Having worked with Wes for a decade I know that his curiosity will require him to explore entirely new paths and disciplines, even while diving deeper into the many areas of interest he already cultivates, adding layers of expertise and finding new applications. Wes is brilliant, to put it plainly. He can learn anything he sets his mind to. And one of the most captivating things is how paradoxical his gifts are! He is exceptionally creative and in tune with how every facet of an experience shapes the emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual response of the participant, and has the techincal ability to create the experience that is called for. Most people I work with are great at one or the other of these skill sets. Wes has both!But what I love most about working with him has less to do with his skills than his character. Wes lives courageously. He swings big, never settling for ‘just good’ or even ‘great’ if whatever the project is can be amazing and unforgettable. He cares about details like how the packaging, label, and stamp impact the experience of opening a box, even if you’re just returning a lost item. He has an unmistakable generosity of spirit that goes the extra mile in work and friendship, leveraging limited resources to create a sense of bounty. He loves ‘wonder’…feeling it and leading others to experience it, whether by leading them to a discovery or by creating the moment where only an audible gasp, wide eyes, and a heart filled with delight are the involuntary response.Though the rarely deserved word ‘genius’ can be applied to Wes, he is one of the most humble, teachable people I’ve had the privilege to lead. He craves constructive feedback, and likes his leader and co-workers to collaborate with him on goals, inviting them to speak into his growth areas and provide accountability.He is loyal, enjoying the opportunity to help others grow and make them look good. He is not a solo artist, but delights in the individual and shared successes of a team. The teams Wes leads work harder than any I’ve ever seen. He leads with vision that attracts talent and passion. His teams help each other to be better professionally and as humans. They laugh a lot, and fight for each other.I have learned much in my years ‘leading’ Wes. There are few young leaders I’ve mentored that I can say have shaped me as much as I have (hopefully) shaped them. Wes is that guy. I’m a better leader for our shared journey and could not be more grateful.

At HiRise Promotions and Marketing, Inc. we’ve seen a lot of big ideas, but few have the rare mix of vision and emotional brilliance like what Wes brought to life with Lone Star Lights during the Holiday Season.He didn’t just co-create a holiday event, he and his team engineered a world where joy was programmable, nostalgia was intentional, and guests left with tears in their eyes and tickets for another night. His ability to blend technical mastery with soul-stirring design turned every moment into something magical and full of mystery.If you want to build something grand, moving, and magnetic, Wes and his leadership is your guy.

Working with Wes was one of the great joys of my time in ministry leadership. As our Creative Arts Director at Northstar Church, Wes brought an incredible mix of vision, spiritual depth, and creative innovation that elevated every aspect of our worship and communication.Wes didn’t just manage creative projects—he shaped a culture. He led our team with humility, clarity, and a collaborative spirit that empowered both staff and volunteers to grow and thrive. From weekend services to seasonal productions, from video storytelling to digital strategy, Wes had a hand in nearly every creative expression of our church—and he always approached it with excellence and heart.What set Wes apart was his ability to pair strategic thinking with a deeply pastoral presence. He kept Jesus at the center of every idea and always prioritized people over product. Our church grew—not just in size, but in engagement and depth—because of his leadership.I’d work with Wes again in a heartbeat. Any team or organization would be lucky to have him.

I had the privilege and honor of working under the leadership of Wes at Carolina Creek Christian Camps where he provided invaluable guidance and encouragement.Wes is a highly skilled and exceptional Creative Director, who leads with positive affirmation and was always available to provide assistance and necessary tools to complete tasks effectively and efficiently.We collaborated closely on a project – Lone Star Lights from 2022-2025. Under his guidance we successfully created the most magical Christmas experience, transforming a dream into reality.It was his direction, vision and leadership we were able to transform 20+ acres of land into the most magical Christmas experience for guest to enjoy, all within a three week timeframe.Wes consistently demonstrated enthusiasm , encouragement and support to his team. Guiding and partnering every step of the way. Under his leadership his creative team soared. Taking all camp experiences to a new level.It was a true honor and blessing to work under his direction. His ability to take an idea and bring it to life is truly a gift.

Working with Wes has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business.From the very beginning, he took the time to understand not only the look and feel I wanted for my website but also how I needed it to function to support my clients and team.He brought my vision to life in a way I never could’ve done on my own—clean, professional, and on-brand in every way.

It was truly a blessing to get to know and work with Wes during our two-year partnership with Lone Star Lights.As an individual, I find him to be gifted in creativity in many ways. His work product is high quality, his heart is genuine, and he communicates effectively in many different ways and mediums. His intelligence, receptiveness to input, and common sense are impressive (and these qualities are not flowers that grow in everyone’s garden these days).In his position as director of Lone Star Lights, we witnessed these talents being carried over into practical, operative management and leadership—geared successfully toward goals of sharing an immersive experience that positively impacted individuals and families.From inspiration and vision…to research…to implementation and improvements across multiple facets—with problem solving a constant along the way—Wes was the driving force that led to a great annual event for our communities—one that will be greatly missed. The difference made in lives, however, lives on.

Working with Wes was one of the most pivotal seasons of my ministry career.As our Creative Arts Director, Wes didn’t just lead projects. He left a legacy. With his lead, we reimagined what the youth and worship experience could look and feel like. The result wasn’t just a brand or aesthetic. It was a culture rooted in our values, mission, and people. Years later, much of what we built still stands. That’s Wes’s impact.Wes brings a rare blend of vision, creativity, and relational depth. He helped us create an environment that felt like home, authentic, excellent, and distinctly ours. He raised the bar, not just in look and feel, but in meaning. His work always aligned with purpose.He’s full of ideas and consistently delivers. But more than that, Wes builds people. He leads creators and develops leaders.Wes became one of my closest friends and a steady presence in my life. He makes everyone around him better. Any team that brings him on isn’t just getting creative talent. They’re gaining a culture-setter with heart, vision, and integrity.Wes’ portfolio is the people he’s coached, mentored, and empowered. I’m one of them.

In five words, this is Wes: Genuine, Passionate, Imaginative, Trustworthy, Innovative.Wes and I met years ago at a trade show, and from that very first meeting, it was clear—he’s the real deal. A true professional creative, yes, but also just a true friend. Over the years, we’ve done a lot of dreaming and scheming together. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside him from the very beginning of Lone Star Lights, and it’s been an incredible ride.Wes is what I’d call a true design architect. He has this God-given ability to create immersive, engaging, and honestly unforgettable experiences. It’s not just about cool lights or good design—it’s about telling a story that moves people.Watching him dream, build, and bring to life both Carolina Creek Creative Services and Lone Star Lights has been something special. He doesn’t just talk about vision—he lives it.There’s no one I’d rather have on a team when it comes to creating something that really connects with people. Wes has a deep creative fire in him. For him, it’s always about the why—how it pulls at your heart and makes you feel something.That’s what sets him apart.

It’s rare to come across someone with the depth, creativity, and sensitivity that Wes Armstrong brings to the table. We partnered with his team on the Lone Star Lights project, and honestly, Wes set the bar incredibly high. From day one, the way he cared for our teams stood out—he brought clarity and intentionality to every phase of the project, led with calm-under-pressure presence while staying genuinely approachable, and navigated every challenge with transparency and flexibility.Wes is a remarkably capable, high-capacity leader, but what makes him exceptional is his attunement to people. He seems to have an almost preternatural sense of each person’s skills, limitations, and best-fit roles – regardless of what team they were on, or how involved they were in the project. And while he never compromised on the quality of the outcome, I took note of how, time-after-time, he consistently prioritized people over process, leading with humility and insight. Wes seems to have mastered the art of getting the most out of people, without taking advantage or pushing boundaries and always with respect and appreciation.In the end, we didn’t just create something we’re proud of (and truthfully, a highlight of my career)—we walked away with renewed creativity, purpose, and vision. Wes’s leadership didn’t just impact the project; it impacted us. It’s no overstatement to say we’re better people for having worked with him.