4Ward Consulting Group

Ben Hershey is a dynamic executive leader with more than 25 years of experience in structural wood/metal manufacturing, green products, and automotive aftermarket distribution. His experience has been with both public and private companies, with regional and national presence.

Ben has proven lean manufacturing, analytical, operational, and communication skills which are instrumental when applied to challenging operational projects such as company turnarounds and helping companies grow market share. His overall leadership skill set includes:

 

  • Strategic planning
  • Continuous improvement
  • Business startups
  • P&L and vendor management
  • Product development
  • Sales management
  • Personnel development
  • Distribution
  • Sustainability practices

Prior to starting 4Ward Consulting Group, Ben had the opportunity to start two companies and two new divisions for other companies.  He has had roles including:  Owner, President of a large, national multi-location company, National Sales Manager, General Manager and Division Manager of a large regional company.  He has spent the majority of his career in the structural wood component industry working in companies ranging from supply to manufacturing and distribution.  He has worked with numerous groups of investors from inside and outside the building industry, to start a new companies or to introduce new building products to the market.  Ben’s roles have included ownership in several different companies including companies that he has started.

Ben has been very involved in various associations, including leadership roles.  He has served as President of the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA, formerly WTCA), and as founding President of the Arizona Industries of the Future.  Ben served SBCA during a challenging downturn in the housing market and guided the association through member service reductions, while at the same time working to increase the role of the SBC Research Institute.  His other leadership roles have included committee chairmanships in both associations and the Arizona Governor’s Forest Health Committee.  He currently serves on several boards of directors and boards of trustees.