Benjamin Tubbs

RISING STAR

WRITTEN BY DAVE DANIELSON | PHOTOS BY PEAK RES

The sacrifices and dedicated efforts of those who have put themselves on the line for their nation are worth remembering and honoring each day. That’s the spirit of thanks that drives Benjamin Tubbs.

As owner/REALTOR® and investor with the VA Home Team OKC, Benjamin dedicates himself to serving those who served.

“The most fulfilling part of being a real estate agent for me is most likely different than most real estate agents. For me, I get to share conversations with my military brothers and sisters every day. 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 every meeting just by knowing we have each other’s six,” Benjamin emphasizes.

“I also utilize my success to support local military organizations, which truly allows my business to go full circle within the military community. A few of the veteran organizations that I support regularly are the John Daily and Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation, Warriors for Freedom and Veteran Flags by Vets.”

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, he describes 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 at that time 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.

“I learned that work ethic from my father. I do not come from a family of money by any means; however, my dad taught me from a young age the importance of hard work. By fourth grade, I had four lawns that I mowed myself in our neighborhood, which eventually grew to more than 30 yards a week by the time I was in high school. I also spent the summer months detasseling corn,” he recalls. “If I wanted something, I had to pay for it myself.”

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 always to 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 dewatering 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, WI, 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 within the Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) in Oklahoma City as a pipeline safety instructor. 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; Bachelor of Arts 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.”

His results have been exemplary. In fact, over the past year, he has recorded more than 70 transactions representing over $20 million in sales volume.

The Heart of Life

Family is at the heart of life for Benjamin, including his wife of nearly 10 years, Alyssa, and their daughter, MacKenzie.

“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.

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 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.

Congratulations on 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.

“The thing I want to be remembered for the most is being a great father, husband and Christian. I feel that if I am able to succeed in these three sections of my life, I will have the strength to continue my success in business. With continued success in business, my goal is to be remembered/known as the 'go-to' team for veterans and active duty in OKC.”