Meet the Team

AMERICOM TEAM

advertising agency :: marketing firm :: consulting :: e-commerce :: web design :: logo design :: creative agency
graphics & brochure design :: account management :: beaumont :: texas :: charlie cooper :: port arthur

CHARLIE COOPER, Americom CEO/President & AmeriCommerce Co-Founder

Charlie Cooper, the founder & president of Americom, brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, media relations, and company ownership. His team-building skills and his competitive marketing vision serve as the solid foundation for Americom & AmeriCommerce. But it is his passion for connecting people and connecting brands that our clients notice first.

Cooper's early resume includes posts in radio, newspaper, and business solutions companies where he worked with a diverse collection of regional accounts such as healthcare, retail and manufacturing companies. However, he credits his experience in workflow-automation specifically for equipping him with the unique, varied marketing perspective that gave way to the early developments of Americom. Despite the busy schedule of a multi-million dollar marketing company, Cooper manages to be closely involved in projects and accounts of all sizes. When he's not checking his Blackberry for the latest news in finance and marketing, you can find him with his close-knit family and his community involvement in church groups, coaching sports and volunteer work.

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STEFAN BARLOW, AmeriCommerce Vice President & Co-Founder

As co-founder and systems architect of AmeriCommerce, Barlow is the second-longest tenured member of the A.M. team. With Charlie Cooper, AmeriCommerce was an idea that flourished into an entire new side of business. A Microsoft-Certified specialist, he created the software solution and brought forth wildly popular developments that turned AmeriCommerce into much more than the web division of Americom it began as years ago. Barlow introduced the industry to a unique view of “multi-storefront technology,” the ability to manage many different websites from one console for the administrator.

He has seen the company grow from as few as three employees to upwards of 20. Receiving the Codie award for Best eCommerce Solution in 2010 proved a great reward for the ingenuity and labor, but his real pride with it all comes from seeing clients prosper and develop new ways to grow the software’s abilities.

Little Known Facts & Opinions:
• Surrounded by the coast & flavors of Louisiana, Barlow will not eat seafood.

• Judo Chop! Stefan enjoys mixed martial arts & has sparred with some professionals in the ring. And he lived to tell us.

• Ice Cream Man? In Austin, Stefan met music legend, Tom Waits. He did not get ice cream.

ED STURROCK, AmeriCommerce President

As president of AmeriCommerce, Sturrock manages a team of web developers and tech specialists while keeping a handle on the marketing of our software and services. His ability to push through on new features and services has helped grow AmeriCommerce’s platform from regional to international stages in a matter of just a few years. Sturrock’s approach always includes marketability, which in a tech environment proves invaluable to our clients.

Sturrock has an MIS degree from Lamar University. He has served as guest lecturer at LU as well as other venues for his expertise in ecommerce and compelling insight with online trends. Ed’s added features have helped garner national attention and a Codie award for Best ecommerce Solution in 2010 in San Francisco.

Little Known Facts & Opinions:
• Ed is adventurous. Hiking, biking, tubing down the river…you name it, he’s in.

• Low-talking. When things get loud & exciting, Ed has an unusual talent of lowering the volume of his voice, yet gaining the attention of everyone in the room. It’s magical.

• Devoted father. His daughter’s first word was “java-script.”

• As a child, Ed had to wear a helmet indoors.

LISA BLACK, Accounting & Office Manager

For over 6 years, Lisa Black has handled the billings and financial orders for Americom. She is a trusted advisor with business analysis as well, including integral roles with clients such as Ashley-Nuvo Skincare. Her years of accounting experience has prepared her well for A.M. as she has played major roles in the growth and diversification of the company with duties that no one envies, like tax IDs and ever-changing rates. Black balances clients and employees with an even-temper, which combats the frenetic pace of the business quite well.

Little Known Facts & Opinions:
• Lisa has a knack for finding great deals on furniture. She owns an antiques shop.

• She is very active in her church community and sings in the choir.

• Her granddaughter is her pride and joy…but cute shoes are a close second.

• Idle-hands. Lisa sews, cooks, bakes, and she can even install a muffler.

LANCE LARUE, Account & Creative Manager

LaRue has a unique role that serves two general capacities at Americom. As an account manager, he works closely with clients and media for ad campaigns, marketing consultations and brand development. As Creative Manager, LaRue rolls out various print and web designs, copywriting, and radio/TV production with his team. This balance gives him an uncommon perspective that has proved successful for A.M. and for accounts like 1st American, TexJoy, and Sertinos Café.

LaRue is an award-winning creative with a passion for the ad industry. He studies the ad world and its trends. Along with Cooper, he is a member of the American Ad Fed – Beaumont Chapter, where he has served on the board. He holds a B.S. in Comm.-Advertising from Lamar University with a minor in Art.

*See Lance’s blog [Articles of an Ad Man…] for designer notes, reviews and ad commentary

Little Known Facts & Opinions:
• A Texas Yankee. Lance is a serious baseball fan, particularly the NY Yankees & Twins.

• Plays tennis (right-handed). Plays golf (left-handed). And plays soccer (with feet).

• Speak Up! He has served as emcee for several events including the Catholic Youth Convention in Houston

• Coffee snob. Self-admitted.

CHAD CAMPBELL, Senior Art Director

One of the longest tenured Americom members, Campbell has produced some of the most prolific pieces in our portfolio. Campbell’s design work has garnered awards on both local and national levels as well as even setting some industry style standards. He has the utmost trust of all printing houses within a 200-mile radius.

Campbell works closely on all design projects on his trusty Mac, especially with accounts like Universal Coin & Bullion, 1st National Reserve, & Generations Church. Campbell holds a Business degree from Lamar University.

Little Known Facts & Opinions:
• Chad is an avid collector of vinyl and concert art. Ask him why and you’ll understand.

• Newshound. From politics to pop culture, no one beats him to a news story. This is a big help in marketing.

• Fitting for Texas stereotype, Chad DID grow up with an oil field in his backyard. And a pony.

• Tied up in knots? Chad is an extreme knot enthusiast, and his favorite is the Lark's Head knot

DONNA BARLOW, Sr. Implementation Specialist and Designer

Donna Barlow implements graphics and she designs in the ecommerce platform, as well as tackles graphic design tasks on a daily basis. Barlow works closely with select clients for webmaster services, online training and consultation.

Her insight into web designs with functionality play a vital role each week. Just ask our clients. Her patient nature and business experience help our customers see both sides of every move and every click of the mouse.

Little Known Facts & Opinions:
• Donna has worked at/with Americom since the very start

• She and her husband run a photography studio. Over 30 years.

• Have laptop, will travel. Barlow is heavily involved in Treasures of the Heart charity, which takes her all across Europe each year.

• Even though she won't say it in public, Lance is her favorite colleague.

DAVID BLOUNT, Sr. IT Manager

Blount manages our servers, logistics, and software applications, overseeing teams of technicians and providers. With nearly 2,000 websites to our name, David and his team ensure safety, speed, accuracy and overall efficiency. With his technology education and his experience in customer relations, Blount is equipped to handle the stresses of firewalls, wires, and whining colleagues.

His wealth of knowledge and services came to us at a key turning point in the company’s history and he thrived in the speedy pace. Blount handles PCI Compliance with Barlow, and he continues to keep our office and our accounts secure.

Little Known Facts & Opinions:
• Band Nerd? Blount’s love of music has gone well past his marching band days. He plays guitar and drums for church and worship services.

• He cooks a mean Cajun gumbo.

• Gleek alert! David is a big fan of Glee. He even has the CDs.

• Nicknames include "Dragon" and "Thunder."