Meet Sam Polesak | Founder of Ocean Works

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Polesak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
This is an interesting question that I have taken a lot of time in my life to think about and more recently act on. Defining “happiness.” I think it’s a personal journey for all of us to discover what that means.

For me, the journey started in my early 20’s, a little seed was planted in me, that seed, was the idea that I could be bigger than myself one day. Bigger than a job that I went to everyday. Bigger than clocking in and out. Bigger than an 8 hour day and an evening at home, rinse and repeat. Of course everyone is different, but to dream bigger, is an idea and feeling that makes me happy and feel alive. Our lives here on earth are short and fragile, and in my short time I’d like to accomplish something that changes the way people live presently, and into the future. I often times catch myself envisioning what it will or could be like in the future. This very reason is why I created Ocean Works, to see a change and impact on our planet come to fruition, that makes me happy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always had an interest in style and design, you can ask anyone that knows me. Creating has always been second nature for me. Now finding an application for that is a whole different story! I had a good start using inspiration from my Grandfather’s artwork. He made incredible artwork out of sand and sea shells.

I believe that when it comes to design, less is more. Using simplicity and minimalism, I’ve been able to design things that clear up some space in the viewers mind. leaving a peaceful feeling. Aesthetically pleasing to me, is when something is easy to look at, when it fits, and makes sense.

There’s definitely an eye for that, and I believe it starts and ends with just keeping it simple. It’s easy to get bogged down with all of the ideas in your mind. To consolidate those ideas, and translate them in short form into whatever you’re working on at the time, that’s the real skill.

Another component of my work has been using soft colors, colors that are easy on the eyes. Like they say in in Peter Pan “Think Happy Thoughts.” Ocean Works is supposed to remind you of the ocean and how that makes you feel. Using these colors accomplishes that. You know, so many of us don’t live on the ocean, so it’s something that’s a constant reminder of the ocean no matter where you are. To me, that’s powerful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question. Being from Minnesota, there is plenty to do here entertainment wise, and there are many of my friends and family members that are visiting to get away from the cold. I can’t blame them.

I think the first one is a no brainer, take them to the ocean in some capacity, whether its on a boat or simply laying some towels down on the beach to watch a sunset. I, like many, am a big sunset guy, so that has to be on the list.

When people come to visit, I like to give them a list of options and then let them pick how packed they want the schedule to be. I will mention hiking, I enjoy hiking, and well, there is plenty of that to be had here and for all levels of “ambition” if you will too lol.

I like to eat, shocking… and Southern California has no shortage of places to eat ridiculously good food with even better atmospheres to match. If you like golf, me too. Drives on the coast listening to music, yea ok twist my arm. Other than that, looking at palm trees is enough for most people 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yea so originally when I thought about starting a business I had no clue what, where, how, and not to mention when I was going to start. Something that was enlightening to me was something Mark Zuckerberg said. He said “Ideas don’t come out fully formed. They only become clear as you work on them. You just have to get started.” This is was a big deal for me, as a perfectionist I was crippled by analysis paralysis for years. Most people have great ideas, the key is executing on them. The execution is what brings your idea to life.

I have a few people I would call mentors, you know very well who you are. What I’ve learned is, trust in God, he’ll fight your battles for you. Also, if you are smart, you’ll take something you like from these very important people you admire, and add those traits to your personality. After all, the reason these people are your mentors is because you think how they do things is the “right” way. haha.

I’m extremely thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way. I am thankful to my family and friends, they have always been there for me. Lastly the positive love and encouragement from everyone so far, the messages bring me to tears sometimes. I want you to know we are just getting started.

Website: ocean-works.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanworks_org/

Image Credits
Jason Gonzalez Filiberto Jimenez