Stephen "Sam" Ponce
About Stephen "Sam" Ponce
Stephen 'Sam' Ponce is a Senior Art Director with over 25 years of experience in creative design and brand consulting. He has worked with various companies, including Builders FirstSource and Cochlear, and has taught graphic design at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Work at Builders FirstSource
Stephen Ponce currently holds the position of Senior Art Director at Builders FirstSource, a role he has maintained since 2017. His tenure at the company has extended for over seven years, during which he has contributed to various design initiatives and branding strategies. Prior to his current role, he worked at Builders FirstSource/Probuild from 2014 to 2017 for three years, also serving as Senior Art Director. His experience in this position has allowed him to develop a strong understanding of the building materials market.
Education and Expertise
Stephen Ponce earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design from the University of Arizona, where he studied from 1992 to 1996. His educational background laid the foundation for his extensive career in the creative industry. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in creating B2B and B2C materials, including ad campaigns, direct mail, sales collateral, annual reports, and tradeshow exhibit designs. His expertise encompasses conceptual development and design implementation.
Background in Graphic Design Instruction
Stephen Ponce served as a Graphic Design Instructor at Metropolitan State University of Denver from 2007 to 2012. During this five-year period, he shared his knowledge and experience with students, contributing to their understanding of graphic design principles and practices. His role as an educator complemented his professional work in the design field, allowing him to influence the next generation of designers.
Previous Roles and Experience
Throughout his career, Stephen Ponce has held various senior art director positions across multiple organizations. He worked at Cochlear from 2010 to 2017, FIT for LIFE from 2016 to 2021, and Gaiam from 2014 to 2016, all in Denver, Colorado. Additionally, he had a brief tenure at OppenheimerFunds in 2013 and at Western Union from 2011 to 2013. His diverse experience spans multiple industries, including retail, insurance, finance, medical devices, travel, technology, and building materials.
Brand Consulting and Development
In addition to his roles in art direction, Stephen Ponce works as a brand consultant. He assists companies in developing and strengthening their brand awareness within respective markets. His consulting work involves collaborating with national corporations to enhance their branding strategies, leveraging his extensive experience in the creative field to deliver effective solutions.