Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Yeldell
Hi Lynn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has always been about building, leading, and adapting—whether in business, community, or life.
I started my career in finance and marketing, but my passion has always been helping businesses grow through strategic storytelling and branding. In 2018, I joined Seventh Scout, a digital marketing agency, after partnering with my dear friend and agency founder, Rhodes Gibson, on a project. That opportunity quickly turned into something bigger, and together, we built an agency known for its creativity, collaboration, and data-driven approach.
Then in 2021, everything changed. Rhodes passed away suddenly during the pandemic. I knew how to run a business, but I wasn’t prepared for leading through that kind of loss. It was a moment where I had to hold onto my team, my clients, and my own resilience—while also figuring out what came next.
Rather than pushing harder, I chose to lead differently. I prioritized sustainability over constant hustle, clarity over chaos. I established an annual restorative week for my team, honoring the lessons we learned after losing Rhodes—because business should be built in a way that supports the people behind it.
Today, Seventh Scout is thriving, and I continue to evolve as a leader. Our agency focuses on branding, strategic marketing, and digital storytelling for businesses. Looking back, my journey has been shaped by resilience, community, and the willingness to rethink what success looks like. Seventh Scout isn’t just a business—it’s a testament to the power of great storytelling, strong leadership, and the ability to navigate change with intention.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Not at all. But I’ve come to see challenges as the moments that shape us the most.
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was losing my business partner, Rhodes Gibson, in 2021. We had built Seventh Scout together, and suddenly, I found myself navigating grief, leadership, and uncertainty—all at once. It wasn’t just about keeping the business running; it was about holding onto my team, my clients, and my own resilience in a moment when everything felt unsteady. (Oh and I had breast cancer and was undergoing radiation treatment when the pandemic hit…)
Then, in 2024, I lost my father. In the months that followed, I focused on helping my mother through that transition—navigating funeral planning, estate probate, and ultimately moving her into independent living. During that time, I was also balancing leading my team at Seventh Scout, who supported and surrounded me in ways I’ll always be grateful for.
Another ongoing challenge has been commuting between Houston and Austin for the past two and a half years, as my wife, Elizabeth, is on faculty at Baylor College of Medicine. Balancing personal commitments, business leadership, and a multi-city life has required constant adaptation and prioritization.
Beyond these personal and professional transitions, I’ve spent my career navigating spaces where I was often the first or only. I was the first woman elected Student Body President at the University of Alabama, and after earning my MBA from The University of Texas, I eventually returned to Austin after evacuating from my hometown of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. I’ve also been honored to serve as Board Chair for both KUT and The Long Center, two institutions deeply connected to Austin’s culture and community.
Through all of it, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about enduring—it’s about adapting. It’s about building a business, a life, and a leadership style that doesn’t just chase success but actually aligns with your values and sustains you for the long haul. And while the road hasn’t been smooth, I wouldn’t trade the lessons it has given me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Seventh Scout?
At Seventh Scout, we believe that great marketing isn’t about making noise—it’s about creating real, lasting connections.
We are a small but mighty team, and everything we do is guided by our ethos: “Be Nice. Make Better.” That’s not just a tagline—it’s how we approach every client relationship, every campaign, and every brand we build.
As a woman- and LGBTQ-owned agency, we bring a unique perspective to our work. We’ve worked with construction firms, nonprofits, education organizations, and engineering firms, serving various clients from Iowa to Washington and everywhere in between.
What sets us apart?
• We’re not a big agency, and we don’t want to be. Our size is our strength—we stay intentionally small so that every client gets direct, senior-level strategy and execution. No layers of bureaucracy, no watered-down ideas—just a nimble, experienced team that delivers.
• We balance strategy with storytelling. Great marketing is both an art and a science. We combine data-driven insights with compelling brand narratives to help our clients connect with their audiences in a way that’s authentic and impactful.
• We build long-term relationships. We don’t believe in quick wins or cookie-cutter solutions. Whether we’re launching a new brand, revitalizing an old one, or refining a digital strategy, we approach every project with the same goal: to make things better.
Our approach has been recognized with multiple industry awards, including:
• 2020 LGBT Business of the Year (Austin LGBT Chamber)
• 2022 AMY Award – Best Website (The Long Center for Performing Arts)
• Davey Awards, W3 Awards, Netty Awards, and Anthem Awards recognizing our work in branding, website development, and user experience for clients like Create Austin, S. Watts Group, and Travisso
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Seventh Scout has become a trusted partner for so many organizations including providing the designs for the Hill Country Ride for AIDS Pro Bono for numerous years! Our clients know that when they work with us, they’re getting a team that cares deeply about their success and is invested in their long-term growth.
At the end of the day, we believe marketing should feel intentional, human, and aligned with a company’s values.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Resilience.
The ability to face uncertainty, embrace change, and keep moving forward has been at the core of my success—both in business and in life.
I’ve had to be resilient through major transitions—losing my business partner, losing my father, evacuating from my hometown after Hurricane Katrina, and balancing leadership while commuting between cities. In every case, the choice wasn’t just to endure but to find a way through with intention.
For me, resilience isn’t about just pushing through—it’s about staying steady in the face of uncertainty while knowing when to evolve. It’s about recognizing when to keep going and when to pause when to rethink old ways of working, and when to create something entirely new.
At Seventh Scout, resilience is what allows us to stay small but mighty. We don’t follow a rigid playbook—we stay flexible, creative, and responsive, helping our clients navigate an ever-changing digital world. We thrive on staying strong, forward-thinking, and open to what’s next.
Resilience is also about trusting your ability to figure it out. And time and time again, I’ve learned that even when the path isn’t clear, I’ll find my way forward.
Pricing:
- Monthly Retainers = $5k, $10k, $15k
- Websites = Starting at $15k, Average is $45K
- Branding = Starting at $5k
- Industry Reports = Starting at $5k
- Strategic Planning = Starting at $10k
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seventhscout.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnyeldell/
- Other: https://seventhscout.com/about/lynn-yeldell/
Image Credits
Kerri Meigs Photography…(we bought the rights, but she rocks!)
