Born in small-town Texas, Ben grew up building forts in the desert before relocating to Costa Mesa, California, in 1987. There, he fell in love with the ocean, the beaches, and Southern California’s stunning natural landscapes. Whether he was building BMX jumps on the bluffs, camping in Joshua Tree, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Ben’s connection to nature was deeply rooted from an early age.
Throughout a dynamic career—from athletics (as a player and coach) to business (earning an MBA and consulting) to academia (earning a PhD and teaching)—Ben's passion for the outdoors remained steadfast. Inspired by his experiences, he set out to create his own haven for recreation and wellness.
Having traveled to 72 countries, lived on three continents, and embarked on 2,000+ mile overland treks across five continents, Ben’s global adventures introduced him to breathtaking landscapes and remarkable people. But his journey came full circle when he found the perfect location for a retreat just 20 miles from his childhood home.
Guided by values of lifelong learning, mind-body-spirit wellness, and sustainability (people, planet, profit), Ben poured his vision into Splitrock Farm and Retreat. Today, you’ll find him building forts in paradise, inviting others to reconnect with nature and themselves in this special place
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