calling all techies

Hollywood Heights resident Chris Gay owns a tech startup, Zengine, a cloud software firm focused on the insurance business. It is Gay’s second tech startup, and he noticed that he and his colleagues have a hard time recruiting employees. Not only do they compete for talent among themselves, they must also fight what Gay calls “the brain drain to the West and East coasts.” In other words, the most talented programmers, engineers and other savvy techies from our area often are swooped up by firms in Silicon Valley or Massachusetts. So, in an effort to retain local tech talent, Gay is planning an event called the Roundup for Startups this month. The event, at Deep Ellum Brewing Co., will feature about 40 startup companies offering at least 100 salaried jobs. But don’t call it a job fair. No suits are allowed. “We don’t want to see a résumé in sight,” Gay says. Too often, startups offer new hires a stake in the company or other prospective perks, which causes misconceptions about what startups have to offer. There are plenty of tech companies in the Dallas area with salaried jobs available. They just need to find the right candidates. Gay says he expects about 1,000 seasoned pros as well as recent college graduates will attend. “We’re hoping the startup community will help the unemployment situation, and Dallas will be a vibrant place for startups,” he says. The Roundup for Startups is at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Deep Ellum Brewing Co., 2821 St. Louis.

—Rachel Stone

Yoga Mart

Yoga mats, bolsters, blankets, blocks straps and more. Everything one needs to practice yoga. 6039 Oram (at Skillman) 214.534.4469 yogamartusa.com

Debutantes And Cowboys

Pleats, ravishing pastels and delicate colors are coming in weekly to fill your spring wardrobe!

9219 Garland Rd. (at the Reserve at White Rock) dcboutiqueonline.com

The T Shop

It’s almost time for hippitty hop! 1911 Abrams Parkway 214.821.8314 Visit us on Facebook.

T-HEE GREETINGS

Spring forward with great gifts from T. Hee Greetings. Everything you need for Easter, gifts and home entertaining. Mockingbird & Abrams and Walnut Hill & Audelia 214.747.5800 t-heegifts.com

True Beauty R X

Neostrata Skin Active system delivers clinically proven anti-aging effects. Purchase the 4-Step Skin Active Kit for $249 and receive a Skin Brightening Glycolic Peel for FREE ($135 value). 6224 La Vista Dr. 214.434.1664 TrueBeautyRx.com

Our Beautiful Jewelry makes a beautiful gift ... and we’ll gift wrap it for free! We also carry other unique Gifts, Sterling Silver & do Custom Work, Restringing & Repairs. 2913 Greenville Ave. (next to Blue Goose) callidoragifts.com 214.515.9188

The Hospitality Sweet

Catering custom homemade sweets & savories to friends, family and businesses. Let us create your perfect event! Kristen Scott and Meghan Adams 214.534.2241 thehospitalitysweet.com

The Store In Lake Highlands

New Vera Bradley Summer 2012 patterns! Four great patterns to choose from, in all styles. Featured Frame Bag in Summer Cottage.

Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30. 214.553.8850

10233 E. NW Hwy., #410 TheStoreinLH.com

Brumley Gardens

Spring is in the air and that means it is time for planting! Visit our garden center for all your spring planting needs. Shop local. 10540 Church Rd. Dallas 75238 214.343.4900 brumleygardens.com

Once Upon A Child

Hop into Spring with Great Deals! BUY and SELL those gently “used” and ”new” Spring outfits as well as swimsuits and short sets for Summer! 6300 Skillman St. #150 Dallas, TX 75231 214.503.6010 onceuponachildlakehighlands.com