Today we’d like to introduce you to Esteven Gamez.
Hi Esteven, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My path into marketing wasn’t a straight line. I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, and have always been drawn to creativity. My Mom and Dad, Eddie & Ada Gamez, flipped houses growing up, which gave me a lesson in entrepreneurship. Additionally, music was my first outlet (I played in a band), and in college at Texas A&M, that expanded into radio and film. I was a radio DJ for KANM Student Radio and President of the SWAMP Club (Students Writing, Acting, and Movie Production). At the time, I didn’t realize how foundational those experiences would be to my future career — but they planted seeds that are still blooming today.
While earning my degree in Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences, I interned in digital marketing for Hilton Cancún through the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (Thank you Orr Rivero!). That’s where I discovered my love for digital marketing—leveraging technology to build a brand’s presence online. Though I initially planned to work for Hilton Corporate, life had other plans. I dove into hospitality management, which took me from Texas to New Jersey and finally to Los Angeles.
Everything changed in 2011 when I met someone in advertising and took a leap into a new industry—without going back to school. That transition from hospitality to ad agencies was intense, but it taught me how to adapt quickly and learn on the fly. I worked at top firms like Initiative, Saatchi & Saatchi, and R&R Partners, supporting brands like Toyota, Hyundai, Aflac, and FX.
In 2016, I launched Keen Social, my own agency with my partner, Chris Molessa. I wanted to build something that combined data-driven strategy with creative storytelling. Keen has since grown into an award-winning digital marketing and PR agency serving clients in tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and beyond. And in a full-circle moment, many of the video and storytelling skills I honed back in college — as part of that quirky student film club — now play a central role in our agency’s video production and content work today.
I had the honor of serving as the Past President of the Long Beach LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, where I helped lead the organization to national recognition. During my tenure, we were awarded Rising Chamber of the Year by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) in 2019 — a moment I’ll never forget (Thanks Joe Mendez!).
One of the proudest milestones in my career was working alongside NGLCC and California State Senator Lena Gonzalez to make Long Beach the first city in California to formally recognize LGBTBE certification in city procurement. It was a landmark moment for economic inclusion. I also contributed to advocacy efforts that helped increase LGBTQ business spend with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) from 0.5% to 1.5% — a big leap toward true equity.
Balancing advocacy and entrepreneurship wasn’t always easy, but it shaped me. I was growing both the Chamber and my agency at the same time, and each journey informed the other. That experience made me the leader I am today — someone who believes that storytelling isn’t just about marketing a product. It’s about shifting culture, creating access, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Today, I serve as a juror for the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, helping to judge the national Davey Awards and spotlight independent creative work from around the country.
And as for radio? That passion never left me. I recently launched a podcast called Esteven on the Radio (@esteven_on_the_radio), returning to my roots as a radio DJ — but with a modern twist. It’s a space to mix music, laughter, storytelling, and spontaneous conversation, and our first episodes will be debuting soon.
Above all, it’s representation that fuels me. Seeing a LGBTQ+ Hispanic man running a creative agency is something my younger self never imagined. That’s why I show up every day — not just to build brands, but to build bridges for the next generation of leaders who look like me.
That’s the mission. That’s the journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. The road has been filled with challenges, both personal and professional. Early on, I found myself in the hospitality industry when I had dreamed of working corporate-side. It wasn’t the path I wanted, but it taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, customer service, and problem-solving—skills I still use today.
Coming out as LGBTQ+ has been one of the most defining and difficult parts of my journey. And the truth is, you never stop coming out. It’s an ongoing process that requires strength and vulnerability in every new space you enter.
Being a young-looking, short, Hispanic entrepreneur has also come with its own set of struggles. I often feel underestimated—judged before I speak. I’ve had to constantly prove that I belong in rooms where leadership doesn’t always look like me. But these experiences have shaped my empathy, grit, and the way I lead today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve never quit. Whether it was working overnight shifts that drained my body, or stepping into the world of data and analytics—something I never saw myself doing—I’ve stayed the course. I’ve faced job losses and career pivots, but I’ve always gotten back on my feet. In life, you have to be resilient.
Professionally, I run Keen Social, a multicultural digital marketing and PR firm based in Long Beach. We specialize in social media storytelling, digital strategy, and public relations, with a deep focus on helping brands reach diverse audiences. What sets us apart is our ability to blend data and creativity—we don’t just create content that looks good; we create content that works. That’s why we’ve won awards and built long-lasting client relationships.
At Keen, we care about results. We listen to the data, we adapt, and we lead with heart. Every brand has a story—we help share it with purpose.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that life—and especially the business world—is cutthroat. Talent alone isn’t enough. You have to fight for what you want, be strategic, and understand that office politics and relationships matter just as much as your skillset. Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of building allies and navigating workplace dynamics, and it ultimately cost me. Now I know: success requires both hard work and political savvy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keensocial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keensocial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keensocialagency
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/12898055/
- Twitter: https://x.com/keensocial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EstevenOnTheRadio
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/esteven_on_the_radio/
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Michelle Winters & Jesse Mar Ramirez from Keen Social’s Team
