By: Victra

As technology reshapes the way people live, work, and connect, Victra Founder and CEO Rich Balot is guiding the company through a transformation that goes far beyond selling smartphones. With more than 1,450 Verizon retail locations and over 300 Total Wireless locations nationwide, Victra has become synonymous with customer-first service – but Balot insists the company’s vision extends into broader connectivity solutions that touch every part of daily life.

“Our mission has always been about connection,” Balot says. “Not just connecting devices, but connecting people to what matters most—family, work, education. That human element is the foundation of everything we do.”

Founded in 1996, Victra began as a single store in North Carolina. Over the past nearly three decades, it has grown into Verizon’s largest exclusive authorized retailer, serving millions of customers in every state nationwide. The company has maintained steady growth by combining competitive pricing with an emphasis on personalized service—a model Balot credits with driving both guest loyalty and employee engagement.

“People come to Victra because they trust us,” Balot explains. “We’re not just selling a product; we’re offering guidance and support. That trust is earned through every interaction, every solution we provide.”

While retail remains the company’s core, Victra is branching into no-contract 5G home internet, smart home devices, and community-focused tech initiatives. Balot frames these expansions as a response to changing consumer behavior, especially with remote work, digital learning, and smart home adoption on the rise.

“The home has become the new frontier of wireless,” he says. “Our customers want fast, reliable internet without the complications of long-term contracts or hidden fees. We’re delivering that while also making sure communities that have been overlooked have access to the technology they deserve.”

This shift to a broader ecosystem reflects a dual strategy: strengthening Victra’s retail presence while positioning the company as a trusted technology advisor. That balance relies heavily on people – the company’s more than 7,000 employees, many of whom started in frontline retail roles.

“Our team members are problem-solvers, educators, and local ambassadors,” Balot notes. “Investing in their growth is investing in our guests’ experience. When they succeed, everyone benefits.”

Victra’s employee development programs range from leadership training to tech education workshops, all designed to preserve the sense of local expertise that has long distinguished the company. Balot believes that personal service is a competitive advantage in an industry increasingly dominated by online sales.

“Technology is fast and complicated, but people still crave simplicity and trust,” he says. “Our goal is to make every interaction—whether in-store, online, or at home—as seamless and enjoyable as possible.”

“We don’t just want to sell devices,” he adds. “We want to make sure people understand how to use technology to improve their lives—and that it’s done responsibly. That’s the Victra way.”

Looking ahead, Balot is focused on innovation without losing the personal touch. As Victra expands its offerings—from home internet to smart home solutions—the company is building an ecosystem that integrates technology into everyday life in a way that feels personal, helpful, and approachable.

“Every week, we ask ourselves: how can we make technology simpler, smarter, and easier? That question drives every decision we make. Our mission is clear: grow responsibly, innovate constantly, and keep people at the heart of it all.”

Under Balot’s leadership, Victra is positioning itself not just as a retailer but as a community connector and technology partner, redefining what it means to provide wireless services in a fast-changing world. By combining strategic innovation, employee empowerment, and customer-first philosophy, Victra is aiming to set a new standard in connectivity for years to come.