Security Check: Joe Magee is the VP at RallyBound, a social fundraising technology company in Los Angeles. He’s also the co-curator and co-founder of 2462(miles) and a new dad!

What’s your historical Los Angeles and New York connection?
My mother was born in Queens and my father migrated to Manhattan from Northern Ireland when he was 16. They met in NYC; so, it will always have a special place in my heart. I went to college in Fairfield, CT and worked for a year in downtown on Canal St. I moved to the South Bay of Los Angeles five years ago, and now call it home.

Describe your experience in LA.
Growing up in San Diego you are conditioned to loathe Los Angeles. The traffic, sports teams, ocean water quality, all of it… It is sad because LA has so much to offer. When I moved up here, I was following my girlfriend (now wife). These last five years, we have lived in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, which are not your prototypical “LA experiences”. But, within 45 minutes (depending on traffic), I can be in the center of the entertainment world.

LA is a funny place. For the first year I lived here, each time I watched the news it mentioned a different freeway and a new town that I had never heard of before. There are definitely all the stereotypes in this city, and more. I also sometimes watch TMZ as a sort of local news and for restaurant recommendations.

Describe your experience in NYC.
At Fairfield University we would take the train into the city for concerts, shows and to visit museums. The city has so much energy packed into that “little” island. I did love (and still do) going out in NYC. For 9 months during junior year, I took the train from Connecticut to SoHo where I worked for a publicly firm. We ran publicity with authors, photographers and socialites. It was a really surreal experience. As a surfer from San Diego, let’s just say I didn’t really fit in or dig it.

What was the biggest challenge of moving from LA to NYC?
Growing up in Southern California and moving to the Northeast was a complete culture shock. I talked differently, dressed differently. I put avocado on everything. I once asked if they had avocado in the early 00’s at a deli in NYC. The guy behind that counter said: “What? You from f#%!* Hawaii?!”

How can NYC and LA best engage with each other?
Each industry has a lot of the same goals and challenges. Increasing revenue, attracting users, growing companies, etc. Each city has a lot to learn from the other. I think being open about those challenges and how they’re solved in each market can help both coasts benefit tremendously.

Favorite LA secret spot
Villain’s Tavern in the Arts District.

 Favorite NYC secret spot
Death & Co. in the East Village.

What’s on your playlist right now?
Bombay Bicycle Club, Chvrches and Frightened Rabbit.

From the 2462 Miles newsletter: connecting NEW YORK CITY + LOS ANGELES