Exploring Life & Business with Holly Fink of Collab Architecture

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Fink.

Hi Holly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
When I look back on where I started, I feel like I’ve taken the scenic route in getting to where I am today. My path has been anything but linear, however, each stop along the way has given me a greater perspective and appreciation for just how wild this so-called journey can be.

I grew up in the Southeast and graduated from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) where I studied Fashion Merchandising and Manufacturing. I was certain that my future was in the fashion industry, and I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Elle Magazine in New York. While I loved so much of that experience, I left feeling like I needed to refocus. I took a year after graduating and worked several hospitality jobs to save up for a one-way ticket to Argentina. My now husband and I spent a year and a half backpacking and volunteering in South America, followed by 6 months touring the United States in his 2002 4runner which eventually landed us in Colorado. He was pursuing his career in Veterinary Medicine while I was still trying to find my so-called career. I was mostly excited to be close to the mountains and landed a job with a small retailer as their store manager. I wore a lot of hats for this business but the one I loved most was marketing. I began picking up all kinds of side hustles doing photography, content management, graphic design, and branding for other small businesses and individuals.

Without diving into every job/side hustle, this eventually led me to cross paths with Joe Berlin and Jordan Lockner who founded Collab Architecture. They were building this business during the height of the pandemic and asked if I could assist with some marketing. Fast forward three years, and this business has been named one of the fastest-growing private companies in Northern Colorado. I now serve as their Marketing Director and have helped build their public portfolio with entities throughout the State of Colorado.

Looking back, one of the things I loved most about traveling was finding a connection to each place and its surroundings. In so many ways, architecture is just that – creating a sense of belonging and purpose of place. I have loved that this job is inherently connected to its surroundings and the community and the marketing that goes along with that.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Certainly not, but I think it’s in those uncomfortable times and situations that we truly learn how to navigate life.

At times, I’ve struggled to find my footing and feel confident in what I’m doing. I think being humble and asking for help/feedback has helped me to learn from those times of uncertainty and keep moving forward. This is true even now.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Collab Architecture?
Collab is a full-service architecture and interior design firm that operates in both commercial and residential markets. We handle a diverse range of projects, from small renovations to ground-up structures, and have had the pleasure of working with a wide array of clients, including Front Range Community College, Poudre School District, CASA of Larimer County, the Town of Timnath, Adams County, and numerous other public and private entities throughout the state.

What sets our firm apart is our strong community-first approach. Our team is committed to contributing to our surroundings in ways that go beyond physical structures. We engage with various organizations through mentorship, in-kind donations, and volunteerism. These include Fort Collins Habitat For Humanity, Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity, the Food Bank for Larimer County, CASA of Larimer County, and various other local organizations. We host two annual events to support the Food Bank – one is a gingerbread house contest and food drive, which introduces children to architecture, engineering, and construction (through a candy-coated lens), all while emphasizing the importance of giving back. The other is a bowling tournament, known as Bowling for Soup, which invites businesses to help “strike out hunger” as part of the Corporate Food Fight.

In my role as Marketing Director, I oversee all marketing efforts, including proposals and pursuits, community engagement, events, and communications. It’s been truly amazing to witness the growth of this firm in just three years. I’m grateful for the incredible leadership and mentorship that has not only allowed me to trust my instincts but has also continually challenged me in this role.

What do you think about happiness?
Truly the things that make me happy are my family, my dog, spending time outside, an excellent meal, and a really good pun.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.collabarchitects.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collabarch
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collabarchitecture/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collab-architecture