Social Entrepreneur

Ruiz was a social entrepreneur before the term had even been coined. In 1995, Ruiz co-founded the advocacy marketing agency Interlex. Together with his wife, Heather Ruiz, he forged a unique advertising and public relations firm devoted to helping clients make a positive impact on the lives of diverse audiences.

The agency has been consistently ranked on the Inc. 500/5000 list of America’s most rapidly growing companies. Ad Age Magazine has also ranked Interlex on its list of Top Agency Brands. As CEO, Ruiz has led major campaigns on issues such as infant immunizations, the digital divide, smoking cessation and prevention, educational attainment gaps, breastfeeding, obesity prevention and reduction, financial literacy, human rights, and disaster relief. Ruiz has also led relationships with agency clients including: AARP, American Express, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Special Olympics, SafeLink Wireless, United Healthcare, and numerous local, state, and federal government agencies.