J. Todd Kinley

About J. Todd Kinley

After more than 20 years building and leading a firm, I now focus on helping founders, owners, and leadership teams make better long-term decisions.I work at the intersection of brand, operations, and modern technology, helping organizations modernize while preserving clarity, culture, and identity. My approach is grounded in real-world leadership experience—building teams, navigating industry change, and aligning creative ambition with operational reality.As Founder and Managing Partner of Crobar, I’ve partnered with manufacturers and growth-oriented organizations during pivotal moments: new leadership, evolving markets, and shifts in technology. I work closely with leadership teams to see around corners, translate complexity into clarity, and build systems that support sustainable growth.In addition to Crobar, I’ve helped evolve a modern photography, video, and CGI studio designed to explore emerging tools, AI, and production workflows—ensuring creative execution keeps pace with modern business realities.I’m passionate about building things that last, supporting strong leadership teams, and using creativity as a strategic lever—not just a marketing function.

Experience

1. Founder & Managing Partner, Crobar Helping Owners & Leadership Teams Grow Enterprise Value

   Crobar Creative Leverage

   Dec 2025 — Present · Greensboro, NC, US

   After more than 20 years building and leading a creative services firm, my focus today is helping founders, owners, and leadership teams make smarter long-term decisions.I work at the intersection of brand, operations, staffing and modern technology, helping organizations modernize without losing what makes them unique.As Founder and Managing Partner of Crobar | Creative Leverage, I’ve partnered with manufacturers, growth-stage companies, and established brands to align strategy, creative, and execution—often during moments of change: new leadership, new markets, or new technology.My role has evolved beyond “agency work.” Today, I’m often brought in to:• Help leadership teams see around corners• Translate complexity into clarity• Align brand decisions with operational realities• Build systems and teams that support sustainable growthI bring decades of hands-on experience—building teams, navigating industry disruption, adopting new technology, and learning when to push forward and when to protect what already works.I’m passionate about creativity, leadership, and building things that last—and I enjoy working with people who care deeply about their businesses and the teams behind them.

Education

• Guilford Technical Community College

  AA, Commercial Art and Advertising Design

  1982 — 1986