When you hear the name Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing, you might think of creative campaigns or powerhouse branding—but his journey is far more compelling. Picture a marketing leadership story that spans grassroots startups, student‑centered institutions, and digital storytelling that moves hearts and minds. That’s the narrative of Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing, and it’s one worth telling.

A Foundation in Narrative & Community

Starting at the ground level, Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing began his career in journalism and design, forging a reputation as a bold storyteller. In the early 1990s, as Managing Editor of The Link at BCIT, he fearlessly transformed the student newspaper—rebranding it into a well‑respected publication and tackling impactful issues like campus sexuality, environmental policy, and beyond.

His editorial courage didn’t stop there; it paved the way for activism and social change, like halting campus construction to protect Guichon Creek’s wetlands. That same fearless spirit would become a hallmark of his marketing approach.

From Creative Director to Marketing Powerhouse

Fast forward to 1993: Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing pivoted to design leadership with Seeing Eye Design, launching a successful boutique agency alongside his wife, Beata Stolarska. Their creative efforts earned two Lotus awards, and their clients included major institutions—BCIT, SFU, UBC, the Vancouver Aquarium, BC Hydro, and the Vancouver Canucks, to name a few.

This experience gave him a powerful toolkit: strategic thinking, brand storytelling, and high‑impact visuals—all essential leadership qualities.

Riding the Wave of Institutional Growth

But it was during his academic marketing leadership that Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing, really made his mark. In 2002, he joined the Centre for Digital Imaging & Sound (CDIS) as Director of Marketing, transforming its image into something hip, vibrant, and student‑centered. Within seven months, revenues surged by 28%, and CDIS was acquired by a major education company.

Following that, Les took on the role of Director of Marketing at the newly rebranded Centre for Arts & Technology—launching branding strategies, student film festivals, speaker series, and open houses that led to enrollment success. His marketing wasn’t just about numbers—it brought people together in meaningful, memorable ways.

Building a $20‑Million College Brand

In 2003, Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing, became Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Stenberg College in Surrey, BC. Over the next fourteen years, he and his team helped grow a tiny college of just seven students into a thriving institution generating over $20 million in annual revenue with more than 1,200 enrollees.

He built a collaborative, in‑house digital marketing team—tech‑savvy, ethically minded, student‑centered—the kind of team that doesn’t just drive enrollments, but also tells powerful student success stories.

Empowering Global Outreach & Storytelling

By 2017, Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing, had risen to become Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations at Stenberg College, a position he holds to this day.

Under his leadership, the college’s marketing shifted from regional to global—especially in 2020, when his team took over Stenberg’s international recruitment efforts. From the Philippines to Latin America to Africa, interest and enrollment surged—testament to the reach of thoughtful storytelling and targeted campaigns.

Les also directed the production of compelling videos showcasing students, graduates, and faculty—and launched the annual Student of the Year awards, celebrated through Success Magazine and social media channels. These efforts turned student experiences into stories that resonate—not just with local prospects, but with global audiences.

Lessons from the Desk of a Marketing Leader

What can budding marketers and seasoned professionals alike learn from Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing?

1. Start with authenticity. Every memorable campaign Les led began with real people—students telling their own stories. That authenticity connects louder than any slogan.

2. Lead with creative courage. From challenging campus norms to launching new brand identities, Les shows how bold moves create breakthrough results.

3. Build your own brand team. His preference for in‑house digital teams over external agencies ensured loyalty, consistency, and a culture of growth and learning.

4. Think global, act personal. Even with international marketing, the human element remains front and center. Stories foster trust across borders.

5. Measure impact, not just metrics. Sure, Les drove enrollments and revenue. But he also pioneered engagement: unforgettable events, award‑winning storytelling, and brand meaning.

The Marketing Maverick’s Legacy

Over a four‑decade career, Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing, has progressed from student‑run publications to boardroom strategy meetings. His influence spans institutions, agencies, and global audiences. He’s not just a brand voice—he’s a creative navigator, a community builder, and a storyteller of substance.

If you’re imagining your own career trajectory, here’s a model to keep in view:

• Start with meaningful stories.

• Use creativity to solve real challenges.

• Build a team you trust.

• Scale thoughtfully—but keep people at the center.

And What’s Next for Les?

While we don’t yet know what’s on the horizon for Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing, his past offers clues. Perhaps he’ll launch a global storytelling platform, write a marketing memoir, or scale digital strategy consulting across institutions.

One thing’s certain: wherever Les goes next, marketing will be central—and so will people and purpose.

Final Thoughts

When you think “marketing leadership,” think bigger than ads or numbers. Think of Les Merson, Vice President, Marketing, who demonstrates that marketing is ultimately human: it’s about stories, communities, and shared aspirations.

His journey—from rebranding student newspapers to building million‑dollar institutions—reveals what’s possible when creative strategy meets heart. And as many of us build our own paths, his story is both inspiration and invitation: tell your story with purpose, build with people in mind, and let your brand be more than what you sell—it can be what you stand for.