Ben Atkinson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ben, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of building our team. We have been through a lot together and have stepped up and delivered over and over again, even in some very difficult circumstances. They continue to impress me with their commitment, curiosity, and work ethic. Having them in my corner gives me the confidence to go after lofty goals and know that we can achieve them together. Even if nobody sees that on a day to day basis, I want them to know that I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My company is called Natural Builders and we are an environmentally responsible remodeling company based in Summit County, Colorado. Natural Builders is Summit County’s highest rated remodeling service. We have over 50 five star reviews on google and have been serving the Summit County community for ten years. We provide high-end remodeling services and are committed to keeping any usable materials out of the landfill through repurposing, recycling, or reclaiming them for future use. We have also planted over 10,000 trees to help offset carbon emissions and make our own electricity with our mobile solar generator. One of the projects we are working on right now that we are excited about is participating in a study with County officials to develop guidelines for construction companies to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills by deconstructing and sorting waste in order to divert it into secondary markets where it can be made use of instead of being put in the ground.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I moved to Colorado in the winter of 2000 hoping to take some time between college and law school to unwind and see a part of the country that I always found fascinating. Even though that season was challenging, I fell in love with Colorado and decided to make the mountains my home. That is a decision that I have never regretted and a moment that has altered the course of my life for the better. I love where I live and have built a life and a business here that I am proud of.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that we chose the right path and that there will be struggles but they are going to make us stronger and wiser. The time we spend outside our comfort zone is going to pay off in many ways and should be welcomed, not avoided.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I think that the sense of community is very important and worth protecting. We all have a stake in working together and providing for each other, as well as for future generations. When individuals lose sight of their place in the community they can cause harm to themselves and their neighbors, and when the community is not there for the individuals they can lose their sense of purpose. All of us benefit from support, collaboration, and mentorship in ways that expand our potential as individuals.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m most at peace when I am in nature. That has always been a big part of my life, to spend time in nature and to learn and appreciate its rhythms. The peace that comes from that is what grounds me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://natural-builders.com
- Instagram: @naturalbuildersco
- Linkedin: Natural Builders
- Facebook: Natural Builders
