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Born and raised on U.S. Army bases, Russell Ruderman attended Penn State University and holds a B.S. in biology. He began working in the natural food business in 1975, and was among the pioneers of the modern natural foods industry. In 1998 Ruderman founded Island Naturals Market and Deli in Hilo. Now with three stores including Pahoa and Kailua-Kona and over 200 employees, Island Naturals is committed to supporting local farmers and producers. He served as state senator for Puna district on the Big Island from 2012 to 2020. His focus was on the environment, economic justice, and helping Puna recover from a series of disasters. Ruderman lives in Keaau.