Behind Every Successful Event Is a Powerful Team

Chris has 33+ years of experience in the live entertainment industry. His experience ranges from system design, engineered solutions & implementation of Audio/Video/Lighting & Staging systems. He is the President and CEO of Upstage Companies based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Over the years, Chris & the Upstage Companies have supported both local and national events such as: Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Garth Brooks, The Tabernacle Choir At Temple Square, Presidential Debates & The Inauguration for Donald Trump, Styx, Imagine Dragons, The Eagles, The Jackson Family, Dustin Lynch, The Rolling Stones, Love Loud, REO Speedwagon, The Beach Boys, and many more. He has mixed audio or staged events in all of the lower 48 states and the various venues and arenas throughout the USA, Canada, Europe, Philippines, and Japan.

Chris spent more than 20 years as the Sr. Sound Engineer for The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in Utah. He has a keen understanding of audio engineering and design, as well as event production. He has owned and operated Upstage Companies since 2015 and is very passionate about creating lasting positive customer experiences. He believes that live events are critical to our way of life and a productive society.

Chris and his wife, Hilary, have 4 awesome boys. He enjoys attending Utah Jazz games with them as well as skiing on the slopes of the many famous resorts in Utah.

With more than 30 years of diverse experience across construction, insurance, and live events, Burke Burkhart brings a rare blend of hands-on expertise, strategic thinking, and unmatched customer care to his role as Vice President of Staging and Rentals. A natural problem-solver and creative thinker, Burke thrives on finding innovative solutions for complex event logistics, always with the client’s vision and needs at the forefront.

Burke’s professional journey began in the construction industry, where he owned and operated Burkhart Construction for over a decade. His attention to detail and project management skills later led him to a successful career in insurance adjusting with State Farm, where he spent seven years navigating complex claims with professionalism and empathy.

The last decade has been dedicated to his true passion: the life events and entertainment industry. From running HotShots Family Entertainment to serving as a driving force at Upstage for the past seven years, Burke has built a reputation for reliability, creativity, and delivering seamless event experiences. As a certified Stageline Technician, he is not only an expert in mobile staging but also a mentor and resource for industry professionals.

Clients consistently praise Burke for his ability to think on his feet, build strong relationships, and go above and beyond to ensure every event—no matter how unique—goes off without a hitch.

Brian Carico is a seasoned professional with years of experience in the entertainment industry, known for his dedication to storytelling, talent development, and high-level production. Throughout his career, Brian has played a key role in various facets of entertainment—spanning film, television, live events, and multimedia—while consistently delivering impactful, innovative work.

A highlight of his professional journey includes his work with Full Sail University, where he has contributed to shaping the next generation of entertainment professionals. Through mentorship, education, and hands-on collaboration, Brian has shared his industry expertise with students, helping them bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world experience.

His career is defined by a deep passion for the craft, a commitment to excellence, and an ability to adapt in a fast-changing industry. Whether launching new projects, guiding creative teams, or nurturing fresh talent, Brian Carico continues to leave an enduring mark on the world of entertainment.

With over two decades of proven sales leadership experience, Travis Liston brings a rare blend of strategic insight, operational excellence, and people-first leadership to his role as Vice President of Business Development at Upstage Companies. Since joining the organization in 2023, Travis has spearheaded transformative growth initiatives—including a complete brand refresh, revamped digital presence, and a sharpened go-to-market strategy—resulting in back-to-back years of explosive top-line growth.

Prior to Upstage, Travis led high-performing sales teams across multiple Fortune 500 and national distribution organizations, including W.W. Grainger, Emery Jensen (a division of Ace Hardware), and MacPherson’s. Known for building strong teams, delivering consistent results, and leading through change, his leadership has driven hundreds of millions in revenue growth across diverse markets and industries.

Travis is a skilled architect of sales processes, a passionate developer of people, and a principled leader who approaches every challenge with energy, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. He has earned numerous national accolades for sales performance and leadership impact, and he continues to mentor rising talent in the field.

A graduate of California State University, Stanislaus, Travis resides in Rigby, Idaho, with his wife of 28 years and their 5 awesome children. Outside of work, he’s a dedicated family man, active community member, and can be found in the summer when he has a free day fly fishing on the Henry's Fork River.