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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet The Neighbor – Ken Rubeli
By Callie Thomas
“Life’s battles don’t always go to the strongest or fastest man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the fellow who thinks he can.” – Steve Prefontaine
Ken Rubeli has more than just running in common with long-distance legend Steve Prefontaine. Although he is a passionate and avid runner himself, it is Ken’s drive and entrepreneurial spirit that have moved mountains and have made the Boys & Girls Clubs of Henderson thrive.
The Boys & Girls Clubs enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The decision to work with them was not merely a random choice for Rubeli; in fact, it has been a longtime association that goes back to his own childhood in Scottsdale, Arizona. Rubeli has maintained a strong connection with the Boys & Girls Clubs even while cultivating an impressive career in corporate finance with Bear Stearns in New York and Enron in Houston, not to mention working with gaming establishments in Las Vegas and forming his own national energy consulting business.
After serving as a very active board member since 2005, he took on the full time position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Henderson. Over the last year, with his dedication and can-do philosophy, the organization has nearly doubled their membership and has expanded from five locations to nine operating sites across the valley, including a new Summerlin site at the Alexander Dawson School. There is even a Teen Center named for Rubeli at the Mary & Sam Boyd Boys & Girls Club. He shares his enthusiasm for the future of the organization and how tackling his own childhood obesity led him to a passion for running.
How did you first become involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs?
“When I was 11, I started coming in the summertime just as something to do to keep busy all day long. I kept going to the club every summer after school. At 14, I got my first job at the club as a snack bar clerk. I worked for the club every summer through high school and college until I began my pursuit of the capitalist dream and moved to New York.”
What is your most memorable moment associated with the organization?
“The day the Rubeli Teen Center opened at the Mary & Sam Boyd Boys & Girls Club. I’m passionate about helping teens and it gave me chills to see the teens’ faces light up when they entered their own part of the Club.”
What types of offerings are at the Center?
“It includes a games room, education room, arts & crafts area, an area especially for teens and a kitchen.”
You’ve been able to see first-hand the effects of your involvement.
“Yes, I love seeing the tangible benefits of giving both time and money to a cause. While it feels good to be financially supportive, it’s magical when you can devote time, which is ultimately the most valuable commodity we all possess to help others who need it most.”
What do you think drives you the most?
“The words ‘quit’ and ‘can’t’ simply don’t exist in my vocabulary.”
You’ve persisted in not only making things happen for the Boys & Girls Clubs but for yourself, too.
“I’ve tackled my own unhealthy lifestyle and took up running four years ago. I was 40 pounds heavier and couldn’t even run one mile without stopping. I now routinely compete in 100 mile ultra-marathons and other extreme running events. Even when I’m stressed, I’ll go for a run on the Red Rock Scenic Loop.”
You must be proud of your accomplishments.
“I’m proud of my two wonderful kids Tanner and Amanda, of tackling childhood obesity through exercise and being able to push beyond perceived limits.”
