Tom Saba - President
A native of Bakersfield, Tom received a bachelor of science degree in marketing from California State University Bakersfield. He worked for a few years at KBAK TV as an advertising account rep before co-founding his own agency, Positive Promotions, in 1984. Creative Concepts/Saba Agency was founded in 1989. Tom lives in Bakersfield with his wife and two children. He also enjoys running marathons and painting.
Tom Thompson - Account Executive
Tom Thompson, a native of Shafter, is a graduate of Bakersfield College. After college, he served three years with Uncle Sam then completed a twenty year career in finance before joining the Creative Concepts family in 2000. Tom was a recent recipient of the “Top Dog” award and resides in Bakersfield with his family.
Peter Recicar - Account Executive
Originally from Czechoslovakia, Peter holds a doctorate in Slovak Language Arts and is fluent in 5 languages. He taught for 6 years before becoming a graphic designer for the movie industry in Czechoslovakia. In his free time, Peter enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathy and their son.
Ian Perry - Account Executive
Ian has joined the Creative Concepts team after working alongside the company for many years. He has 22 years of experience in the recognition apparel industry and has fostered innovation in the DTG and Embroidery industry for the last 10 years. Ian enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys and generally enjoys the creative process. His hobbies are cooking and travel.
Debbe Haley - Account Executive
Debbe grew up in Fresno where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish from Cal State University, Fresno. She and her husband moved to Bakersfield in 1986, and she taught school for 16 years. Then 13 years ago, Debbe established her own business, "Creative Memories", before joining the Saba team in 2011. She is actively involved in the Shafter Chamber of Commerce as well as in her church and several networking groups. In her free time she loves to travel and spend time with her family, and especially her seven grandchildren.
Jerry A. Strinden - Safety & Loss Control Consultant

Jerry Strinden comes to Creative Concepts with twenty years experience in Safety, Security and Loss Control within the Transportation, Distribution, Manufacturing and Print Media environments.

Jerry is Certified in Safety Management, Ergonomics and Smith Sytem Driver Training. He also has knowledge of DOT, OSHA & EPA Regulations with hands-on experience in Worker's Compensation, and Product & General Liability Claims.

He is a Member of ASSE, ASIS, NFPA and a certified instructor in FA, AED, CPR, and BBP through the Red Cross.

Cathy Berthiaume - Art Director/Creative Services Manager
Cathy, who has been the recipient of several graphic design awards both locally and nationally, joined Creative Concepts/Saba Agency in 1996. She has been doing design work locally since 1993, including establishing her own design firm, Delaney Graphics. In her spare time, Cathy enjoys traveling, gardening, decorating and reading, but most of all spending time with her husband, Mike, and her family.
Charlie McKay - Graphic Designer / Social Media Manager
Charlie was born and raised in Tehachapi California, and studied graphic design at Bakersfield College. With over 7 years of experience working in graphic design and print, Charlie designs printed materials from logos, brand identity, brochures, annual reports, newsletters, ads, and banners to building signage, vehicle graphics and more. He also specializes in Social Media and Digital Marketing and manages that department within the agency. In his spare time Charlie enjoys fishing, computer, reading and spending time with his family and friends.
Becky Ponce - Sales Administrative Assistant
Becky is a native of Whitter, California who moved to Kern County in 1995. She has worked in clerical and secretarial positions for many years and went back to school in 1998 to receive an accounting certificate. Becky joined Creative Concepts in 2000 as a sales assistant/administrative assistant. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, watching and playing sports: baseball, basketball, football and volleyball.
Gina Stricklind - Senior Web Developer / SEO Specialist
Gina studied web design and development at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and received a diploma in Technical Web Development. Before she joined Saba Agency in 2011, Gina was a freelance web designer for several local and diverse companies. In her spare time, Gina loves baking, cooking, and spending time with her friends, family and her dog Zahra.