Kim Kaupe, BSBA '08, is a founder, keynote speaker, and one-of-a-kind teacher. From worldwide stages to her online courses, Kim’s mission of investing in yourself, your career and your network has garnered the praise of corporate clients such as American Express, YPO and TEDx. On LinkedIn alone, she has served over 200,000+ students through her entrepreneur-focused LinkedIn Learning courses.
Her current company, Bright Ideas Only, is a marketing and fan engagement agency based in Austin, Texas and Charleston, South Carolina. The company works with powerhouse, A-list properties such as Oprah, The New York Mets, KISS, Shawn Mendes, ACE Comic Con, Miller Coors, and Paul McCartney to create new programs, revenue streams and branding. Her previous companies, ‘ZinePak and The Superfan Company, garnered global praise from being named one of The Wall Street Journal’s Startup of the Year to being featured on Season 5 of ABC’s hit primetime show, Shark Tank, securing offers from 4 out of 5 sharks.
Kim’s accolades include Forbes 30 Under 30, Advertising Age’s 40 Under 40, Inc.’s 35 Under 35 and EY’s Young Innovator of the Year Award. Kim regularly contributes commentary on business, entrepreneurship and entertainment to media outlets such as Rolling Stone, Forbes and Entrepreneur in addition to being featured on television networks, such as her appearance as a judge for 2019 Miss USA pageant LIVE on Fox.
Kim is passionate about giving back to the next generation through her volunteer work and service on foundation boards such as Junior Achievement and the Andrus Family Fund. She enjoys good music, witty banter, and commenting on life and entrepreneurship on her social channels. If you don’t interrupt her during one of her beloved Florida Gator games, she is always up for a conversation, laugh, or figuring out a master plan on how she can meet one of her idols, Harrison Ford. She is serving her second term on the UFAA Board of Directors; her term expires 6/30/2025.
RETURN TO FULL BOARD