John Shute
As the CEO and Co-Founder of PufCreativ, John Shute leads with purpose and a deep commitment to making a difference through cannabis marketing. Armed with an MBA in Project Management from Norwich University, John blends sharp business acumen with a passion for social impact, working to elevate brands while shifting perspectives around cannabis.
A Leader in Cannabis Marketing
Since cofounding PufCreativ in 2017, John has transformed it into an award-winning agency known for crafting bold, purpose-driven campaigns across B2B, B2C, and client communications. Under his leadership, PufCreativ has earned:
- EMJAY Award (2023 & 2024) — Branding & Marketing Agency of the Year
- Two CLIO Awards (2023)
- ADCANN Agency of the Year (twice)
John himself has been honored as ADCANN’s Marketer of the Year and CEO of the Year by CEO Monthly in both 2020 and 2022.
John Shute
CEO & Co-Founder
A Mission Fueled by Passion
John’s drive to make an impact is deeply personal. Growing up in South Jersey, his parents instilled a spirit of philanthropy and entrepreneurship. His mother, a childhood cancer survivor, and his father, an LGBTQ+ advocate and hospitality pioneer, opened Atlantic City’s first gay bar, plus other restaurants and nightclubs in New Jersey and Florida. Through these businesses, his parents fundraised for nonprofits that they believed in, supporting causes ranging from local community initiatives to broader efforts focused on healthcare and social equity.
In the same vein, witnessing the devastation of the opioid crisis and losing friends along the way drew John to the cannabis industry. He’s on a mission to help cannabis brands make authentic connections and ultimately make the world a better place. His favorite clients to work with are those with a story to tell and a drive to create positive change in the cannabis space and beyond.
PufCreativ Cares
John and the PufCreativ team launched PufCreativ Cares, a philanthropic initiative supporting nonprofits and social equity causes. It’s one more way John and his team use marketing as a vehicle for meaningful change.
