Kickstand Holdings Thrives Under Kristina Kennedy’s Leadership with Remarkable Growth and Innovation
In a fantastic turnaround, Kickstand Holdings has seen a remarkable increase in its operational success under the fresh leadership of Kristina Kennedy, who assumed the CEO position in May 2026. The Austin-based marketing agency announced its achievements during her first six months, showcasing a considerable rise in operating margin and an influx of new business, signifying a promising shift for the agency.
From the outset, Kennedy implemented a new strategic vision, streamlining Kickstand's focus towards five specific industries while also allowing the agency to sell its digital services directly. This shift proved lucrative as within the first 100 days, it allowed the agency to generate over $3 million in net-new pipeline business, culminating in $1.3 million in closed deals. These contracts span across emerging sectors such as AI, fintech, martech, and supply chain, reinforcing Kickstand’s position in those critical markets.
Through her innovative leadership style, Kennedy has not only concentrated on revenue growth but has also vastly improved the agency’s economic model. With the operating margin jumping from 7.3% to 14.3% and net operating income witnessing a 65% uptick in the fiscal year concluded on September 30, 2026, the agency is poised for continuous improvement as they head into 2027.
Kickstand's progressive approach emphasizes linking public relations success directly to brand discovery, especially in the nascent field of AI Search. In today's digital landscape, many tech buyers and investors engage with AI search tools to conduct initial research—a reality that makes visibility in large language models (LLMs) critical for growth-stage companies. By leveraging a data-driven strategy, Kickstand enables its clients to gain prominence through media coverage, correlated with thought leadership, ensuring they outshine competitors in the bustling marketplace. Throughout 2026, the agency has amassed nearly 1,400 pieces of earned media coverage for its diverse clientele.
Kennedy expressed, "We are the only PR firm founded out of MIT. Years later, the DNA built through that is still core to who we are and how we operate. Everything we do is powered by data, and we are driven by results. Our unwavering passion for technology and for the people behind it sets us apart. Clients choose us for our ability to achieve better results, more rapidly, aided by a forward-thinking team."
Internally, Kickstand has also harnessed AI technology to enhance its own operations. By developing proprietary tools, the agency has replaced existing HR systems and several operational processes, resulting in annual savings of $27,000. Additionally, automation strategies within the digital services department have successfully reduced costs by over 6%. Kennedy noted that an internal summer AI challenge yielded three significant projects developed by Kickstand staff, including:
The industry is beginning to take note of Kickstand’s impressive performance; 2026 is shaping up to be the agency's most decorated year yet. Achievements include:
- Platinum Award for Product PR Launch at the Pinnacle Awards
- Gold for Live or Hybrid Event at the Hermes Creative Awards
- Recognition as a finalist in the 2027 PRNEWS Agency Elite Top 120
- Best Use of Original Research at the Content Marketing Awards
- Kristina Kennedy as a finalist for the Best Female Entrepreneur category at the Stevie Awards honoring Women in Business
- Best Cyber PR Agency at the Cybersecurity Marketing Society Marquee Awards.
As the agency gears up for 2027, it aims to continue its organic growth strategy in the PR sector, expand its digital services, and explore potential acquisitions. In a notable upcoming event, Kickstand will be sponsoring the Cyber Marketing Con in Austin on November 15-18, coinciding with the announcement of the Marquee Award winners.
About Kickstand
Kickstand Holdings specializes in crafting public relations strategies powered by data, offering a suite of services that includes media relations, crisis communications, research, and influencer marketing. The agency supports the growth of market leaders across innovative sectors, including AI, cybersecurity, fintech, supply chain logistics, and robotics. To learn more about their services, visit their website at meetkickstand.com.
From the outset, Kennedy implemented a new strategic vision, streamlining Kickstand's focus towards five specific industries while also allowing the agency to sell its digital services directly. This shift proved lucrative as within the first 100 days, it allowed the agency to generate over $3 million in net-new pipeline business, culminating in $1.3 million in closed deals. These contracts span across emerging sectors such as AI, fintech, martech, and supply chain, reinforcing Kickstand’s position in those critical markets.
Through her innovative leadership style, Kennedy has not only concentrated on revenue growth but has also vastly improved the agency’s economic model. With the operating margin jumping from 7.3% to 14.3% and net operating income witnessing a 65% uptick in the fiscal year concluded on September 30, 2026, the agency is poised for continuous improvement as they head into 2027.
Kickstand's progressive approach emphasizes linking public relations success directly to brand discovery, especially in the nascent field of AI Search. In today's digital landscape, many tech buyers and investors engage with AI search tools to conduct initial research—a reality that makes visibility in large language models (LLMs) critical for growth-stage companies. By leveraging a data-driven strategy, Kickstand enables its clients to gain prominence through media coverage, correlated with thought leadership, ensuring they outshine competitors in the bustling marketplace. Throughout 2026, the agency has amassed nearly 1,400 pieces of earned media coverage for its diverse clientele.
Kennedy expressed, "We are the only PR firm founded out of MIT. Years later, the DNA built through that is still core to who we are and how we operate. Everything we do is powered by data, and we are driven by results. Our unwavering passion for technology and for the people behind it sets us apart. Clients choose us for our ability to achieve better results, more rapidly, aided by a forward-thinking team."
Internally, Kickstand has also harnessed AI technology to enhance its own operations. By developing proprietary tools, the agency has replaced existing HR systems and several operational processes, resulting in annual savings of $27,000. Additionally, automation strategies within the digital services department have successfully reduced costs by over 6%. Kennedy noted that an internal summer AI challenge yielded three significant projects developed by Kickstand staff, including:
- - Signal Scout: A tool that detects buying signals and automates outreach, expediting the agency's new business pursuits.
- - The Reactor: Currently in the pilot phase, this tool ties together years of executive commentary and insights for real-time engagement opportunities.
- - A collaboration platform that promotes team synergy, featuring shared training resources and common playbooks.
The industry is beginning to take note of Kickstand’s impressive performance; 2026 is shaping up to be the agency's most decorated year yet. Achievements include:
- Platinum Award for Product PR Launch at the Pinnacle Awards
- Gold for Live or Hybrid Event at the Hermes Creative Awards
- Recognition as a finalist in the 2027 PRNEWS Agency Elite Top 120
- Best Use of Original Research at the Content Marketing Awards
- Kristina Kennedy as a finalist for the Best Female Entrepreneur category at the Stevie Awards honoring Women in Business
- Best Cyber PR Agency at the Cybersecurity Marketing Society Marquee Awards.
As the agency gears up for 2027, it aims to continue its organic growth strategy in the PR sector, expand its digital services, and explore potential acquisitions. In a notable upcoming event, Kickstand will be sponsoring the Cyber Marketing Con in Austin on November 15-18, coinciding with the announcement of the Marquee Award winners.
About Kickstand
Kickstand Holdings specializes in crafting public relations strategies powered by data, offering a suite of services that includes media relations, crisis communications, research, and influencer marketing. The agency supports the growth of market leaders across innovative sectors, including AI, cybersecurity, fintech, supply chain logistics, and robotics. To learn more about their services, visit their website at meetkickstand.com.
Topics Business Technology）
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