-in-law, Connie.
He left North Dakota in 1992, after attending UND and graduating from Minot State University with a degree in earth science and a minor in secondary education. He taught in Las Vegas and Los Angeles before transitioning into the field of well-site technology.
"The decision to return was based on a combination of things, including a higher-paying job for me, better schools for our daughters, a lower crime rate and all the other advantages of living in a smaller community," he said. "My wife has always lived in large cities. She wanted our girls to have the same type of upbringing I had. There's a lot to be said about the quality of life for which North Dakota is known."
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"I'm glad to be home. We're really excited about our future here."
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Coming Home
In September, Purdy began working for Neset Consulting Service, a Tioga company providing well site geologic/geosteering services. "The economic opportunity to return was huge," he said. Purdy doubled his income by returning to the state.
"North Dakota is thriving with economic opportunities compared to the rest of the country," he said. "This is the perfect time for anyone to consider coming home."
The rewards transcend economic benefits. His daughter is continuing a family tradition by attending St. Leo's Catholic School, where his late mother taught for 24 years. Purdy, his father, Dr. Paul A. Purdy, uncle and brothers also attended school there. "The staff there rolled out the red carpet for Mary Purdy's granddaughter," he said.
His father, uncle and cousins were thrilled when the family returned. "People I visit with usually know some member of my family, and we have immediate rapport."
His wife, an artist (www.Chantanee.net), rubbed elbows with local artists at a recent festival. "She is excited to be a part of the arts community and was well received," he said.
The family is looking forward to outdoor activities the four seasons offer, including fishing, camping, boating and so much more. Sledding is high on his daughters' lists their first winter here. On tap for next summer is spending time at nearby lakes he frequented in his youth.
A Unique Pride
Purdy was reminded of the sense of community Minot offers when his mother passed away. "The support from people was amazing," he said. "When I lived in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, I never knew my neighbors."
In his mother's eulogy, he stated the number one resource here is the people. "There is a pride in our community and in the state that makes us unique."
Purdy says he is "living large" in North Dakota. "I'm glad to be home. We're really excited about our future here."
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