Long Beach Area Chamber membership growth during Stuart’s first year, reaching the highest active membership level recorded in more than a decade.
Long Beach, California
Building stronger businesses through people, ideas, and action.
I’m Stuart Takehara—a growth-minded business and community leader working at the intersection of membership, marketing, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
25+ yearsbuilding growth and community
Selected impact
Ideas translated into measurable growth.
Above the new-member revenue goal, generating more than $55,000 in membership dues above budget.
Business openings and community activation events led, connecting businesses with customers and community stakeholders.
Growth in average daily revenue while owning and operating Sunshine Market before its successful sale.
Programs and partnerships
- Helped launch the Long Beach Chamber Foundation
- Developed VERGE Business Mentors
- Initiated the partnership that created the LBUSD Pathways to Business & Entrepreneurship initiative
- Created The Catalyst podcast and Small Business Resiliency Series
About
Strategy matters. Relationships make it work.
Stuart Takehara is a business leader, entrepreneur, marketer, and community advocate based in Long Beach, California. His career spans membership development, operations, sales and marketing across business associations, retail, hospitality, and entertainment.
His approach is practical and people-centered: listen carefully, connect the right people, and turn ambitious ideas into workable programs. He measures success by lasting value, not a one-time transaction. The strongest relationships deepen over time, creating trust and opportunities that compound.
Areas of focus
Work that moves organizations forward.
Membership & Growth
Creating stronger member experiences, sustainable retention, and partnerships that deliver real value.
Marketing & Strategy
Translating customer insight into clear positioning, practical campaigns, and measurable growth.
Entrepreneurship
Applying an owner’s perspective to operations, customer loyalty, team leadership, and local business.
Community Leadership
Bringing businesses, civic organizations, and neighbors together around shared opportunities.
Selected experience
A career grounded in growth and service.
2025–Present
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Vice President of Membership, leading membership growth, business engagement, workforce initiatives, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship programs, and community-impact efforts.
2018–Present
Marina Wine & Craft Beer Bar
Owner and operator of the Marina Wine and Craft Beer Bar, built around customer loyalty, live entertainment, and community-centered programming.
2012–2016
HUSTLER Casino
Director of Marketing, leading advertising, promotions, database marketing, media, sponsorships, events, and player development during three years of record-setting revenue growth.
Earlier leadership
Palace Entertainment · WestWind · Radio Broadcasting
Sales, marketing, operations, and audience-development leadership across entertainment centers, drive-ins, public markets, and radio broadcasting.
Current and Previous board service
Rooted in Long Beach.
- Board Member, Downtown Long Beach Alliance
- Board Member, TEDx Shoreline Drive
- President & Vice President, Promenade Area Residents Association
- Treasurer, Downtown Residential Council
- Director of Outreach, StandUp For Kids
- Advocate of the Year, StandUp For Kids
For Stuart’s current positions, credentials, and complete work history, visit his LinkedIn profile.
What colleagues say
Trusted to elevate the vision—and deliver.
“Stuart is the kind of strategic partner who doesn’t just support a vision, he elevates it… He thinks through strategy with depth and detail, and he consistently delivers beyond expectation.”
“He has a genuine talent for bringing people together and making every interaction count. I recommend him to anyone looking for someone who leads with passion, thoughtfulness, and a strong sense of community.”
“Sharp, strategic, tireless… a master of detail and implementation, with vision and dedication that carries every project he oversees to successful completion.”
Excerpts from recommendations published on Stuart’s LinkedIn profile and previous official website. To read more recommendations, click here.
The best growth is built on trust—one useful idea, one kept promise, and one genuine relationship at a time.
Connect
Let’s start a useful conversation.
For speaking, collaboration, business, or community opportunities, reach out directly.
st@stuarttakehara.com