Meet Butch Robertson

Butch Robertson, owner of BTR Management, a marketing and events company based in the NC Triangle, has over 30 years of experience planning and implementing marketing and branding programs for high profile companies in the region as well as managing many successful events.

Professional Background

Robertson began his career in merchandising and product placement for an international retail chain. He later partnered with friends to operate two athletic shoe stores in the early 1980s, achieving annual sales over $1,000,000. After 8 years, he became the Marketing Director for The News & Observer, leading regional marketing initiatives, sponsorships, and branding efforts that positioned the company as a regional leader.

He founded BTR Management after leaving The News & Observer, which he still operates today.

Event Management Highlights

Throughout his career, Robertson has managed and directed over 600 running events, including:

• The Old Reliable Run (founder and director)
• The original Raleigh Marathon
• Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon
• Friesen 5K Run with the Canes
• Healthy Kids Running Series for New Balance
• Run for Hope
• Great Raleigh Road Race
• Raleigh Greenway Half Marathon and 10K
• Carolina Beach Half Marathon

He has also directed major events for:

• The US Olympic Committee
• The National 10K Championship
• US Olympic Festival Pentathlon
• Triangle Triathlon
• The NHL All-Star Game's 5K race in Raleigh, a significant success for the Carolina Hurricanes and NHL
• Lance Armstrong's first fundraising bike ride post-cancer treatments
• Special Olympics World Games Marathon and Half Marathon, setting record race times

International and National Recognition

In 1986 and 1987, Robertson directed the world's fastest 10K races, earning international acclaim and establishing standards adopted worldwide. He has spoken widely, including at national conferences in Boston and Phoenix about managing world-class road races.

Corporate and Community Contributions

His work includes events for GSK, Hendrick Motorsports, Triangle United Way, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, Bank of America, and many others. He also managed an NBA preseason game between the Charlotte Bobcats (Hornets) and Washington Wizards, among numerous other projects.

Robertson has served on over 25 boards and 30 committees, such as:

• Triangle Educational Advancement Foundation (President)
• International Festival (President)
• Triangle United Way Marketing Board
• Artsplosure
• First Night Raleigh
• Walk for Hope
• Raleigh Bicentennial Celebration
• Light Up Raleigh
• Great Raleigh Weekend
• Triangle Community Foundation
• Raleigh Chamber of Commerce

Public Speaking & Project Management

Butch has spoken at over 50 civic organizations and companies, and at national marketing conferences. His projects include:

• International Auto Expo
• Holiday Invitational Basketball Tournament
• Hot Hoops 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
• Capital City 3v3 Soccer Clash
• Merchandise Director for the International Tall Ships Festival

His initiatives have raised over $3 million for non-profits, including the Send-a-Kid to Camp Program, which he founded and managed, raising more than $1.5 million in its first decade, sending over 1,000 underprivileged children to summer camps statewide.

Honors & Recognition

In 1992, Robertson was inducted into the Road Runners Club of America Hall of Fame. He carried the Olympic Torch in 1996 for the Summer Olympics and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to sports, community service, and event management.