If you asked Travis Estes to describe the b-roll that played in his head when someone asked him to picture Buffalo before he relocated here from St. Louis in January of this year, he’d paint you a somewhat typical picture of bundled Bills fans tailgating between snow piles.

What he saw on his first visit to the city for the job interview that would eventually land him the position of VP of Marketing for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra was quite different.

“I was so impressed by the amount of art and architecture in Buffalo,” Travis said. “That really blew me away.”

Travis visited for four days on that interview in early November and relocated to Buffalo just a few months later, right after New Years Day. Previously Travis had spent time in New York City, Chicago, and St. Louis. He had worked as a voice actor, model, and now in marketing the arts. In Buffalo, he found inspiration with a smile.

“Buffalo takes Midwest nice to a new level. It has more of an East Coast feel as a city, but the people are the nicest I have ever met.”

Upon moving, Travis bought a house in the Hamlin Park neighborhood, bringing along his two cats and woodshop hobby. One day walking around his new community he met a new neighbor, Dave Horesh, co-founder of Oxford Pennant, a Buffalo-born pennant company with national acclaim and Hollywood partnerships. The two got to talking about Travis’ path from Missouri to Buffalo and his interest in the arts. The next day, Travis exited his home and headed to his car. On the windshield was a box. Inside? A note from Dave along with a Missouri and a Buffalo themed pennant, welcoming him to the neighborhood.

“It truly is a more friendly city than anywhere else I’ve been.”

Why were you so interested in the opportunity with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra? ​

I had a few recruiters reach out to me previously with opportunities, but the organizations always had an all-male C-suite. The only thing I knew about Buffalo beyond chicken wings and snow was JoAnn Faletta, our incredible Music Director. When I looked at this opportunity the executive team was half women, Daniel Hart the CEO had followed JoAnn from Virginia to Buffalo, and their equity initiatives weren’t just statements but had actual dollars and resources behind them, so I knew there was the right balance. Ideas I was not able to get off the ground in other organizations are welcomed and encouraged here.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Buffalo?

​ I love taking walks around Forest Lawn Cemetery for the history and wildlife. SZND and The Little Club are fantastic restaurants. Bean Bastard for coffee. I like craft beer so Big Ditch and Community Beer Works are regular stops.