Poltrock built Sound Post Studios from the ground up in 1994, designing and constructing the space himself with the help of musicians and construction friends. Growing up in Grandville, Michigan, he was surrounded by music from the start. His mother performed as a pianist for the Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Association, and Symphonic Choir, and by the time he was fourteen, Poltrock had already set his sights on a career in audio. He went on to earn degrees from Grand Rapids Community College and Michigan State University.

His early career was spent at Motion Picture Makers, where he worked for six years shooting, lighting, editing, and producing. He recorded his earliest voice sessions on a Nagra field recorder and cut tape by hand, logging more than 10,000 edits before digital tools ever entered the picture. In the thirty-plus years since opening Sound Post, Poltrock has completed more than 15,000 projects spanning local campaigns, national brands, and global productions.

The breadth of his client work reflects his impact on the industry. Just a portion of his roster includes Hanon McKendry, Wieden+Kennedy, Universal McCann, Doner, Steelcase, Amway, Meijer, Ford, Chrysler, Disney, NPR, School Zone Publishing, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Audible, Facebook, and the Grand Rapids Griffins. His most prominent work may be the years of national production for Chrysler featuring actor Kevin Yon, beginning with the "Born of Fire" Super Bowl commercial - a production that put West Michigan on the map as a source of nationally competitive creative work.

Beyond client work, Poltrock has invested heavily in the next generation of the industry. He has mentored dozens of interns from Grand Valley State University, Cornerstone University, GRCC, Hope College, Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, and several area high schools, and has spoken to students at Hope College, Western Michigan University, and Forest Hills Public Schools. Many of those students have since built careers in audio, advertising, and media.

For nearly 30 years, Poltrock has produced the ADDY Awards winners' reels pro bono. That same spirit carries into his broader community work, where he has served as a church deacon and elder, participated in the Boy Scouts of America and Venture Scouting, and provided pro bono audio support for organizations including iUnderstand, Mel Trotter, Guiding Light, West Michigan Voices of Pride, and The Community Media Center. His client work has earned well over 100 ADDY Awards.

"I've always said the most meaningful part of this work is the people," Poltrock said upon accepting the award. "Every actor, writer, musician, and creative collaborator who has walked through the studio door has made me better at what I do. I am truly humbled to be recognized alongside so many people I admire."

The people in his orbit are equally generous in return. Rob Jackson, a 24-year client and 2016 Silver Medal recipient, calls him "the region's leading audio engineer" and "a valued advisor and collaborator to agencies and brands of all sizes." Bill McKendry said in his nomination that Stuart's impact on advertising is best understood through an "ingredient brand" lens. "He doesn't create the ads audiences see and hear—he makes them better. His work strengthens ideas, sharpens emotion, clarifies meaning, and elevates execution without ego or spotlight. Agencies trust him not only for his technical skill, but for his judgment, taste, and respect for the creative process. His career reflects a rare combination of longevity, humility, craftsmanship, mentorship, and service—making him a deeply deserving Silver Medal nominee and a foundational contributor to West Michigan's advertising community."

Outside the studio, Poltrock remains an active performer, playing piano and keyboards with Shimmie Pearl, Luckless Pedestrian, Hark Up Music, and Keystone Community Church. He is also a member of the Grand Rapids Economic Club and AAF West Michigan.

The Silver Medal was presented as part of the 2026 American Advertising Awards show, which drew nearly 350 submissions, including an increase in student entries, and welcomed more than 200 attendees. Agencies from Kalamazoo, Grand Haven, and Grand Rapids sponsored this year's event, and four colleges contributed volunteers to help bring the event to life.

"West Michigan is bursting at the seams with creativity, and AAF West Michigan continues to be reinvigorated by opportunities to engage our community and celebrate this potential," said Marissa Fellows, President, AAF West Michigan. "With a longstanding history, this flagship event and associated recognitions of excellence, from our Silver Medal honoree to the professional and student award winners, sets the tone for the year by encouraging teams to truly reflect on the work that has been done as we simultaneously look ahead: as creatives, these moments are crucial to keep at it and be inspired to sharpen our pencils for a new day."