Ben had a way of encouraging everyone around him to take their passions seriously, to not just dream, but to act on those dreams. That’s something I’ll never forget about him he truly believed in people and their potential.I didn’t get many chances to work alongside Ben, but I always saw him helping others, especially during those packed ECU game days. He loved striking up conversations about what made people excited their goals, their creative ideas, their future plans. He was genuinely interested and would give his full attention to whoever he was talking to. I remember telling him once that I wanted to build my own PC one day, and he immediately said, “Why not now?!” That was just Ben always giving you that little push to go for it, to bet on yourself.

The world needs more people like him; empathetic, intuitive, and kind. Ben will be remembered not only for his talents and intelligence, but for the warmth, encouragement, and sincerity he brought to everyone lucky enough to know him. Us Potter’s think the world of Ben and miss him greatly. He will always been seen as a Big Brother on our end. 

To the Kona family, I feel so privileged to have known Ben, who felt like a big brother to me, and really to all of us at Kona. Ben brought optimism and laughter to anyone’s day no matter what he himself was experiencing.

His passion for music, cooking, and 3D printing always made for fun conversations during longer shifts. He could literally solve any problem especially if it meant he could 3D print a solution.

Even after we all moved away from Kona, Ben always checked in, genuinely interested in how life was going for everyone because he genuinely cared. He had this amazing ability to become more hyped for your future than you. He made you believe in yourself more than you thought possible (even if he was just encouraging you to learn classic rock songs on guitar).

Ben was a guy who gave everything he could to his family, his community, and all the laughter anyone could handle before their sides ached. I remember on my first training day at Kona I noticed that every customer who approached the trailer, whether they purchased a Kona or not (most of the time they did because Ben was amazing at upselling), always walked away laughing or with a smile.

Although he left this world too soon, I know those who met Ben and shared a laugh with him will never forget him and the joy he brought to their day. Whether you knew him as “the Kona guy” or as a friend, you were better off having met him. Ben was one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and I know we’re all proud to call him a friend and a part of our Kona family. 

We love you and we’ll never forget you, Ben.