Drive Social Media founder Josh Sample named to 2026 St. Louis Business Journal 40 Under 40

Drive Social Media founder and board member Josh Sample was selected for the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 class, recognized for his work building the St. Louis marketing company and contributing to the region. The honor comes as Drive Social Media’s executive team runs daily operations and Sample focuses on board-level leadership.

Why it matters: - Josh Sample’s recognition highlights a St. Louis founder whose company grew from a local social media shop into a broader marketing business. - The award also underscores Drive Social Media’s continued visibility in the region after more than a decade of growth.

What happened: - The St. Louis Business Journal named Josh Sample to its 2026 40 Under 40 class. - The annual program honors 40 professionals under 40 for achievements in their companies, industries and communities. - The Business Journal chose the honorees through an independent editorial review focused on their achievements and contributions to their organizations and the St. Louis region. - The 2026 honorees were recognized at an event at Ballpark Village on Nov. 5. - The Business Journal announced the 2026 class in September and published honoree profiles in November.

The details: - Sample founded Drive Social Media in St. Louis in 2012. - Drive Social Media started by helping small businesses manage social media content. - The company later expanded into paid media, creative production, customer data and advertising measurement. - Drive Social Media made the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. eight straight times from 2017 through 2024. - Sample now serves as founder and board member. - Sample is not involved in day-to-day operations. - Drive Social Media’s executive leadership team manages employees, clients and daily business activities. - Sample contributes to long-term direction and governance at the board level. - Drive Social Media describes its work as advertising strategy, creative production, paid media and measurement. - More information about the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2026 40 Under 40 class is available here. - Information about Drive Social Media is available here.

Between the lines: - The recognition appears to validate Sample’s early role in building the company, even as the business has shifted to professional management. - The structure suggests Drive Social Media is positioning Sample as a governance and brand ambassador figure rather than an operational leader.

What's next: - Drive Social Media’s executive team will continue overseeing the company’s daily operations. - Sample will remain focused on board-level direction and governance. - The company is likely to keep leaning on its growth story and St. Louis roots as part of its public identity.

The bottom line: - Josh Sample’s 40 Under 40 honor marks a milestone for both the founder and the St. Louis company he built.