Meet Ben: The Link and Wire of Lotus’ Hardscape Projects

Posted on July 30, 2021

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hardscape Division Manager Ben has been the driving force behind one of our most important departments since 2018. From safety checks and problem-solving to site visits and team collaboration, he coordinates cross-department efforts on hardscape projects to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Before joining Lotus, Ben had a varied career spanning several industries, including catering, environmental advocacy, and working for a historical foundation. However, the experienced landscaper said he fell in love with the green industry early on while studying for a History and German degree at college.

“I drove a dump truck so I spent a lot of time helping out a friend who was in hardscaping. I used to drive the truck to college. After college, I continued doing paving while half-heartedly looking for another job. I secretly hoped nothing would come up because I loved working outdoors so much!”

Four years ago Traven discovered Ben working for another landscape company in the area. He knew immediately that he wanted him on the team. Ben was quickly won over by our company’s culture and started work as an assistant to the hardscape team.

Since then he has worked his way up to Hardscape Division Manager and is now in charge of our talented hardscape crews. The job gives him daily opportunities to solve all kinds of problems, from broken-down equipment to customer requests that need to be changed overnight. Although at times frustrating, Ben says the satisfaction he gets from finding a resolution is worth it.

A teacher by nature, Ben is never happier than when he gets to see his team members’ progress.

He said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is watching a new team member succeed at something they once struggled with. That moment when you see that glimmer in their eye when they recognize they can do it, that’s what it’s all about for me. It’s cool to build extravagant projects, but when you see the light that your efforts create in someone else, that’s truly special.”

When he’s not at work Ben can be found fishing, golfing, or playing cards. An experienced bee-keeper, he looks for any opportunity to spend time outdoors and never tires of the natural beauty here in Michigan.

Ben’s excellent communication skills, tireless hard work, and ability to solve even the most complex of problems have been imperative to the outstanding performance of the Lotus team’s Hardscape division. The Lotus team appreciates the work he does every day, and we can say without a doubt that we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we do without him! Thanks Ben![/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Build Your Hardscape with Ben” style=”flat” color=”warning” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Flotusgardenscapes.com%2Fpre-meeting-survey%2F” css=”.vc_custom_1627669780033{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]