Rueben Martinez
Originally from Miami a small mining town in Arizona, Ruebén Martinez moved to California at the age of 17 1/2 to pursue the American dream. Now celebrating his 45th year as a professional barber and 29th year as a business owner, he is a savvy entrepreneur that understands the energy and power if small Latino businesses. Barber shops are known for being the genesis if sparking new ideas. In 1993, Mr. Martinez got an idea that grew from being a customer novelty into two full-blown businesses. Over a course of a decade, a handful of Latino books, available for a few close customers to read and buy, evolved into two thriving businesses. Today, Librería Martinez Books & Art Gallery and Libros Para Niños, a children's bookstore, are recognized nationwide for showcasing the country's premiere Latino authors and artists.
Mr. Martinez was a recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and Genius Grant in 2004 for his leadership in promoting literacy in the Latino community and serving as an inspirational American role model.
Though having recieved numerous titles and awards over the years, Martinez holds his titles as "father, grandfather and great-grandfather" as most important of all.
A believer that one person can make a difference in people's lives, Martinez spends countless hours talking to customers at the bookstores, catching up with his hair business customers, motivating students at schools and colleges throughout the country, and engaging with citizens in political discourse.
In sum, Ruebén Martinez spends everyday informing, challenging, and inspiring children and adults to do great things. He did it, and knows they can too.
