Early Voting August 8–15 · Election Day August 18 — Make your voice heard.
Carmen Ruiz
About Carmen

Disciplined Leadership,
Community Heart.


Daughter of a Combat Chief Warrant Officer. Small-business owner. Servant-leader. Holly Hill is home.

My Story

Carmen Ruiz was born into the proud tradition of a military family, guided by the pillars of integrity, faith, and duty. She is the daughter of Hector Ruiz, a Combat Chief Warrant Officer who honorably served 21 years in the U.S. Army, and Maria Ruiz, whose work in food packing and food security reflected a deep commitment to serving others.

Growing up at Fort Bragg and later in Florida, Carmen learned early that leadership is a responsibility to others. As Commander of her Junior ROTC Competition Team, she led her team to State and National Championships — establishing her as a leader who inspires excellence and unity.

In 2001, Carmen carried that same drive into her professional career, dedicating over two decades to the Light Manufacturing Sign Industry. In 2017, she transformed her experience into a personal mission by purchasing a struggling FASTSIGNS® franchise in Holly Hill — proving that a business can be both financially robust and socially responsible.

Community Giveback

Domestic violence awareness posters in public restrooms

Care packages for Holly Hill police cruisers for encounters with young children

Community libraries in Daytona Beach and Holly Hill parks

Public charging stations after hurricanes

Winter backpacks for our homeless community

Humanitarian relief efforts

In the Community

Showing up for Holly Hill — in every season, for every neighbor.

Carmen Ruiz volunteering, serving food trays at a community kitchen
Serving meals at a community kitchen
Carmen Ruiz with the Holly Hill City Commission receiving the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation
Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation, City Commission
Carmen Ruiz speaking on stage at Elevate Daytona Beach about ending domestic violence
Speaking out against domestic violence
Carmen with Rafael and DJDJ the GoldendoodleCarmen with Rafael and DJ
Faith & Family

Faith and family remain at the heart of Carmen's life. She is deeply devoted to her Christian faith and is supported by her significant other, Rafael, her sisters Lorena and Adlin, and her six nieces and grand-nephew — along with her beloved Goldendoodle, DJ.

Dedicated Service
  • Daytona International Speedway's Checkered Flag Committee
  • Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Directors & Committees
  • Domestic Violence Abuse Council of Volusia County Executive Committee
  • FASTSIGNS® International Franchise Advisory Council
  • FASTSIGNS® International Diversity and Inclusion Council
  • FASTSIGNS® Franchisee Mentorship Program
  • Holly Hill Police Foundation Board of Directors
  • Volusia Literacy Council Board of Directors
  • Past member, Holly Hill Chamber of Commerce
Recognitions
Carmen Ruiz being presented the 2024 Business of the Year award by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida leadership
Receiving 2024 Business of the Year — Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
  1. 2025

    Hometown Hero · Daytona Beach Juneteenth Committee

  2. 2024

    Small Business of the Year · Daytona Regional Chamber

  3. 2024

    Key to the City · Holly Hill (Mayor Christopher Via)

  4. 2024

    Small Business of the Year · Hispanic Chamber of Central Florida

  5. 2023

    Corporate Citizen · City of Holly Hill

  6. 2023

    Most Inspirational Woman of the Year · Daytona Beach News-Journal

  7. 2022

    Top 7 Women in Wide Format in the Nation · BIG Picture Magazine

  8. 2021

    40 Under Forty · Daytona Beach News-Journal

  9. 2020

    Small Business Woman of the Year · DBNJ