Meet Benjie – Benjie is a life long resident of the Hilton Head area enjoys living the “country life” raising chickens, gardening, and fishing with his beautiful, amazing wife Leslie, and 3 terrific children (Kaylee, Noah, and Sawyer) in their home in Ridgeland SC.
Please tell us about your current career and the thing you love most about what you do.
I am an insurance advisor at Hub International in Bluffton, SC. What I love most about my job is meeting new people and helping them protect their assets. The thing that I love most is when someone moves from another state so that I can tell them all that the Lowcountry has to offer them.
What inspired you or led you to your career?
I am a talker, and I like to meet and speak to everyone that I can. Being in sales, especially selling insurance, allows me to get to know people and help them purchase the correct coverage as well as make sure they understand what they are buying.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My parents have lived on Hilton Head Island since 1968. When I was born, there wasn’t a maternity ward on the island so I was technically born in Savannah. I have lived in this area for 44 years. I am a native and I am so lucky to have grown up in such a beautiful place.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I could write a very long list so I will narrow it down to two. On Hilton Head, I enjoy sitting outside at Skull Creek Boathouse watching the sunset. In Bluffton, I love Pour Richards, I have never been disappointed in a meal there.
If you could travel anywhere in the world (safely) right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to Italy. I love the history there and want to eat my way through the country.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is Forrest Gump and my favorite TV show now is Outer Banks since it reminds me of growing up on Hilton Head.
What advice would you give to people?
Always be prepared.
What is something on your bucket list?
To open a small restaurant when I retire.
What is your go-to band/music genre when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Country or 80’s.
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Hudson’s restaurant
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would like to have lunch with Toby Keith. He is an amazing singer and I love his patriotism. I would take him to Cahill’s in Bluffton to have some good southern cooking.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
This community is very giving and comes together when there is a need. After Hurricane Matthew hit this area, the community came together and helped everyone that needed it. It feels so good to be a part of such an amazing group of people.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I will still be here in the Lowcountry, loving where I live.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Besides Hilton Head Islan (I’m biased), Cabo San Lucas was beautiful. It was amazing to be on the beach looking at the mountains.
If you were cast in a movie and could choose your costar, who would it be?
Robin Williams if he were still here.
Favorite month? holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is March when the azaleas start to bloom. Favorite holiday is Christmas. Best day on the calendar is November 30 because hurricane season is over and I can relax until June 1st.
Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Leslie is one of the hardest working people that I know and she inspires me to be better.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Steak on the grill and yellow jasmine
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Harbour Town, oysters, beach
