Ruben’s Story: Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Self-starter. Highly motivated. Eager to learn. These are just a few of the traits commonly associated with successful entrepreneurs, and Ruben Martinez embodies them all. After realizing his college experience in New Mexico wasn’t for him, he didn’t just settle — he took initiative, found an undergraduate experience that suited his needs and made the change to Regis. And when he needed to go back to school? Well, the answer was obvious.
What drew Ruben to Regis?
"It was a couple things. First, my previous school was big, something like 40,000 to 50,000 students; the idea of a smaller school really appealed to me. I thought it would be easy to make friends and you don’t get lost in the crowd. I also like playing soccer and Regis has a great program (go, Rangers!). It was also easy to transfer. I completed my B.S. in Business Administration in 2007, and a little over a year later, I returned to Regis to earn my MBA."
Flexibility to keep making moves
"When I came back for my MBA program, Regis’ flexibility allowed me to keep working — even then, they were in the online game. I got a job as an assistant coach for the Rangers, and I was able to keep up with both work and school because of those online options, as well as the evening classes."
A program with entrepreneurial spirit
"I also liked that the classes were entrepreneurially driven, and that I was meeting other business professionals who were having the same experience I was. Due to the school’s smaller, intimate environment, I got to interact closely with them as we worked on projects together. That networking opportunity was super relevant and impactful. Honestly, it was almost as valuable as the content in the courses."
An MBA that cares for the whole person
"It’s also worth noting that Regis does a good job of just taking care of people. It's not transactional. People there are caring and align with the mission of having a sense of community. It doesn't feel like ‘all right, get in, take your class, get out of here, don't talk to me’. Everyone — professors, staff members, coaches, students, maintenance staff — is just very friendly and willing to help. The Jesuit Catholic values are very clear through campus and people."
Making a career in the glamping world
"I love to travel, and I was able to focus my MBA on international studies. A few years after finishing my degree in 2010, I put my love of travel and my MBA to work. I co-founded Glamping Hub, and it’s now the leading online booking platform for unique lodging experiences, including luxury campsites, boutique hotels, rustic cabins, and even tree houses.
The Regis MBA program challenged my abilities, gave me new tools and made me stretch my skills. Taking on and mastering subjects like finance and accounting really helped me grow and helped prepare me to start my business. And the chance to network and meet people from all professional walks of life was invaluable. I felt like I was pushed to chase something bigger than anything I was doing, and my Regis education got me there.”
