Samuel Schimek

Background

About Samuel Schimek

Samuel has built his career on providing capital and opportunities to local artists and designers to help them grow their businesses. His expertise is in exporting local culture to tourists and business travelers, promoting sustainable design-based entrepreneurship, and providing philanthropic guidance and support to individuals, local businesses, and non-profits. Samuel is the founder and owner of I Heart Denver Store, an award-winning retail project to support Denver's creative economy. I Heart Denver Store supports over 160 artists, designers, and businesses based in Colorado. Samuel returns an unprecedented 70% of sales to the artists whose products he promotes and sells. In 2015, a second store location will open as a part of the redevelopment of Southwest Plaza Mall in Littleton, Colorado. Samuel is a Principal at 15 Min, a project that explores contemporary ideas and trends. He also works with Denver Pavilions to implement programming and events to activate the Denver's creative culture. In 2014, Westword named Samuel one of Colorado's Top 100 Creatives and I Heart Denver Store "Best Colorado Everything." Alive Magazine profiled I Heart Denver Store (Winter 2013/2014). Westword included the store in its 2012/2013/2014 Best Of issues. In 2013, the store was profiled by CBS4/Denver Business Journal and 5280 Magazine, and Samuel won the CBCA Create Award. In 2012, the store was profiled by The Denver Post, The Atlantic, and Sunset Magazine. In 2011, Samuel designed and produced all events and activities for Microclimates, a cross-disciplinary art installation that Westword named Best Small Scale Public Art Happening and one of Denver's Top 15 Art Moments. In 2010, Samuel was awarded the Mayor’s Design Award for his work as the Cofounder of YesPleaseMore, an economic development platform for creative entrepreneurs. Denver Magazine named him top designer under 35 and a creative genius for redefining Denver’s creative sector with the pop-up store program. Specialties: Creative Leadership, Economic Development, Entrepreneurism, Event Planning, Fine Arts Skills, Graphic Design, Marketing, Merchandising, Procedure Development, Project Management, Promotions, Social Networking, Staff Management, Visual Display