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Social entrepreneurship in New Orleans
Robbie Vitrano
Robbie Vitrano is a co-founder and chairman of Trumpet, a venture marketing company that is a manifestation of the reinventing New Orleans. His point of view: New Orleans is the Social Innovation Silicon Valley, an urban microcosm of the economic, political, social, environmental and cultural issues being re-evaluated in the U.S. and around the world. As such, Trumpet has evolved its full-service brand communications disciplines to launch new ventures, incubating and developing them inside its 12,000 square foot renovated warehouse in the Creole district of the historic Faubourg St. John. Their work comprises advocacy, optimism and socially responsible capitalism.
Leaving a Legacy
Robbie Vitrano has trouble defining what he does for a living, but look almost anywhere in his hometown of New Orleans, and you will find his footprint.
It’s there at the Icehouse, a 12,000-square-foot, $1.5 million commercial real estate development in the once-flooded Seventh Ward. The building is owned by and serves as the headquarters for Trumpet, Vitrano’s branding agency. The development boasts an 80 percent occupancy rate; its 10 tenants include start-ups, nonprofits, and small companies that all share Vitrano’s passion for serving New Orleans.
Across town is Vitrano’s macrobiotic fast-food joint, Naked Pizza. When he discovered the place, in 2006, it was a single-store outpost called World’s Healthiest Pizza and was sorely in need of a makeover. “Their pizza box gave you a dissertation on your colon,” Vitrano, 47, says. He intervened, helped rebrand the business, and became a partner in the company last year. Naked Pizza has since begun selling franchises; it has six locations and plans to open about 75 to 100 more over the course of the next 12 months.
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Written by Authenticis
Authenticis is a team of exceptional business consultants whose mission is to help organisations to be more purpose lead and and aligned with staff and customers, so they are in great shape for the future. Through coaching, training, courses and other services we help organisations to profit from authenticity. When businesses and people are aligned with their values and purpose the energy really starts to flow. The result is an inspiring creation of Authentic Business filled with passionate, fulfilled and dedicated people connected to passionate, satisfied and loyal customers. Even their suppliers are happier! It’s a win-win-win. We’ve seen it work, it is the future. And we’d like everyone in business to experience how good it feels for themselves.
