10 Questions With: World-ranked taekwondo champ Stephen Rueber

10 Questions With is a new series featuring people of interest in the 605. Have someone you’d like to see featured? Email [email protected]. 

This week’s edition features Stephen Rueber, currently ranked fourth in the world in taekwondo, who is taking on a new role in the business world.

What’s your back story? How did you end up in Sioux Falls?

I actually grew up in Iowa but my family moved to Canton, South Dakota, when I was 14. When I was in my early 20s, I moved to Sioux Falls to pursue a career in restaurant management. I lived in Sioux Falls until I moved back to Canton eight years ago to not only start a family but to be closer to my parents and siblings.

You began in martial arts 20 years ago and made it to nationals in taekwondo by 2010. You’re currently ranked fourth in the world. What do you credit for that?

I give credit to my instructor, Chief Master Larry Hoover, who played a major role in helping me prepare, not only physically but mentally, for multiple national tournaments and world events as well. With his leadership and encouragement, I have been fortunate enough to earn first place in multiple high-profile tournaments throughout my career. I have also been ranked in the ATA world top 10 list for several consecutive years.

What have you been doing most recently in the sport?

I have been competing on the regional circuit and recently placed first in forms and sparring at the Sioux City, Iowa, tournament that was held at the end of January. Last weekend, I competed in the Minnesota Rumble tournament. My primary focus after that will be preparing for the World Championships in July that will be held in Phoenix, Arizona.

And now, your son is starting in the sport. What has been your best advice to him so far?

To show up, always do your best and, most importantly, have fun!

You also have a new job as director of business development at Dugan Sales & Service. What do you want people to know about it?  

Like my prior role, I get to continue to be a service provider, which I love to do. With my new role, I will continue to work with developers, contractors, property managers, property owners, etc., but instead of helping them with commercial real estate, I get to help them with their appliance needs. Whether they need a single appliance or are looking to furnish an entire apartment complex, I get to provide a professional recommendation to ensure they get the product that fits their needs and wants.

So have you bought any new appliances yet? Or are there any on your list?

We haven’t bought any new appliances yet, but I see the KitchenAid 24-cubic-foot French door refrigerator in our future.

Your new role also involved a career change from commercial real estate, where you were a broker for a number of years. What advice would you give to anyone else considering a change?

Change of any kind can be intimidating, but if you embrace change, it can make the process compelling and exciting. I would tell them to take advantage of opportunities because without risk there are no gains or rewards.

Who in business or life would you say has had the most impact on you?

My grandpa John. I get my competitive nature directly from him, and he taught me at an early age what it meant to work hard for what you wanted. He was very active in baseball – he even played overseas for the Tokyo Giants – and he also loved the outdoors and competed in outdoor sports like archery tournaments. He also taught me that it’s not always about winning – it’s about continuously moving the needle and to keep pushing yourself past what you think is your limit.

What do you do when you’re not at work or in martial arts?  

You can find me wearing a Bruce Lee T-shirt walking in the woods or outdoors with my family hiking, fishing, hunting, etc. My son and I love to explore and get outside any chance we get. When I’m not exploring the woods, you can find me shopping for treasures at our local antique stores.

And finally, you get a shameless plug for anything in Sioux Falls. What is it?

Hoover’s Martial Arts located in the Western Mall. From taekwondo classes to self-defense seminars, Chief Master Larry Hoover and his staff run a professional academy that is designed for both children and adults. He has not only been my instructor, but he has also been a great friend and mentor who has helped me grow as an athlete and as a person.