Ruben Lindo serves as Director of Government Strategies and Managed Services at Shenker Russo & Clark LLP, where he leads the firm’s work at the intersection of government affairs, regulatory strategy, operational advisory, and business growth execution. In this role, Ruben helps clients not only navigate complex regulatory environments, but also build the internal structure, strategic discipline, and external relationships necessary to launch, operate, and scale successfully.
Ruben’s work is rooted in a practical understanding of how businesses function on the ground. He advises clients on market entry, licensing strategy, compliance readiness, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and operational optimization, with a particular focus on industries where regulation, execution, and timing are critical to success. His approach goes beyond policy and advocacy—he works closely with companies to assess day-to-day operations, identify inefficiencies, strengthen systems, and implement strategies that improve performance, increase resilience, and position businesses for long-term growth.
At Shenker Russo & Clark, Ruben supports clients through every stage of the business lifecycle, from concept development and launch strategy to government engagement, operational refinement, and growth planning. He has particular experience working with clients in highly regulated and emerging industries, including cannabis, construction, health and wellness, hospitality, and other entrepreneurial and compliance-driven sectors. His capabilities include helping businesses align legal, regulatory, and operational frameworks so they can move from vision to execution with clarity and confidence.
Ruben is especially effective in helping founders, operators, and organizations bridge the gap between strategy and implementation. Whether supporting a startup entering a new market, an established company seeking to improve operations, or a regulated business navigating government processes, he brings a solutions-oriented perspective that combines policy insight, operational fluency, and growth-minded leadership.
In addition to his work at the firm, Ruben is an entrepreneur and business builder with firsthand experience launching and leading ventures in complex industries. He founded Blak Mar Farms, a legacy cannabis brand rooted in equity and sustainability; Phoenix Nutraceutical, a wellness company focused on plant-based therapeutics; and Project Ascend, a blockchain-powered initiative designed to improve transparency and access to capital in the cannabis industry. These ventures have informed his practical understanding of compliance, commercialization, brand strategy, operational management, and scalable business development.
Ruben was awarded an Honorary Professional Doctorate in Management by the Chartered Institute of Management Specialists (USA) in recognition of his leadership, business innovation, and professional contributions.
Education
- University at Buffalo, Bachelor of Science (BS) (BA), Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies/ Business Administration
- New York University, Stern School of Business, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services
Personal and Community Service
Ruben is a Foundation Board Member at SUNY Columbia-Greene and is the co-author of Just Say Yes: The Guide to Legal Cannabis. He was featured in National Geographic Investigates: The Green Rush and continues to be a speaker and advocate on issues of justice, innovation, and economic empowerment.