10 Apr Beyond The Metrics: Amie Kiehn, Co-Founder of Hat Trip
At Zoomph, we champion the power of partnerships, marketing, business intelligence, and social media. Our Q&A series puts the spotlight on industry leaders, giving you an inside look at their expertise, strategies, and perspectives – beyond the metrics. Join us as we uncover valuable insights straight from the minds shaping the industry.
Amie Kiehn was born and raised in northern California. She attended the University of Iowa and studied Sports Journalism. In her professional career, Amie has been privileged to work for the Carolina Panthers, leading social and content, Gondola when it was launching, and working beside Jared Kleinstein. She is now the co-founder of Hat Trip, a social production agency, alongside Cecily Faenza. Amie has called the state of North Carolina home for the last 10 years!
What are your most important goals in your current role?
Being a co-founder of Hat Trip, I play a pivotal role in being what I call a “content wing woman” for the brands, athletes, and leagues we love to call our partners!
Share a professional accomplishment that you are extremely proud of:
Nick Kelly at Verizon enlisted Hat Trip to develop, shape, and recruit talent for Verizon’s Behind the Lens LCC program in partnership with the NFL. Behind the Lens is a Verizon initiative designed to empower aspiring content correspondents by providing them with access, opportunities, and hands-on experience to advance their careers and promote greater representation in the sports creative industry.
What is your favorite part about the work you do with Hat Trip?
I’m truly passionate about working with and developing young talent in the creative industry. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping aspiring creatives find their voice, refine their skills, and gain the confidence to carve out their own path. I love providing mentorship, opportunities, and real-world experience that can make a lasting impact on their careers. Seeing their growth, creativity, and success fuels my own passion for the industry and reminds me why I love what I do. So basically, hire us to give more people an opportunity to shine
What is one skill you wish you had learned earlier in your career and why?
One skill I wish I had learned earlier in my career is the power of documenting my journey—filming, editing, creating, and sharing content about my own. I’ve always been focused on building and showcasing others’ stories, but I’ve come to realize how important it is to do the same for myself. Being brave enough to put my work and experiences out there not only helps me grow but also inspires and connects me with others in the industry. If I had started sooner, I think I could have easily seen my growth as a creative and a leader.
What advice would you share with young professionals who want to work in the sports industry?
Build real relationships, not just connections. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is understanding who to share your joys with and who to put stock in. Not everyone will be your cheerleader, and that’s okay. It’s important to recognize the people who genuinely support and uplift you versus those who only show up when it benefits them. Protect your energy, celebrate with those who truly want to see you win, and don’t waste time seeking validation from the wrong people.
Give a shout-out! Share a sports brand that deserves some extra recognition:
LOVB is redefining the game—literally. As a cutting-edge, athlete-first volleyball league, it’s revolutionizing the sport with a fresh, community-driven approach that puts players and fans at the heart of it all. By blending elite competition with deep grassroots connections, LOVB is creating something truly special. It’s elevating volleyball to new heights and giving athletes the platform they deserve.
What are some books, movies, and/or podcasts that have inspired you recently?
I have a few! I definitely recommend checking them all out!
Poetry: Ebb & Flow by Déjà Rae
Book: A Gentle Reminder by Bianca Sparacino
Movie: Re-watching all the early 2000s rom-coms. Just watched “Morning Glory”
Podcast: The Women’s Game
TV Show: Fleabag
What are your favorite sports teams?
Every woman’s sports team! 🙂
What is your favorite sports memory?
The best sports game I have ever attended in person was the Washington Spirit’s 2024 semifinal win during the NWSL Playoffs. ELECTRIC. DRAMA. ENERGY. Please, please, PLEASE go to an NWSL match this year.
What was the first concert you attended?
N’SYNC in San Jose, California—7th row, 5th grade, with both my parents. I had just moved to a new state, devastated over leaving my friends, and they went above and beyond to bring back my smile. Looking back now as a parent, it hits even harder. They sacrificed so much, yet their biggest concern was making sure I got my spark back. That night wasn’t just a concert—it was a reminder of their love.
