Ben has an architecture degree and is a licensed builder based in his native Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. He grew up in the construction industry, wiring houses alongside his dad who owned an electrical construction company. And from the eighth grade on, Ben knew he wanted to become an architect and design houses. He received his architecture degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a master’s in urban and regional planning from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After learning the homebuilding ropes by building spec homes and working with an area builder for a time, Ben formed Conklin Construction Co. in 2009 to build custom homes in the greater Madison area. He and his wife, Karin, have a young daughter who brings them plenty of love and joy every day. And in his free time (such as it is), Ben enjoys playing the occasional round of golf.