Originally from Boston, Ben has been a lifelong coastal dweller. His formative years were split between Santa Cruz, CA, and the Greater Boston area. He was an only child until the age of 10, but with both parents remarrying, he became the big brother of five siblings, helping raise them through his teenage years. Ben was born into a restaurant family and spent his early years at the Howard Johnson's that his maternal grandparents ran outside of Boston. This upbringing instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of family, fostering his love for hospitality and the food and beverage industry, which remained constants throughout his life.
After attending Northeastern University, Ben was drawn by the allure of the sunshine and new challenges, leading him to the Florida Keys. He followed the path of his paternal grandparents, who owned a bar and social club in downtown Key West in the 1950s. Over the next decade, he honed his skills in mixology and restaurant management. Despite the beautiful weather, the challenges of living at the southernmost tip of the country with family split between coasts became apparent. In 1987, Ben's maternal grandparents retired to the Curry County area, buying a home in Port Orford, reminiscent of his grandmother's childhood home in Ireland. His mother, stepfather, and two siblings followed suit, settling in the Gold Beach area in 1990.
Arriving in Gold Beach for the holiday season in 2007, Ben decided to stay, becoming a live-in caregiver for his grandfather, John. Being there for his grandfather was a significant gift, solidifying his place in the community. Ben has been involved in restaurant ownership and has worked at establishments such as Spinner's Restaurant and Tu Tu Tun Lodge. You can say "hi" to Deirdre and his Uncle Bruce at the local fish market, Fisherman's Direct. Let Ben bring his strong work ethic and genuine love for people to your next home-buying experience!
