Sid Berry, 71Three: The Houston Digital Agency Named for an Area Code

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Originally published 2020. Updated July 2026.

Sid Berry is the founder of 71Three, a Houston-based digital marketing agency with 12 staff members. The agency name pays tribute to "713," one of the first area codes assigned to Texas in 1947 and synonymous with Houston for the last 25 years. Berry began coding at 14 and built 71Three after experiencing the typical agency problems — missed deadlines, poor quality, lack of transparency — and seeing the gap firsthand.

The Interview

Q: What does 71Three mean?

A: In 1947, one of the first area codes assigned to Texas was "713," and in the last 25 years that area code has been synonymous with Houston. When I was thinking of company names, the first notion was to use my last name, but I wanted the brand to have a sense of familiarity each time it was spoken, especially in southwest Texas.

Q: How did 71Three start?

A: I started coding when I was 14 years old. I attempted to launch two start-ups with various development teams but kept running into problems — missed deadlines, poor quality, lack of transparency. If I was facing these issues despite having technical know-how, how would other businesses manage? I knew there was a need to be filled, so I assembled a team of experts who are knowledgeable in their fields, ask the right questions, deliver on time, and are committed to perfection.

Q: Core values at your agency?

A: We are not afraid of failure — we embrace it. As creatives, we have to be willing to take risks and suggest fresh ideas. There is no room for mediocrity. We are constantly learning new skills and challenging one another to do better. We encourage the team to have lives outside of work — that does wonders for creativity.

Q: How have you kept spirits up during the pandemic?

A: Several top digital marketing agencies in Texas have gone through layoffs and that caused fear at our office. To alleviate worries, I decided to personally bear the health insurance expense for all eleven staff members and their families. It was important for me to show my team that we are in this together.

Q: How do you measure success?

A: When our clients succeed, we succeed. When we take on a project, one of the first things we do is align ourselves with their goals.

Q: What sets 71Three apart?

A: There are twelve of us, each masters at our crafts — pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that collectively form a multidisciplinary, results-driven company. Good design isn't merely aesthetics — it's the telling of a story that people can instantly connect with.

Q: Advice for someone just starting out?

A: Persistence. You may face hurdles — rejections, objections, lack of a good team, failure to hit targets. Stay determined. This is a very competitive industry so you have to be willing to go the distance.

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