
Disciplined Leadership,
Community Heart.
Daughter of a Combat Chief Warrant Officer. Small-business owner. Servant-leader. Holly Hill is home.
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.
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
Showing up for Holly Hill — in every season, for every neighbor.






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.
- 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

- 2025
Hometown Hero · Daytona Beach Juneteenth Committee
- 2024
Small Business of the Year · Daytona Regional Chamber
- 2024
Key to the City · Holly Hill (Mayor Christopher Via)
- 2024
Small Business of the Year · Hispanic Chamber of Central Florida
- 2023
Corporate Citizen · City of Holly Hill
- 2023
Most Inspirational Woman of the Year · Daytona Beach News-Journal
- 2022
Top 7 Women in Wide Format in the Nation · BIG Picture Magazine
- 2021
40 Under Forty · Daytona Beach News-Journal
- 2020
Small Business Woman of the Year · DBNJ