Conversations with Ben Stewart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Stewart, Director of Web & SEO at PufCreativ.

Hi Ben, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
John (Shute) and I originally met on a snowboarding trip in Vermont about eight years ago. We spent a few days vibing at Killington Resort, connected really well, and stayed in touch over the next few years. In 2017 we both happened to be living in Denver at the time, so we met up at the downtown skatepark for a session and to catch up. John mentioned he was starting a marketing company in the near future, and I just happened to be looking for a new job in this field at the same time. One thing led to another, and after a couple more interviews that consisted of hanging out at the skatepark with John and Shamus, we got a few test projects underway and hit the ground running.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smoother than you could ever ask for with a startup, but that’s not to say there haven’t been some small growing pains every now and then. With that being said, I think the fact that things have grown so exponentially and (relatively) smoothly at the same time is a testament to the committed, open-minded and progressive individuals that our team consists of. Everyone’s voice is heard here at PufCreativ and I feel as though we’ve fostered an environment in which feedback is encouraged and genuinely taken into account, which is the only way to build a successful company.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Over the years I’ve worn a lot of different hats in the marketing community, including graphic designer, photographer, videographer, animator, video editor, social media manager, web designer, web developer and much more. Years ago I heard the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none”, and that really resonated with me. I think having a diverse marketing background is incredibly beneficial to being a team member at a full-service advertising firm, but once the quality of work we are producing gets to the level it has, I also think it is incredibly important for team members to have specific, specialized roles that make the most of their strongest skillsets. Over the last five years I’ve really been able to focus my time on the web and SEO side of things, and at this point I find it to be the perfect balance of creativity and development, which I enjoy equally. The longer I’ve been a developer, the more fun it’s gotten, and in a field that is as expanding as rapidly as the web world is, it’s a very exciting department to be the head of.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Listen to feedback, be open-minded, always strive to learn more, admit your shortcomings, and most importantly care about your coworkers (and people in general) on a real level that transcends far beyond just being colleagues.

Contact Info:

• Email: ben@pufcreativ.com
• Website: https://pufcreativ.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hahadudenoway
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pufcreativ/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/pufcreativ
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY2pdmT1-QHKux8728PRy2A