Business Bootcamp

Karie Armstrong has spent more than 30 years helping retailers, service providers, restaurants and entrepreneurs successfully launch and grow their businesses in a wide variety of retail environments and markets. Her extensive background stems from shopping center management, marketing and development, retail operations and manufacturing and the most recent 8 years with the Small Business Development Center serving as a consultant.

Prior to joining the SBDC in 2011, Ms. Armstrong worked for some of the nation’s leading shopping center developers throughout southern and northern California including Simon Property Group, Macerich, The Mills Corp., Jones Lang LaSalle, Heitman Retail Properties, The Hahn Company and Centremark. Skilled in managing a wide variety of projects and diverse teams, Ms. Armstrong has an industry reputation for embracing project opportunities and collaborating across boundaries. In all markets she has successfully paired with Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development departments and other government leaders and organizations to strengthen the area commerce and quality of life for the surrounding communities.

Mrs. Armstrong earned her CMD (Certified Marketing Director) and SCMD (Senior Certified Marketing Director) designations in 1997 and 2003 respectively and her SCSM (Senior Shopping Center Manager) designation in 2005 from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Throughout her career, Karie has amassed a large number of marketing and advertising awards for print, radio and outdoor campaigns as well as overall marketing strategies. Her vast experience in mixed-use, multi-ethnic, urban and various socio-economic markets paves the way for a deep understanding of how to successfully research, identify and penetrate core customer bases for positive sales growth. She has extensive experience writing successful business plans, property proformas, and sales projections as well as assisting owner-based retailers to grow their businesses into viable thriving businesses. This significant practical experience translates well into helping businesses prepare their strategic plans, revenue projections and marketing plans.

Ruben captivates audiences with his enthusiasm and authenticity in both English and Spanish. With many years of personal development experience and speaking around the world, Ruben presents a wealth of techniques and strategies for developing and empowering leaders. He has spoken in Brazil, Mexico, Poland, London, South Korea, Canada, and the U.S. He has shared the stage with many industry icons.

Ruben is a Master Trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Master Success Coach.

Ruben’s book STAND along with his STAND Development Trainings are endorsed by The State Senate.

Ruben was recognized as a World Leader for Peace in Seoul, Korea at The World Alliance Peace Summit and also spoke at The United Nations Head Quarters.

He is also passionate in giving back in the communities.

STAND Foundation feeds the homeless and provides education in English and Spanish at gang challenged neighbor hoods. He also donates his time to help prisoners just released and Youth in Juvenile Hall with his Foundation.

Ruben’s values are loyalty, integrity, courage, compassion, faith and discipline.