Company Overview
Workhorse Collaborative is a Pittsburgh-based boutique consulting firm specializing in marketing and organizational strategy for arts organizations, nonprofits, and creative entrepreneurs. Founded in 2020 by partners Jackie Baker and Emily Willson, the agency is deeply committed to supporting mission-driven organizations, particularly those operating with limited resources and lean teams. Their firsthand experience in the nonprofit and arts sectors equips them with a unique understanding of the challenges these organizations face, enabling them to provide tailored solutions that drive meaningful progress.
The firm’s services encompass a wide range of offerings designed to enhance both the external and internal facets of an organization. In the realm of marketing and communications, Workhorse Collaborative assists clients in launching new brands, expanding social media followings, and executing effective event promotions. Their approach is grounded in practical support, ensuring that creative and nonprofit professionals receive the comprehensive assistance they need to thrive.​
On the organizational strategy front, Workhorse Collaborative delves into financial analysis, strategic planning, and capacity building. They work closely with clients to untangle complex financial data, develop actionable business plans, and facilitate organizational assessments. Their expertise extends to human resource development, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, employee recruitment and retention, and executive coaching. By addressing these critical areas, the firm empowers organizations to build resilient structures that support long-term success.​
Workhorse Collaborative’s commitment to diversity and representation is evident in their team composition and client advisement. They assemble teams with diverse lived experiences and skill sets, advocating for inclusive leadership within the organizations they serve. This philosophy ensures that the work conducted is reflective of and responsive to the communities these organizations aim to support.​
The firm’s impact is demonstrated through its collaborations with a variety of clients, including the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Literacy Pittsburgh, and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. Services provided range from strategic planning and financial management to staff training and board development. These partnerships highlight Workhorse Collaborative’s ability to adapt their expertise to meet the unique needs of each organization, fostering environments where arts and nonprofit entities can flourish.
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Reviews
Robert Garcia
Workhorse is a gift to Pittsburgh, and I cannot recommend them more! They not only helped me with the practical side of finding a job after getting unexpectedly laid off in the non-profit arts (resume re-working, job searches, interview prep, etc.), they helped me reframe who I am as a professional, which was a largely emotional task. I feel so much better able to quantify what I excel at, and I'll be able to carry that for a long time. Truly, if you need any kind of professional coaching at all, this is the place.
Mark Harris
I can't say enough good things. I worked with Jackie at Workhorse Collaborative during a time of professional and creative transition (job searching, resume refining, restructuring my priorities and goals) and needed a guide who could bring a lot to the table. Jackie was IT. She consistently delivered a broad spectrum of expertise from providing rich industry knowledge, attuned emotional support, and highly effective tips and tricks for navigating each large and small challenge I encountered along my way. It's a beautiful thing to be able to work directly with someone's genius and that's exactly what I got to do with Jackie. Cannot recommend enough!
William Clark
I have worked with Emily and Jackie on several different projects, but I want to talk specifically on their ability to be amazing educators. I have been able to have Jackie come into my classroom at Carnegie Mellon University for the past three years. Every time my students say how their interactions with her are the highlight of their semester. The level of in-depth preparation and resources she provides is top-notch. She is a phenomenal teacher and would be invaluable to educating any population engaging in arts administration or brand construction.
