From Pueblo to the Big Screen: Jacob Rivera on Creativity, Community, and Kickass Film Fest
Jacob Rivera is a Pueblo native and creative marketing director whose journey proves what can happen when you lean into creativity and take action. In this episode of Elevate Each Other, host Freddie Martinez sits down with Jacob to talk about building a career rooted in design, storytelling, and community.
Born and raised in Pueblo with deep family roots in the area, Jacob shares how his early interest in graphic design, from making posters in school to rebranding District 60, set the foundation for everything that followed. What started as a creative outlet turned into a full career in marketing, branding, and content production
Jacob opens up about his time with Wake Up Pueblo, where he helped create content for businesses across the country, traveling to cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles while working alongside high-level entrepreneurs. He shares how that experience shaped his approach to marketing and gave him real-world insight into storytelling, branding, and scaling ideas.
The conversation also dives into his role at the Pueblo Convention Center and Memorial Hall, where he led marketing efforts for major events, concerts, and comedy shows that brought energy and tourism into the city.
At the center of this episode is Kickass Film Fest, a growing film competition Jacob co-founded that challenges creators to produce a short film in just 72 hours. What started with a small group in Pueblo has grown into a regional event drawing filmmakers from across Colorado and beyond. The festival focuses on connection, creativity, and giving people a platform to step into filmmaking, even if they have never done it before.
Jacob also shares his work with The Ultimate Snooze, an organic mattress company focused on improving sleep and removing harmful materials from everyday products. It is another example of how he continues to blend creativity, marketing, and purpose-driven work.
This episode is about taking risks, building something from nothing, and creating opportunities for others. It is about Pueblo pride, creative growth, and why community matters in everything you build.
If you have ever thought about getting into film, marketing, or starting something of your own, this conversation will push you to take that first step.
To connect with Jacob Rivera:
Kickass Film Fest – All social platforms
Email – brandninja@gmail.com
Thanks for tuning in. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder to create, connect, and keep elevating others.