We recently had the chance to connect with Ben Finney and have shared our conversation below.
Ben, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that’s been bringing me a lot of joy lately is spending time on the water. I’m out on the boat or jetskis just about every weekend during the summer with my kids, family, and friends — it’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and make memories. I’ve also been enjoying working on a bayfront house I’ve been rehabbing, which has been a fun personal project. It’s even more rewarding because it’s where I keep and launch my skis and boat from the pier right there on the property. Being on the water and having that space to enjoy with the people close to me has been a huge source of happiness lately.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Ben Finney, owner of Finney Brothers Contracting. We’re a licensed and insured general contracting company based in Maryland, specializing in residential renovations, roofing, bathrooms, and full-scale home improvements. What makes us unique is our focus on transparency, craftsmanship, and relationships — we don’t just complete projects, we build trust with our clients. That’s why we have over 150 five-star reviews and a growing list of repeat customers.
Right now, we’re expanding our design/build services and taking on more waterfront properties and full-home rehabs, which has been an exciting evolution for the company. On a personal note, I’m also hands-on rehabbing my own bayfront home — a project that keeps me grounded and reminds me what our clients feel during their renovations.
At the end of the day, we’re not the biggest contractor in the state — and we don’t want to be. We just aim to be the most reliable and respected in every community we work in.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work are my father and my brother. My dad originally had a business just like the one I run now, so I grew up around the trades and learned firsthand what it means to work hard, treat customers right, and take pride in what you build. Later on, I worked for both my father and my brother, and each of them passed down different lessons — from technical skills to how to run a business with integrity. Now it’s my turn, running Finney Brothers Contracting, carrying on that same work ethic and mindset, and building something of my own while honoring where it all started.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
Something I miss — that most people probably wouldn’t expect — is working for someone else. There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with being an employee: you go to work, do your job, and when the day’s over, you leave it behind. Owning and running a business is a whole different world. It can be complicated, stressful, and all-consuming. You take the pressure home with you more often than not. From the outside, it might look like freedom and success — and there are definitely rewards, like setting your own schedule or being able to take time off when you need to — but it comes at a cost. Still, I wouldn’t trade it. The pride, the independence, and the opportunity to build something meaningful far outweigh the tough days.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my father — not for power or status, but for his character. He’s one of those rare people who lives honestly and always does the right thing, even when no one’s watching. His word is his bond, and he carries himself with integrity in everything he does. He’s the kind of person people trust without question, and that’s something I’ve always looked up to. Just an all-around great person, and someone I try to model myself after every day.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 10 years left, I’d stop running the business immediately. I’d close it or sell it, liquidate all my assets, and spend the rest of my time traveling the world with my family. No more stress, no more distractions — just making memories with the people I love while I still can. Time is the one thing you can’t buy more of, and if I knew the clock was ticking, I’d make every minute count.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.finney-brothers.com
- Facebook: Finney Brothers
- Other: https://share.google/OgF84qYST4rEfAeBy
