Trump policy prompts "unexpected" growth for Nexient's Ann Arbor office

After doubling its Pittsfield Township office space last year, California-based IT firm Nexient planned to add more than 100 new employees to its local staff of 250 by 2019. But thanks to multiple factors, including anticipated Trump administration policy changes, the company is poised to exceed that goal.

Nexient chief delivery officer Colin Chapman credits the software development firm's recent expansion into new sectors with "huge appetite for scale," new investments in strategic capabilities that help clients define what they want, and surging interest from clients wanting technology developed within the United States.

Part of that surge is spurred by a Trump administration review that will likely limit H-1B visas. The program is known for helping U.S. tech companies hire highly skilled foreign workers, but critics note the program's abuse by foreign outsourcing firms and U.S. companies looking to source cheap labor.

"The election has given us an unexpected jump in client interest on domestic sourcing versus offshoring – about double what we were seeing a year ago," Chapman says.

Still, Chapman's feelings are mixed. He says H-1B visas have helped Nexient fill at least one role that couldn't have been hired locally. The program also led to citizenship for a staff member – or "Technology Athlete," in Nexient's parlance – who now mentors new developers.

"This is an example of why these visas were created in the first place, and I’d hate to see Technology Athletes like him discouraged about their prospects," Chapman says.

Another factor in Nexient's growth is Ann Arbor itself. The firm is headquartered in Silicon Valley with a service delivery center in Kokomo, Ind., and a satellite office in Okemos. But Chapman says the firm's principal delivery center was established here for the Ann Arbor area's vibrant culture, proximity to "excellent universities," and talent pool of "lifelong learners."