Alex Ruble ’23, a communication major with a concentration in filmmaking and cinematic arts, used knowledge gleaned in class and from the entrepreneurship program to launch Ruble Visuals in 2020. His photography and videography service produced engaging content for weddings, families, sporting events and marketing clients. Now he's thriving as he takes his business to the next level.
Alex leveraged the multimedia production course taught by Associate Professor of Communication Kim Field-Springer. “She pushed me to learn incredibly useful software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign that nurtured my love for graphic design and editing,” Alex explains. “These skills benefited my ability to advertise and market services for my business.”
A business minor, he capitalized on his entrepreneurial drive with the support of Charles A. Dana Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Paula Englis. He says Ruble Visuals took off under her guidance: “My entrepreneurship course with Dr. Englis helped me establish my company’s foundation when it came to target audience, value proposition, vision statement, mission statement, marketing plan and form of business. There were so many integral pieces missing in my business. Dr. Englis worked with me to develop pricing plans and marketing strategies that fit with my industry.”
Alex also served as the student director of photography for Berry’s office of diversity and inclusion, which contributed to his personal and professional growth. “I worked alongside brilliant minds on our marketing team,” he says. “It gave me the opportunity to use my videography skills to give a voice to many people by filming and sharing their stories online.”
Wherever he goes, Alex knows he can rely on three qualities that underpin his brand of entrepreneurship: resilience, empathy and imagination. “Earthquakes pushed my family out of Indonesia, and we relocated to Malaysia,” he reflects. “I developed new ways to communicate with others, even if I was not familiar with their language and culture. I learned so much from starting at rock bottom that I feel confident I can create something out of nothing, and I can handle whatever situations come my way.
“I love experimenting with art. I always want to find new ways of capturing photos or editing videos. I create content for many audiences, and that has pushed me to figure out what new, interesting visuals are possible. I am constantly learning in my storyboarding, scriptwriting and producing, which continues to nurture the part of me that loves to dream and imagine.”
