Sept. 14, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Reva Graves, the art director at The Sampson House.

Name: Reva Graves

Age: 33

Hometown: Frederick

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I came to Sioux Falls after I graduated high school to go to Southeast Tech to pursue a graphic design degree.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I stayed because I loved the city. The atmosphere, the friends I’ve made and the fact that there is always something to get out and do any given day of the week was a significant factor in my reason for staying in the area.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is the variety of industries I have had the privilege of learning about and the creative solutions I can help facilitate for our clients to help them reach their goals.

How did you get connected to your industry?

Getting my degree was a jump-start for me getting into the marketing industry. I started out working in a print shop and eventually made my way to an in-house marketing team for a local health care entity. From there, I took the plunge into working for a fast-paced advertising agency and loved the variety of projects and work I was able to do. From that point on, I was hooked on being involved in an agency setting.

Describe The Sampson House in three words.

Creative. Thoughtful. Sophisticated.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I am an avid mountain biker and participate in local and statewide races. I also am an active board member of a local nonprofit, Falls Area Singletrack, FAST, and serve as their marketing and communications director.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

With my board position with FAST, I am able to help plan, build and maintain new single-track trails in Sioux Falls parks for the community to enjoy at no additional cost to Sioux Falls taxpayers. I find joy in helping add more outdoor recreational options to the community, educating and fostering the next generation of trail users and personally being able to take advantage of using in-town trails as well.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I pride myself in being a lifelong learner and am willing to educate myself and always try new things, so I would love to continue to learn and grow my skills as a marketing professional and art director however the future of the industry morphs, changes or whatever new platform or methodology emerges.