Vistra Communications was founded in 2007 by Brian Butler.
Location/Headquarters: Lutz, Florida
Additional Sites: Alexandria, Virginia
Business Accolades: NaVOBA Certified, SDVOSB, Tampa Bay Business Journal Power100, 2021 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award Winner NAGC, Ranked #1 PR Firm in the Tampa Bay Area by Tampa Bay Business Journal, 2020 Doing Well While Doing Good Humanitarian Award - MBE, and many more!
Vistra is an award-winning, nationally-recognized agency providing integrated marketing, communications, promotions and management consulting services. Complemented by a strategic acquisition of a 40-year-old firm – Marketing Associates USA – they provide an impressive legacy of award-winning services to a broad cross-section of the Fortune 100. Their team of professional problem-solvers makes it their mission to be integral to clients' success.
Vistra's team are thought leaders, innovators and creators who use their expertise to build solutions for their clients
Learn more by visiting their website: https://www.consultvistra.com
What services do you provide?
"We provide a wide range of marketing, communications and consulting services to commercial and government clients."
Who are your primary customers?
"Our commercial clients have included AT&T, ExxonMobil, Coca Cola, Moffitt Cancer Center, Visit Tampa Bay, Premier HealthCare, Florida Power and Light, Center for Disease Control, City of Tampa, US Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Patrol, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Disney on Ice, Grow Financial and many others."
When and how did you start your business?
"I started the business ofut of my house after retiring from the Army and unable to find a job."
What were some of the challenges in starting your business?
"Getting those first sustainable clients was a challenge."
What is the key to the success of your business?
"Perseverance, Prayer, and sticking with it! I also had to learn to ask for help and I am always putting myself in positions to learn as we grow."
What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?
"Develop a plan and stick with it. Surround yourself with like minded people that know how to run great businesses."
What pitfalls should they avoid?
"Eliminate distractors and things that waste your time so that you can focus on your business. "
What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA community?
"I believe that is Find ways to give back and help others in your community."
Branch:
Army
Service Years:
1984-2002
Highest Rank Attained:
"I retired as a LTC (Though I was selected for Full Colonel.)"
Why did you join the military?
"I simply believed that commercial that said join the army and see the world. I was the recipient of a 3 year ROTC Scholarship at Hampton University"
Military Occupation:
"I was in the US Army Chemical Corps. I was also a Public Affairs Officer."
Any Significant Military Achievements/Experience you'd like to mention?
"I commanded troops in combat. I also served as a Spokesperson to an Army Secretary and on the communications team for a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I also served in the White House.
Biography/Fun Facts
In 10 years, you see yourself?
"Retired and spending more time on my tractor and enjoying life with my grand kids."
People might be interested to know that?
"I have been to 68 countries"
What is your favorite sports team?
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Rays"
What is your dream car?
"1965 Mustang"
Thank you for your interest in the National Veteran Owned Business Association’s Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise® (VBE) and Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise® (SDVBE) programs. This initiative creates a nationally recognized gold standard in certification for veteran-owned businesses of all sizes and enables corporate America to proactively source and confidently utilize businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by U.S. military veterans.
NaVOBA’s mission is to create corporate contracting opportunities for America’s Veteran’s and Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprises (VBEs/SDVBEs) through certification, advocacy, outreach, recognition and education.
