Ben Elam - May 2021
This month we are pleased to present Ben Elam for our Spotlight Feature. DCI has had the pleasure of working with Ben who has a background as a Mechanical Engineer. We appreciate Ben's knowledge, professionalism, eagerness to dive into new tasks and eagerness to help out wherever he is needed. Ben's choices for dinner party guests definitely take the prize for "most raucous" potential! Please enjoy reading more about Ben in this month's Contractor Spotlight.
How did you get involved with DCI?
My aunt and uncle have been long-time contractors of DCI and referred me to the company. I graduated college in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic which affected the job market significantly in my area. I was excited to speak with Direct Contact regarding contractor opportunities in my area - I have completed a variety of projects this last year!
Tell us about your background:
I'm from the small town of Downs, IL which is just outside Bloomington, IL. I graduated from Iowa State University in the spring of 2020 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
What is the best thing about being a DCI Contractor?
The best thing about being a DCI contractor is that everyone is very cooperative and willing to lend a hand whenever needed. Everyone stays on top of their work, they communicate well and are extremely understanding.
What was your first job?
My first job was detasseling corn for Monsanto when I was in 7th grade.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy playing a lot of sports. I am not good at golf but I enjoy playing with friends. I play sand volleyball and basketball whenever I can get a group of people together.
What do you do the first hour of the morning?
In the morning I usually take a shower and get ready for the day, then make some eggs and sausage for breakfast. While I'm cooking I usually play some music - either rock or country.
What is your greatest achievement?
I'm very proud of graduating from college and getting my degree in Mechanical Engineering.
What are you ordering for your favorite meal?
My grandma's spaghetti recipe!
Who is your favorite sports team?
I don't follow sports very closely but I will root for the Chicago teams - Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, Bears.
What is the happiest memory of your life?
My happiest memories are whenever my family and friends go boating at Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. Boating and jet skiing are some of my favorite past times.
Tell us about your favorite pet
My dog Riley is my favorite pet. He is a border collie, loves playing fetch and chasing the mailman!
What three people (living or not) would you invite to a dinner party?
I would invite Adam Sandler, Steve Irwin, and Gordan Ramsay.
What was your first concert?
Luke Combs at Country Thunder
What historical figure do you admire most and why?
William Wallace because I love the movie Braveheart!
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is that every time I go to Dairy Queen or Culver's I must have ice cream NO matter what else I order. I can't help it!
Tell us something about yourself most people who know you are NOT aware of
I'm not a fan of coffee at all.
Where in the world are you dying to visit?
I’m dying to visit Australia or go camping at Yellowstone National Park.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
If you spend time doing something wrong, then you're going to have to make time to do it again.
