Milestones under Vicky Holland’s leadership
- Joined as VP in 2002
- President in 2007
- 12 → 50+ employees
- 1 city → 11 states
- $13M sales milestone
- Indiana’s largest agency
- Expansion into CPG and healthcare
- Named Best Place to Work in Indiana
- St. Joseph County Chamber Small Business of the Year
- Built a lasting culture and leadership model
Some people build careers. Vicky Holland built momentum and never let off the gas.
She has led with a rare combination of tenacity and heart: the kind of person who holds on like a dog with a bone when she believes in something. But also, the kind who remembers to send flowers, balloons, or a handwritten note.
Her impact wasn’t accidental. It was the result of relentless follow-through, deep care for people, and an unwavering belief in the potential of Pathfinders.
After more than 24 years of leadership at the agency, Vicky is retiring from Pathfinders. She leaves behind not only a legacy, but a thriving network of relationships that continue to drive the business forward.
Pushing for more
When Vicky joined Pathfinders in 2002 as Vice President, the agency was only 12 people. Even then, her approach was clear: win or learn, grow, and don’t stop.
By 2007, after helping expand the agency to 30 people, she was named President, partnering with founder Steve Ball as CEO. Together, they transformed Pathfinders from a strong regional firm into a national, mid-sized agency with a reputation that extends far beyond the Midwest.
Leaning into relationships
If you trace the “family tree” of Pathfinders’ clients today, you’ll find Vicky at the center of many of them.
She didn’t just win business; she built relationships that lasted. Rooted in trust, consistency, and genuine care. She remembered details, followed up, and showed up. Over time, those relationships became a network of clients who didn’t just work with Pathfinders, but believed in it.
Her desk, like her legacy, is marked by the small things that made a big difference: an inviting bowl of candy, stamps for handwritten notes, photos and notes from her girls, and a level of personal investment that turned clients into long-term partners.
That’s not just good business. That’s Vicky.
Expanding the footprint
Under Vicky’s leadership, Pathfinders became one of the largest agencies in Indiana and a go-to marketing partner for financial services brands nationwide. She helped expand the agency’s capabilities into CPG and healthcare.
She played a key role in major growth milestones. From moving into the Mishawaka headquarters to evolving the agency into a hybrid, remote-first culture. These shifts didn’t just modernize how Pathfinders worked; it positioned the company to stay strong and connected through unforeseen challenges, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognition followed, including being named one of Indiana’s Best Places to Work and Small Business of the Year by the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce.
A leader, mentor, and role model
Vicky’s influence has always extended well beyond the office.
A graduate of Indiana University and a native of South Bend, she has remained connected to her community. Her work with the local Boys & Girls Clubs and long-standing involvement with Girls on the Run Michiana reflect her passion for mentoring and empowering the next generation.
That commitment comes full circle in her own family: one of her daughters, who once wrote in a childhood note, “I want to grow up and be just like you, Mom,” now works at Pathfinders.
Thank you, Vicky
Vicky Holland’s retirement marks the close of an extraordinary chapter, but her impact is far from finished.
It lives on in the culture she helped define, the momentum she created, and the countless relationships she nurtured over decades. It lives on in the people she mentored, the clients who continue to trust Pathfinders, and the standard she set for what leadership looks like at its best.
We are deeply grateful for all of Vicky’s contributions during her tenure at Pathfinders.
Vicky taught us to build relationships that last, to show up with intention, and to never, ever let go of what matters most. She may be stepping away, but the impact she’s made will continue to be felt for a long time to come.
If she’s made an impact on you, leave her a message
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Insight brought to you by: Kelly Ball, Chief Executive Officer
