How Kinsey Wolf Is Bridging the Gap in Startup Marketing Talent

Meet Kinsey Wolf, the Founder behind Lane Collective, a platform revolutionizing startup support services.  

With a background as an independent marketing consultant and the first marketing hire at a fintech startup, Kinsey recognized the challenges startups faced in finding the right marketing expertise. Fueled by this realization, she established Lane Collective to provide customized marketing, sales, and operations support for startups poised for growth. Kinsey's unwavering commitment to assisting early-stage founders on their path to success is evident as Lane Collective expands its offerings and forges new partnerships.

We asked Kinsey about Lane Collective’s founding story, the achievements she’s most proud of so far, and what she would tell her younger self if she were to start her entrepreneurial journey all over again.

Q: Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Lane Collective?

A: I’ve been an independent marketing consultant since 2019, when I founded Lane Collective. Before that, I was the first marketing hire at a fintech startup, where I grew the program from scratch. While in-house, I experienced how difficult it was to find the right marketing talent. When I became a consultant, I knew I was going to try to find a way to address this challenge and make it easier for founders to connect with the experts they need to help their business thrive.

Q: What problem does Lane Collective solve? 

A: In the broadest sense, The Lane Collective exists to help big ideas achieve their potential. More specifically, we offer marketing, sales, and operations support to startups, all geared for growth.

The Lane Collective addresses a simple problem that most startups face: they need marketing, but don’t know where to start, and can’t afford to misfire on either untested talent or an overpriced agency. Enter: our agile, collaborative network of startup experts. This flexible, reliable approach is designed just for the unique needs and challenges that startups face as they launch and scale. 

Q: In what ways has your upbringing or past experiences contributed to how you operate as an entrepreneur?

A: My father is a tech entrepreneur and my mother a tinkerer; it’s no surprise that our dinner table conversations often revolved around how to build a business. Watching him scale successful business after successful business—and seeing how grueling it can be—was hugely influential. He showed us that the price of freedom is work ethic.

Q: What’s been the hardest and most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey?

A: Becoming an entrepreneur will force you to confront your hangups, like perfectionism, people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, or any other challenge. If you’re not ready to change, it’s not the path for you.

As a recovering perfectionist who generally likes being in control, I’ve been challenged to learn how to let go as a business owner. Even if you do everything perfectly, things will go “wrong.” Clients will have to let you go. Your computer will crash. You’ll miss a meeting. Sometimes all on the same day. That said, these opportunities to grow not only as a business owner, but as an individual, have ultimately been the most rewarding part of this entrepreneurial journey.

Q: We dare you to brag: What achievements are you most proud of?

A: I love working with startup clients, and am really proud of what we’ve achieved together. Here are a few of my favorite wins:

• Crafting an SEO-focused content strategy for a tech startup that delivered more than 5,600 leads in its first two years.
• Delivering 60 percent year-over-year lead generation growth for a fintech startup.
• Doubling traffic and directly impacting thousands in closed deals for a global tech firm.

I’m also really proud of publicly launching the Collective earlier this year. It was the result of many years of work behind the scenes, and I’m genuinely so excited for what’s next.

Q: Has your definition of success evolved throughout your journey as a founder?

A: Absolutely. When I first started my business, I was only focused on revenue goals. I still am, but I’ve learned that making a lot of money is worthless if you’re too burnt out to enjoy it. 

Now, I focus on financial goals in the service of lifestyle goals, like spending time with loved ones and being outside. Success to me is all about finding balance so that I can enjoy both work and rest as much as possible. 

Q: What resources or people have contributed the most to your successes?

A: Early on in my independent career, I joined communities of ambitious people, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners. This was partly due to the pandemic—even introverts craved connection—but it was also driven by a desire to connect with and learn from others. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. IndeCollective changed my career in profound ways, while communities like Dreamers & Doers have provided opportunities I never dreamed existed.

Q: What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again?

A: Practice thinking expansively, and surround yourself quickly with people who see possibilities. Actively envision the future you’re building, and test it out in public with those big thinkers. That way, you’ll avoid the pitfall of playing too small out of a desire for security or stability.

Q: What’s next for you and Lane Collective?

A: Next up, Lane Collective is focused on scaling. With our incredible team of startup experts in place, we’ll be announcing new resources, products, and partnerships, all designed to help early stage founders grow. 

Kinsey is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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