Benjamin Tubbs

Written by Dave Danielson | Photos by Nested Tours

You likely have something that drives your actions in this business … those elements that make the wins you realize even more special.

Benjamin Tubbs feels the same way. As Owner/REALTOR® and Investor with the VA Home Team OKC, Ben takes great pride in applying his experience and expertise to help those who have served the nation.

As he says, “The coolest thing I’ve been able to do is the amount that my business has been able to give back to the military community in OKC. The mission I started is now coming to fruition. I wanted to utilize real estate to give back to the military.”

Ben also served in the country’s armed forces in the U.S. Marine Corps. He enjoys the sense of connection that he shares with his military comrades.

“Most of my clients and I discuss our shared military experiences and stories while out looking at real estate. There is a level of trust between us prior to ever meeting just by knowing we have each other’s six,” Benjamin emphasizes. 

Purpose and Pride

Benjamin grew up in Bellevue, Iowa, a small town in the Northeast section of that state. As he reflects on the place where he grew up, it was a community that carried a deep sense of pride in supporting the nation’s armed forces.

“Coming out of high school, I knew that college was not for me. I joined the service at 17 years old, and it transformed the boy I was into a man. I had purpose and pride,” he explains. “The military has always been a major part of my life, as almost every family member in my family’s lineage has served in the service, including both grandpas, my father, multiple uncles/cousins, and brothers across all branches of service.”

Growing up, Benjamin learned valuable lessons about the value of hard work.

Those early lessons have stayed with Benjamin through time and have formed the basis for his success in real estate.

“Throughout life, I have worked harder than those around me to always strive to be the best at what I do. I was never given anything,” he emphasizes. “This mentality has allowed me to continuously grow into the man I am today.”

Dedication in All Walks of Life

Benjamin has distinguished himself in all walks of life. As a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, he served in a number of roles, including Aviation Maintenance, Combat Martial Arts Instructor, Water Survival Instructor, Professional Military Education Instructor, and Drill Instructor. 

“As a Marine, I served in Operation New Dawn (Iraq), Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Operation Tomodachi (Humanitarian support in Japan). At the end of 2013, I was honorably discharged from the military due to medical separation.”

In 2014, he joined the Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, working on the locks and dams system in Guttenberg, Iowa. 

As he recalls, “During my time with the Corps of Engineers, I assisted with multiple lock dewaterings and assisted FEMA in Baton Rouge, LA as a Quality Assurance Professional during the Housing Mission (4277) due to severe flooding.”

Benjamin was promoted to Facilities and Equipment Maintenance Specialist in Fountain City, Wisconsin, and he was responsible for the implementation of maintenance tracking software throughout the St. Paul District. 

“In late 2018, I was given the opportunity for professional growth by accepting a position in Oklahoma City as a Pipeline Safety Instructor in the Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). During my tenure with PHMSA, I served as a Training Instructor, Training Development Team Lead, and Accreditation Specialist. During my career as a working professional, I have continued my education and completed multiple degrees at the University of Maryland Global Campus, including an Associate of Arts, B.A. Degree, Human Resources Management, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and I have started working towards a Doctor of Education (EDD), Leadership for Organizations (University of Dayton).”

In time, Benjamin knew the time was right for a change. 

“I have always been interested in real estate but never wanted to leave my security blanket of being a federal employee,” he says. “However, the pandemic showed me how short and precious time is. Therefore, I decided to go “all-in” and pursue my dreams in 2021.”

Family Fulfillment

Family is at the heart of Benjamin's life, including his wife of nearly ten years, Alyssa, their daughter, MacKenzie, and their baby son, Leighton.

“My family is my whole world. Alyssa and I met very young while I was in the service in California, and she has been my biggest supporter throughout every new challenge and endeavor,” he smiles. “She truly is my rock! And MacKenzie has filled and changed my heart in ways I could never have fathomed. All it took was this precious baby girl to soften this Marine Corps Veteran.”

In his free time, Benjamin loves being outdoors, sports, and traveling. He also loves hunting, as well as supporting his favorite teams — the Minnesota Vikings and the OKC Thunder. Travel is also a big favorite for Benjamin and his family. They also like to spend time at the Guthrie Country Club, as well as attending church on Sundays.

Benjamin also has a big heart for helping. He started as a Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization in high school and had sponsored two little brothers in the program.  He also has received the Volunteer Service Medal for dedicating more than 300 hours of volunteer service outside of the military. Plus, after his service to the nation, he worked as a volunteer firefighter and was named Fire Fighter of the Year during his first year in the department in Guttenberg, Iowa.

In the meantime, he has also been able to contribute more than $100,000 to military organizations, including the Warriors for Freedom Foundation, the John Daley Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation, and R22.

Benjamin has started investing in real estate himself … something that he likes to assist his clients with, as well. He also takes great pride in saving his clients on closing costs. 

“The best way to maximize is having sellers pay. We’ve been able to save our clients over $1.3 million in closing costs that have been paid for by sellers since January 2023,” he points out. “It allows most of our clients to get to the closing table with very little money out of pocket.”

Congratulations to the tireless service that Benjamin provides to those around him. He truly is an example of what one dedicated man can do for those around him.

“There’s no feeling like helping veterans. We want them to live the American Dream. Being able to allow someone to receive the most important thing, which is security that a home provides,” Benjamin says. “It allows our American heroes to live the American Dream. Whenever we give them the keys to the home, there is nothing more fulfilling.”