Being a small business owner, whilst fulfilling, can very often be isolating, but Ben Rijnbeek, Managing Director of Beek Build, explains how pushing himself in to uncomfortable situations led him to a group of trailblazing business owners in South Australia.
Ben recently sat down with Tim Lavis on the ThirtyNiners Podcast to discuss how a one-way ticket to Indonesia on his own with the intent to take the time to live a lifestyle with no constraints and no material needs, instead, focused on what truly made him happy.
“I was working in the construction industry for years and as it evolved into more legal processes and disputes rather than actually building things, I became a bit disillusioned with my role and my position of what I wanted to do, and started questioning if this is what I wanted to do moving forward?”
During his travels, Ben took on the challenge of completing scuba diving certifications, a feat most achieved by determined individuals yearning for an environment with endless possibilities and no restrictions. What was a hobby at first, may have been the catalyst that kickstarted a burning desire to build a business.
Amidst this journey of self-discovery, Ben was recalled home due to a family member falling sick, which coincided with the pandemic and major lockdowns around the world.
Despite a time in which most businesses were struggling to survive, Ben’s idea only continued to grow, until he had no choice but to persevere with his vision of creating ‘cost-effective’ and ‘un-complicated’ project management services.
“I knew I could bring new vision or new ideas to the construction industry, particularly in commercial constructions”.
Ben says as he was establishing this vision, it has been quite lonely.
“As a sole trader starting to employ a team, the management and development of the business can be an isolating process.
“I think for the best part, it’s been a lonely journey at times for me, it’s been tough because I go home, and I haven’t got a partner or kids or anything, so it’s a lot of inner monologue and talking through things by myself, and so I have just recently tried seeking out more mentors and things like that.”
This quest for further mentorship and connection has led Ben to the ThirtyNiners group where he is relishing the opportunity to connect with South Australian Business owners.
While Ben admits he feels like an imposter at times, he is thoroughly enjoying conversing with like-minded people who are pushing him to continue to grow his business.
“I want to advocate for the sense of business community in South Australia and I definitely get that at the ThirtyNiners.
“To be honest there are so my great things happening in that group, you kind of sit there so impressed and think, I shouldn’t be in here”.
“Once you jump that hurdle though, everyone is so good to talk to, easy to approach and you realise they are going through the same things you are and it’s great to have that feedback, and feed forward as well”.
This sense of business community and innovation in South Australia, is not only what keeps Ben here, but is the foundation of the environment and culture he is constructing at Beek Build.
To hear the full conversation with Ben Rijnbeek, search for the ThirtyNiners Podcast by the South Australian Business Chamber wherever you hear your podcast.
