Company: Kickstand, Austin TX
Company Description: From high-growth unicorns eyeing IPO to Fortune 500 staples, we know what it takes to scale and to navigate the challenges that come with growth in the 21st century. Kickstand brings decades of experience and proven success to the high-stakes tech sector — and a reputation for being one of the top tech PR firms in the world.
Nomination Category: Achievement Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Achievement in Equal Pay
 Nomination Title: Kickstand Achievement in Equal Pay Initiative
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the nominated achievements since July 1 of 2022, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions, provide them in the appropriate spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated organization: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 144 words used.
Kickstand, founded in 2013 by Molly George and Kristina Kennedy, is a 100% female-owned company dedicated to serving high-growth technology brands with data-driven marketing services. Since its inception, the company has seen exponential growth, doubling both revenue and headcount in the past two years. Kickstand also achieved record client retention, expanded international revenue to 30%, and scaled its digital practice by 4x year-over-year. In 2022, Inc. Magazine recognized Kickstand as one of America’s fastest-growing companies.
Molly and Kristina founded Kickstand to create change in a field where marketing and public relations are female-dominated but often lack supportive work environments for women, especially working mothers. With most employees aged 25-50, many women at Kickstand are balancing careers with raising children. Today, Kickstand is celebrated as a leading workplace, particularly for women and working parents, reflecting the founders' commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment.
- Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of last year that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 195 words used.
In 2024, Kickstand's workforce is 80% female, representing a diverse range of racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds. To attract and retain top female talent, Kickstand offers innovative benefits, including customizable parental leave with 12 weeks of full pay, followed by six weeks of half-time work at full pay, usable within a year of birth or adoption. Working parents receive a $500 monthly stipend for personal needs, three additional sick days for child care, and a comprehensive benefits package that covers 75% of healthcare premiums for employees and their families—an industry standout.
Kickstand also supports pet parents with a stipend for training, boarding, or vet care, alongside pet sick days and bereavement leave. The company has achieved 81% participation in its 401K program, with a 3% company match.
Furthering its commitment to working mothers, Kickstand offers mentorship and training for stay-at-home moms returning to the workforce. One of the founders even joined the advisory board of Bus Stop Mamas, a tech firm connecting employers with SAHM talent. Kickstand has a history of retraining workers from other careers or long-time SAHMs, with 20% of its management team comprising women who returned to work after years at home.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 208 words used.
One third of Kickstand’s female employees identify as the dominant earner in their household (collected from employees that live with a significant other). The company takes this stat seriously, knowing that many employees are reliant on this job not only to meet daily needs, but also as the primary way they and their family will achieve significant life goals. For this reason, it has a strong commitment to ensuring equitable and competitive pay. Pay scales are included on every job description, also giving internal employees public access to transparent pay scales for each role. Entry-level managers, which on average have just five years of work experience, earn an average salary of $90,000, and its members of its senior management team and ELT earn up to $200,000.
This allows Kickstand employees to achieve many life milestones, from adopting their first pet (25% of Kickstand employees adopted pets during the past year), to buying their first home (7% of employees purchased their first home this year), to giving to causes they support (80% of employees gave to charitable causes this year), to starting a family (one new Kickstand baby so far in 2024), to sending kids off to college (15% of employees had kids in college this year).
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 50 words used.
Kickstand’s leadership is these areas of equal opportunity for women and specifically its benefits for working parents are widely recognized, including by Forbes Magazine, ScaryMommy, Authority Magazine, and was recognized as a top employer for parents by Digiday.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecarter/2021/08/02/meet-the-firm-giving-new-working-parents-an-instant-6000-raise/?sh=4fbe37c8159c
https://www.scarymommy.com/kickstand-6000-raise-parents
https://medium.com/authority-magazine/kristina-kennedy-of-kickstand-communications-on-5-ways-that-businesses-can-help-promote-the-mental-e0d9d5f9d596
https://digiday.com/announcement/awards/the-2021-digiday-worklife-awards-shortlist/
| Attachments/Videos/Links: |
|---|
|
