2015 Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year

Left Christopher Ciunci

Chris is a true entrepreneur who has built Tribal Vision from the ground up. Disillusioned with the traditional ad agency model that focuses on its own interests, oftentimes at the cost of the client’s, Chris set out to transform this non-aligned business model with the creation of Tribal Vision.

Tribal Vision serves as an outsourced marketing department for hire that fills a gap in the marketplace. Through a hybrid of marketing strategy consulting and implementation, Tribal Vision provides organizations with the benefits of marketing expertise in a uniquely interest-aligned and objective manner.

Only four short years after its founding, the company now serves over thirty-five clients, with more than twenty-five employees spread over four offices and three countries. Tribal vision has also been ranked one of Rhode Island’s fastest growing businesses for the last two years. A 4000% revenue increase over three years earned Tribal Vision a first place win in 2013, and the firm’s sustained growth earned it the second place spot in 2014. Additionally, Providence Business News named Tribal Vision one of the ‘Best Places to Work in Rhode Island’ for 2013.

Fostering a positive and productive work environment while valuing company culture, as well as individual growth and happiness, Chris believes there are three elements of any business’ “tribe”:
The Customer Tribe The Partner Tribe The Internal Tribe
Recognizing that any business will operate below its optimum if any part of that trio is not fully invested in the company, Chris prioritized his internal team from the start and has created a polished human resources system that includes workshops, performance reviews, strong internal training programs, off-site company retreats, and company social events. Chris recently stated, “We have a great team of professionals working with us at Tribal Vision and a team-first culture that is undeniable. We live by the motto ‘clients first,’ and that starts with an internal team that is motivated and content.”

Ciunci has also built a reputation in the community as a thought leader. He is the author of the marketing book Market Smarter, and is in the final stages of completing a second book, entitled 30 Tips to Market Smarter, geared toward small to midsize business owners.

Furthermore, he has been published in Providence Business News, and often presents seminars and webinars on various cutting edge marketing topics at notable venues such as Brown University VentureLab, Bryant University, Johnson & Wales University, the CEO Club of Boston, and the Harvard Club.

He believes community involvement extends beyond the business world and has consistently supported local charities such as Amos House, The Nature Conservancy, The Rodman Ride for Kids, and Cradles to Crayons. Ciunci’s active role in the community is particularly evident in his recent selection to the “40 Under Forty” by the Providence Business News, a listing of young professionals who are making a difference on a local, national, or international scale.

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