By: Chelsea Robinson
From founding Wayne Contracting in 2014, a general contracting firm serving national brands, to co-founding Vizex Branding, which has installed signage for clients across North America and the Caribbean, Burns continues to chase scale without sacrificing quality. Meanwhile, Meramec Hardscapes, now rebranding as Meramec Pools & Outdoors, caters to St. Louis-area homeowners seeking backyard transformations. City Seafood, launched in 2023, supplies premium fresh seafood to restaurants and households alike. Most recently, Arch City Group began developing a portfolio of QSR franchise locations in the St. Louis metro. “Our aim is to build a footprint across various industries, but always with strong operations and a reputation for service,” says Burns. “It’s about creating something that lasts and that people trust.”
Scaling With Purpose
Despite juggling multiple enterprises, Burns has always maintained a firm grasp on the human side of entrepreneurship. That people-first perspective is evident in both how he leads and how he gives back. “I’ve always believed in the role of reciprocity,” he says. “My dad was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back. I saw early on that if you have the ability to help, you should do it.”
Burns serves on the board of Junior Achievement, an organization devoted to teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship to students. “They’ve got a trades program now,” he adds, “so kids who are more hands-on can explore paths outside of traditional college.” He also chairs the board of Haven House, a hospitality organization providing lodging and transportation to out-of-town patients receiving medical care in St. Louis. “There are no age or medical restrictions,” Burns explains. “We feed them, get them to appointments, and do whatever we can to make a difficult situation a little easier.”
This mindset, he says, is embedded in his company culture. “You’ve got to figure out how to balance giving back with business growth. But I do think there are ways to involve your team. Give them a half-day to volunteer, let them choose on causes to support. Reward participation, don’t force it. That’s how you build lasting goodwill, internally and externally.”
The Business of Doing Good
For Burns, corporate social responsibility is part of the business model. “The goodwill that comes from being active in your community, it matters,” he says. “Maybe not directly, but in terms of reputation, employee morale, and even client relationships. It all plays a role.” He acknowledges the challenge companies face when determining where to direct resources. “Different employees care about different causes, and you don’t want to spread yourself too thin,” Burns explains. “So we focus on two core organizations. That gives us depth, not just breadth, in our involvement.”
The rising pressure on private donors is also a challenge Burns believes businesses are well positioned to address. “I’ve seen a real uptick in outreach over the past six months. Some nonprofits are losing access to federal funds and are turning to the private sector to fill the gap. It’s going to be tough for a lot of them,” shares Burns.
Small Gestures, Big Impact
The most meaningful contributions often aren’t the largest. “If you can do good, do it. Sometimes it’s just a little bit of money, or a small amount of time. But to someone else, it can mean everything.” He sees this daily in his volunteer work. “You’d be surprised what a small gesture can do. Whether it’s a donation or just saying hi to someone on a rough day, it can turn things around.” That belief in the power of small, consistent efforts reflects the same ethos that guides Burns in business. While his ventures continue to grow in size and scope, they are grounded in the principle that long-term success should uplift not only shareholders, but all stakeholders, including the wider community.
Connect with Brad W. Burns on LinkedIn or visit his website.
