1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most challenging aspect of my job is driving performance within my recruiting team, which is especially challenging when the unemployment rate in Dane County is so low. Our business’ success depends on my recruiters ability to find many talented people to go to work for our clients. The most rewarding aspect of my job is placing people to work, often for higher pay and better benefits. We have found jobs for 300-plus individuals in 2016 alone!
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I really admire my peers and friends within the Middleton Chamber of Commerce, of which I have been an ambassador for going on three years now. So many of my fellow ambassadors have talents and skills that I could only dream of having. They set the bar high for me, lead by example, and push me to be a better person and businessman each and every day.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
The high point of my career so far has to be when I was offered a chance to buy in as a co-owner of Weed Man Lawn Care, prior to my time working with Adecco. I had worked hard for the opportunity but didn’t expect Weed Man to make me an offer like that. A close second is being chosen by a newly created young professionals board to be its first chairman.
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Associate with good people, be yourself, know when to quit, have some emotional perspective, and, if you don’t like the rules, make your own!
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5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
Madison always has a buzz! I’m not sure if it’s the fact that it’s a state capital city, or if it’s that Madison is the home of the Badgers and 40,000 amazing students, but there’s always a buzz in Madison. I lived on the Isthmus for 15 years and I loved every moment of it. The lakes, restaurants/bars, people, weather, and access to so much nature nearby — I love it all.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I hate to toot my own horn, but I’ve been known to surprise a person or two with my hidden talents. I’ve been an avid trout fisherman for many years now. My friends would tell you “don’t bet against Ben when it comes to trout fishing.” I am also a very good artist and craftsman, and usually do all the work on my cars, house, etc. on my own. I love the mountains and have a knack for backpacking and hiking very remote areas, as well.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
Chocolate milk, any type of berry pie, and late night Kwik Trip pizza slices. I also love 90s action movies like the Die Hard, Alien, and Lethal Weapon series.
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