Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlie Kuban.
Carlie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am originally from the Portland, Oregon area. I went to college to become a counselor as I had a passion for helping others and felt this was the best avenue to do so. After college, I took a leap of faith and moved to Denton, Texas of all places, to go through a women’s program at a local church. Through a local connection, I entered into the nonprofit space and instantly fell in love. I loved working somewhere that was mission-focused, helped people in need, and was beautifully chaotic! I served in many different roles within this organization, from handling administrative work, bookkeeping, fundraising and more. I was even given the opportunity to serve in the Executive Director role and help oversee a major campus expansion project. This is when I came to fall in love with mission-driven fundraising. I always knew I wanted to help people in some way (hence the pursuit of counseling) but I found my own unique way of doing that through fundraising for nonprofits. It was the perfect way to merge my passion and my skill set.
I launched my own company, Kuban & Co. Development Consulting, to be able to continue to work with nonprofits and help them advance their fundraising capacity, build stronger teams and be better equipped to reach their goals. I love working with nonprofit leaders and not only supporting their professional goals but getting to walk alongside them through the struggles and trials they face as well. Many people don’t understand just how difficult it is to be in a leadership role in a nonprofit. I feel very fortunate to have the personal insight in this area and in turn, to be able to help others. I live in Denton, Texas and am married to my wonderful husband, Ty. We have one daughter, Hope and our second is on the way!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I was blessed at a young age to be given big opportunities – which in reality means learning through failure. My path to get to where I am has been incredible, but there were many tears shed along the way. For example, I stepped into the role of an Executive Director for a nonprofit when I was six months pregnant with my first child, we were two months away from closing on a multi-million dollar property and headed for a Capital Campaign. I was learning how to lead an organization, raise major funds, enter into a New Markets Tax Credit deal and learn how to be a mom all at the same time. But God was faithful and provided what I needed for that season! It also prepared me for where I am today with running my own nonprofit consulting business.
Being in leadership as a young woman is challenging at times. Learning to trust your instincts, be bold, stand up for yourself, and yet be humble and admit when you need help is a serious balancing act. I think the hardest part for me has been handling the opinions and push back of others along the way. I like getting along with others and prefer to avoid conflict. But when the stakes are high, conflict can’t be avoided. That is where a lot of growth has had to happen for me personally.
When I decided to start my own business, I had no idea how many decisions I would have to make so quickly. From personalizing my brand to figuring out my services, pricing, and a million other details – it’s a lot! It’s a huge responsibility to be a business owner.
Please tell us about Kuban & Co Development Consulting.
The mission of Kuban & Co. Development Consulting is to strengthen nonprofits through client-centered development consulting to better impact our world. In simple terms, I work primarily with nonprofits and their leadership team members for individualized coaching and strategy support. I work with organizations to build annual development plans and learn how to better engage their board, volunteers and donors in all that they do. Some of the problems my clients face that I help them work toward solving are:
1. How to engage their boards in fundraising
2. Connecting donors to their mission
3. Creating a strategy for the development
4. Prioritizing fundraising in the organization
5. Building a culture of philanthropy
I also help organizations with running online giving campaigns, create monthly supporter groups, and more. I love helping my clients take an idea or a goal and bring it to fruition. I would say what sets my company apart is that my focus is all on the clients. I am very flexible in building a plan that helps the organization at an affordable cost. Each organization needs different things, and I can help work within your budget to help address the issues you’re most concerned about. Whether it’s an ongoing relationship or a one-time engagement to handle a campaign, I’m here to help.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have a team of ladies that have been the support I needed to take this leap of faith in launching my own business. Randi Skinner with RS Consulting, Kayce Strader with Save Nine Consulting & Renit Lambert with Renit Photo & Design. In the very beginning, they were the ones I texted, called and emailed with my million questions that every business owner faces. They were so encouraging and helped me have the courage to take on this new venture!
I also am incredibly grateful to the board and staff at Serve Denton, the nonprofit organization that gave me my beginnings in the nonprofit sector. I would never be where I was today without each of those individuals! They gave me so many opportunities to grow in my career and have been my cheerleaders at every turn.
Last but not least my husband, Ty, who has been there for me every step of the way. He has been there through every high and low, and I can’t imagine doing any of it without him by my side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kubanandco.com/
- Email: kubanandco@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kuban-Co-Development-Consulting-102651741526886
Image Credit:
Ty Kuban
Renit Photo & Design
Ian Harber, Serve Denton
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