Ben has been in the sheet metal trade for 25 years with metal fabrication as his primary background.   From ornate architectural features to automated machine guarding, Ben has designed and fabricated a wide variety of things.

Ben was in the apprenticeship program at the Sheet Metal Institute Local 16 from 1995-2000.  He worked at Schmeer Sheet Metal during his apprenticeship.  His sheet metal career began at Arctic Sheet Metal where he did shop work and high tech/ industrial HVAC.  Ben has also worked for Streimer Sheet Metal at Intel and as a millwright for Georgia Pacific. 

In 2017, Ben was hired on as an instructor at Sheet Metal Institute.   In January 2022, he was promoted to Training Coordinator.  In his new role, Ben wears many hats.  His overall responsibility is to work with the staff to keep things running smoothly and provide the best apprenticeship education possible for the contractors and SMART Local 16.  Ben works with the instructor’s updating curriculum.  This includes incorporating new technologies into the training and managing the needs of the apprentices for certifications and upgraded classes.  A big part of Ben’s job includes outreach.  He represents SMI at career fairs and trade awareness events throughout the region.   As an on-staff Certified Welding Instructor, Ben manages the welding department to maintain SMI’s accredited testing facilities. 

Outside of work, Ben’s interests include the ministry and volunteering for non-profit work, hiking, kayaking/paddleboarding, and running with the family dog, Juneau.