Proud mother, grandmother, and seasoned entrepreneur, Vonda Tackett’s story is one of resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Growing up in the dry-cleaning business, she learned the ropes from the ground up—catching many a nap as an infant in those big canvas laundry carts! By her early 20s, Vonda opened her own plant, mastering vital skills that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit. Despite her success, she realized her true calling lie elsewhere and sold the company a few years later.
After moving through various sales positions, Vonda founded Rite Response in 1987, a 24/7 contact center in Houston, Texas. She served clients ranging from small business owners to Fortune 500 companies. Under her leadership, the company flourished into a multi-million-dollar operation. In 2015, Rite Response merged with several other established contact centers, and Vonda made her exit in 2017.
Her journey took a new turn as she invested in rental properties on Galveston Island, (2 properties, 4 units), and fell in love with the vacation rental management industry. This passion led to the founding of Soar Vacation Rental Services. Over 6.5 years, Vonda built Soar into a successful, well-respected boutique firm, which was acquired by Porter VRM in May 2024, so that Vonda could pursue new opportunities.
In 2024, she launched Vonda Tackett & Associates to offer expert coaching and consulting services, including start-up, turnaround, and exit planning. The firm provides fractional CEO/COO services, branding, logo design, social media assistance, content creation, AI for business strategies, and local/virtual mystery shopping (every business needs a good mystery shopper!).
Under Vonda Tackett & Associates, Megastar STR was formed as a brand dedicated to the hospitality industry to serve short-term rental businesses/investors, offering coaching and consulting services, projections, design, and amenities aimed at elevating properties to the highest level.
Filling the gaps and breaking through the status quo, Vonda Tackett & Associates is here to help her clients drive success, partnering with them to make it happen.
Vonda’s commitment to her community is evident through her extensive volunteer work and board memberships:
Volunteer Photographer for TARE (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services): From January 2012 to January 2017, Vonda provided photography services for children awaiting adoption. Her photos helped prospective adoptive parents connect with children in need of loving homes.
President of Lutheran Women In Mission - Memorial Lutheran Church: In 2019, Vonda led the organization in their mission to engage in God's word, fellowship, and servant opportunities.
Education Foundation Board Member for The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas: From January 2011 to January 2017, Vonda contributed to educational initiatives, helping foster ethical business practices.
Member of Lutheran Women in Mission: From January 2016 to January 2020, Vonda participated in activities that promoted spiritual growth and community service.
Member of Rotary Club of Galveston: From August 2021 to September 2023, Vonda engaged with community and business leaders to address local and global challenges.
Board Member of Short-Term Rental Owner's Association of Galveston (STROAG): From January 2022 to May 2024, Vonda supported the interests of short-term rental owners in Galveston County.
Board Position - Missions and Fellowship at St John Lutheran Church, Galveston TX: Since January 2023, fostering fellowship within the church community.
"As a member of a Silver Fox CEO Round Table, has allowed me to meet and learn from Vonda's experiences in growing her company. In Vonda's presentations, it is recognized she is dedicated to her business and employee team. Additionally, she eagerly pursues her personal and leadership development not only from the round table, but she has been willing to share her outside experiences in other organizations and mentorships she is involved in. Knowing Vonda since 2010, I would recommend her and riteresponse.com to those who would have an interest in her services."