2019 Austin Vistage Member Excellence Awardee’s

2019 was the first year Vistage recognized Austin members for their accomplishments. Please feel free to connect with Cindy, Trey and Chris and hear their story on is Vistage worth the time?

Cindy Richter | Austin

President & CEO, Vanguard Fire & Security

CE 4943 | Chair: Ed Stillman

Vistage member since 2008

A member now for 17 years, Cindy Richter values the impact her decisions have made not only on her employees, but on their families and the greater Austin community. Under Cindy’s leadership, Vanguard Fire & Security was named one of Austin Business Journal’s 2019 “Best Places to Work,” a distinction that speaks to her dedication to serving the good of many over the good of the individual. Cindy’s leadership tips:

  1. Choose one word each year as a rallying cry for performance, goal setting and employee engagement.
  2. Find a peer group with shared values with whom you can speak openly.
  3. Don’t wait to make tough decisions.
  4. In every decision, plan for the future.
  5. 5. Prioritize sustainability and the good of many, even when it’s not easy.

Email Cindy: cindy@vgfire.com

Trey Fly | Austin

President, Joe W. Fly Co., Inc.

CE 4943 | Chair: Ed Stillman

Vistage member since 2014

2020 Leadership Award

A member now for 10 years, Trey Fly has worked every role in his 54-year old family business. From laborer to traveling salesman to now president and CEO, Trey has led Joe W. Fly Co., Inc. from mom-and-pop to the largest HVAC filter distributor and installer in Texas, grounded in core values of integrity, family, customer, quality and commitment. Of his leadership success, Trey shares that delegation is essential. “I’ve learned it’s important to not put it all on my own shoulders,” he says. His other lessons include:

  1. Surround yourself with good people.
  2. Allow them to make mistakes and empower them to make decisions.
  3. Cross-train your team across roles and departments.
  4. Give people ownership in the success of the business.

Email Trey: trey@joeflyco.com

Chris Brundrett | Austin

Co-Founder, William Chris Vineyards

CE 5650 | Chair: Randy Targhetta

Vistage member since 2018

2020 Impact Award

“If anyone is here just for the money, and not here to share our world with our guests, be world-class, and be the best winery in Texas … I’ll pay you to resign today,” Chris Brundrett once told his staff. “We’ll even help you find another job.” When no one left, it was a sure sign Chris had built a team driven by its core values. Chris’ advice for values-driven leadership:

  1. “Hard decisions – easy life.  Easy decisions – hard life.”
  2. Define and execute your values to determine a long-term path to success.
  3. Let your values guide your most difficult decisions.
  4. Recognize team members exhibiting great values.
  5. Release those who don’t support your values — even if it’s your top earner.

Email Chris: