Each month, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our incredible Pflugerville Chamber Ambassadors! These dedicated professionals are the friendly faces behind ribbon cuttings, the first to welcome new members, and some of the biggest champions of our local business community. Our Ambassador Spotlight is a fun way to get to know the people who help keep the Chamber connected, engaged, and thriving. Keep an eye out—you just might spot your Ambassador of the Month!
Ambassador Spotlight: Lars Rundquist
Lars Rundquist
The Passion: I spent years working in aviation and software — industries where the numbers are complex but at least someone explains them to you. When I eventually moved into operations leadership, I was staring at credit card processing statements that seemed designed to be unreadable. I knew I was probably overpaying, but I had no way to prove it, challenge it, or fix it on my own.
That's exactly the problem Merchant Advocate solves — and why I'm passionate about this work. We analyze a merchant's processing costs, negotiate improvements directly with their existing processor, and provide ongoing monitoring. No switching processors, no disruption. Just clarity and savings. For a local business owner, that's recovered margin they can reinvest in their business, their staff, or their community.
Seeing that impact on a business I know and respect hits differently. Strait Music has been an Austin institution for decades — generations of local families have rented instruments and bought supplies there. When they called us a "valuable asset for their financial health," that's exactly why I do this. Local businesses like that deserve an advocate in their corner — and I wish I'd had one back when I needed it.
The Chamber Perk: Networking events are great, but ribbon cuttings have become one of my favorite things about being an Ambassador. There's something genuinely special about showing up to celebrate another business owner's milestone — and finding yourself standing next to someone you might never have met otherwise. Those moments build real relationships, not just contacts. The Chamber does community better than any organization I've been part of.
The Local Tip: Don't overlook your online member profile in the Chamber portal. Keep it comprehensive and updated — not just as a formality, but because other Chamber members actively search it when they're looking for someone to do business with. And here's the part most people miss: search engines pull from that data too, which means non-members searching online can find you there. It's free visibility you're already paying for with your membership. Use it.