Minneapolis, MN, May 17, 2024 – The Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ) today awarded Jennifer Zick, Founder & CEO of Authentic, as a 2024 Women in Business honoree at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel. Jennifer’s speech entails the honor and gratitude she has for receiving this award.
“Thank you so much, Business Journal. What an honor. What a room full of beautiful people. I so gratefully accept this award on behalf of my amazing team at Authentic®! Thank you for your unwavering belief. To my husband who has been the best partner through the ups and downs, the thick and thin. To my mom, for instilling my faith and value system. And because I have – for the first time ever – all three of my children in the room for a career moment, I want to say this to you: Evie, Owen, and Bennett: I love you and I believe in you – always. I hope you are learning from me that life is a precious gift. So grab onto it! Live boldly and bravely. Make decisions out of love, not fear. Ask God for wisdom, and then grab on and go and bring as much good to this world as you can with your gifts. Now go forth and be awesome, all of you! Thank you so much!”
A first-time founder, Zick launched Authentic in 2017 and has grown the business an average of 82% YoY as a pioneer and national leader in the Fractional CMO industry. Under Zick’s leadership, Authentic was named a 2023 Best Places to Work and was ranked #16 on the Business Journal’s 2023 Fast 50 List.
A regular presenter on podcasts and at local and national business events, Zick’s articulate, relatable style, charisma, and marketing expertise make her a sought-after speaker. But it’s her humble, servant-hearted leadership and generous approach to community-building that have made her a highly respected entrepreneurial leader within and beyond the Twin Cities business community.
In parallel with the launch of Authentic, Zick created a community service movement called “Two Or More.” In line with Zick’s values-based mission for Authentic, the philosophy behind Two Or More is that beautiful, inspiring, valuable, amazing things happen when two or more people show up with willing hands and open hearts. Since its inception in 2017, Two Or More has brought together more than 400 volunteers, contributing over 1,200 volunteer hours, in support of 11 non-profits.
Zick is also the founder of Integrator Community™ (IC), a forum designed for COOs and other second-in-command executive leaders to build connection and community. Launched in 2020, Integrator Community hosts free, high-value monthly virtual events, and today serves more than 1,200 leaders from across 47 US states and 23 countries globally.
About Authentic
Authentic® is a national fractional CMO firm, serving clients across the United States and beyond. We were early pioneers in our industry, and continue to set the standard for fractional CMO excellence.
Our unique approach combines Marketers + Methodology + Mindshare to help growing businesses Overcome Random Acts of Marketing® and increase maturity, growth, and transferrable value.
We are Authentic Fractional CMOs™
Tested. Trusted. True Executives.
Learn more at www.authenticbrand.com
