Meet Benjamin Campbell | Owner and 3rd generation in the painting industry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Benjamin Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benjamin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
To have a good work life balance in my opinion is one of the most crucial aspects about being a small business owner.. We tend to try to become Superman in every situation and wanting to fix and be apart of everything that is going on within the business. One, this really is not feasible and you will run yourself into the ground. You have to delegate and trust your employees to do what they are paid to do. That is the only way to grow and become more successful. By giving these important tasks to your trusted employees, you will have time to coach your kids, be able to spend time with your family, and have a second to yourself from time to time. Trust me, I know how hard it is to give up control to someone else but it is essential to your mental and physical health. Employees want opportunity to grow and hold more responsibility. If they don’t, then do you really want them to be apart of your team?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am 3rd generation small business owner in the painting industry in Anchorage Alaska. My grandpa started the first Benjamin Moore paint store in Alaska in 1955. My Dad and Uncle took over his business in 1977 and sold it in 2006(my senior year in high school). I worked at the family business all through my childhood. I stocked the shelves, I mixed the paint, and I sold it. So in 2006, my brother and I started Campbell Painting and started applying the paint. My brother left the company in 2010 to become a firefighter and I have been the sole owner since. Being a small business owner is hands down the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It is also the most rewarding. I am in complete control of my own destiny. The sky in the limit to how far I want to go and grow. One thing that is a misconception is as a business owner we don’t feel pain when having to fire an employee. We are not corporate America and have thousands of employees. We personally know everyone of them. We care about them and their future. Letting someone go is still one of the most difficult things we have to do but it is necessary at times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Anchorage is where i live and it is the main city. For eating I would tell them to head to Mooses Tooth for pizza or Whisky and Ramen( he new spot downtown) If you want to go skiing, I would head out to girdwood which is a 30 min drive south. Girdwood has lots of great restaurants and fantastic skiing. For the summer time, I would head to Seward which is 1 1/2 hours south. Like most towns in alaska, it is right on the ocean and great fishing. If you have enough money I would fly out to Sheldon Chalet. It is on the backside of denali mountain. I have link to it attached below, we painted it a year ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2eJAifjA1g&t=52s

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my parents- My Mom was raised on a farm and my Dad ran a small business for over 30 years. They are the old school Americans who worked and earned for everything they have. They raised their four children with these same characteristics and values.

My wife- She has stood by side and trusted me through all the ups and downs(and there were plenty of downs) So many people forget about the spouses in a small business. They are going through everything with us. To have someone love and support you through it all, truly helps with your success.

My business coach- Steve Burnett at DYB coach has put so much effort into my success and well being. He is an absolute genius when is comes to my industry. Steve has helped me take my business to that next level.

Website: www.paintingalaska.com

Instagram: paintingalaska

Facebook: Campbell Painting

Youtube: @campbellpaintinganddrywall2791