Ben grew up in Groveport, Ohio. Instead of joining Scouts, he and his dad took part in the YMCA Indian Guides and later the Adventure Guides Trailblazer program, where he earned their top honors – the Golden Eagle Feather and the Chief’s Award. After high school he was honored with the Towel and Basin Award from the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church for his service to his youth group and church. After graduating from The Ohio State University, Ben moved to Lancaster in 2009, married his wife Jamie in 2010, and became a dad in 2015. Now living in Logan with Jamie and their four kids, Ben enjoys working on projects around their property, caring for their chickens, and helping boys grow in faith, character, and adventure through Trail Life.