Ben Edgar, 39
President, White Harvest Energy; Professional Engineer; Member, Utility Relations Committee, Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council
Who’s your favorite “Game of Thrones” character?
Jon Snow, because he is a good example of the “reluctant leader.” Jon is kind of a sad character because of all the challenges he faced in his lifetime, yet when he is placed in positions that offer him the chance to exact revenge or serve himself, he continually chooses to serve others or serve a noble mission.
Which GOT character do you think you would be?
I would love to say Jon Snow, but I don’t think I’m there yet. I also wouldn’t describe my story as a sad one because I’ve been so blessed. I think Robb Stark is perhaps a character I could be. He was a good leader, competent, and people had no trouble rallying around him. I have two brothers, so I tend to think about myself in relation to them. I’m the middle brother and the risk-taker. That’s good in some ways but it leaves you exposed if you don’t surround yourself with people to shore up your blind spots. My younger brother is my business partner and he does that very well. That’s probably why I relate to the Starks on the show so much – each character is good in isolation, but they are formidable and ultimately successful together using all of their strengths and talents.
Who would you have put on the Iron Throne?
In a ruler I would look for a Christ-like figure, someone who is guided by higher principles and ideals. Having that much responsibility and power is hard for anyone to manage without it going to his or her head. You see that theme in GOT as well as in real life.
Last book you read and/or show you binge-watched?
Book: “Jesus on Leadership: Timeless Wisdom on Servant Leadership” by C. Gene Wilkes. Show: “Vikings.”
If you ruled the world (or Chattanooga), what would you change?
I would want to implement more efficiency in how we build the buildings and infrastructure around businesses and communities. Each new building is an energy user, but I would like to see them also be energy producers. I would like to see more conversations around the most efficient way of supplying the energy a community needs instead of leaning solely on traditional energy supply methods.
Who would be on your advisory council?
I would want a large team to provide balance and solid council. I’d choose my wife because she always has a different perspective than I do. I would include my brothers because I trust them to be brutally honest with me. I would also pick a friend of mine, Billy Jenson, because he is always level-headed and looks at everything from a biblical perspective. I think beyond these people I would look to hire people around me that are strong in areas in which I am weak, but who share a sense of service-first.
Is ruler a position you’d even want?
Not really. I’m comfortable in leadership roles because of my military background and my experience at West Point, but I would prefer to work in smaller circles so that I could have a larger impact and stronger relationships with those around me.
What drives you professionally and/or personally?
I’m driven by the question, “Is there a better way?” This is what led me to start White Harvest Energy – finding a better, more efficient way to provide energy to buildings. It’s also what leads me to personal improvements. If there is a better way to do something, I want to know.
What’s one thing you’d really like to accomplish?
Has that goal changed over the years? Ultimately I’d love to be able to point to a successful and growing business that has a positive impact on our community, but if I had to choose one thing I’d be looking more internally. Twenty to 30 years from now, my wife and I have a vision of sitting around a large table at the holidays with family: parents, siblings, lots of kids and grandkids who enjoy spending time together. I’d love for our family to have a heart for the Lord, serving in whatever situation we find ourselves. That’s success for me.