Ben is a native Oregonian, hailing from the small town of Jacksonville. Real estate was the family business. His grandmother owned Diana Bilyeu Real Estate & Construction, while his mother was a real estate agent in southern Oregon and the Napa Valley. He spent most of his formative years in Napa Valley, California, where he developed a love of food and wine. After attending culinary school in Napa Valley, he worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the country while developing his skills as a chef. That time and training pulled him back into Oregon’s abundant culinary resources. After returning, he became a partner in a small distillery, and that experience in business taught him the importance of good customer relationships and real estate ownership. Ben has two sons, Jaxson and Henry, who keep him busy camping, fishing, and exploring everything Oregon offers. Restaurants and cooking remain his passions, and he spends time with family and friends. Don’t be surprised to see him at the next cool food truck or pop-up dinner in town!