When Benny Fisher reflects on his life, he doesn’t just see success. He sees a tapestry of lessons woven through struggles, triumphs, and transformation. From a tumultuous childhood diagnosed with ADHD to the CEO of The Big Fish Contracting Company, Benny’s story is one of resilience and reinvention—a beacon for entrepreneurs looking to make waves in their industries.
Benny’s journey began with chaos. Growing up in the late 1980s with undiagnosed ADHD meant he struggled to fit into traditional molds. His energy alienated him at school, and his path veered far from conventional success. After briefly attending college, Benny dropped out and turned to sales, bouncing between selling cars, loans, and phones. But inconsistency in income and impulsive decisions eventually led him to bankruptcy by age 20. The turning point wasn’t immediate—instead, it was years of lessons, mistakes, and hard knocks.
In his mid-20s, Benny hit rock bottom. After falling into substance abuse and illegal activity, he faced a near-fatal robbery, eviction, and FBI charges. Forced to live in his sister’s basement, Benny had to reevaluate his life. A call from his uncle to join his roofing business in Pittsburgh provided a lifeline.
Benny dove into the roofing industry, initially helping his uncle with marketing and sales. But even here, frustration loomed—traditional methods and a resistance to digital innovation stifled the business’s growth. Despite selling his first roof through Facebook in 2013, his enthusiasm was met with skepticism. In 2015, after years of effort, Benny was fired from his uncle’s business, newly married and with a child to support.
But Benny didn’t crumble. Instead, he harnessed everything he had learned about roofing, marketing, and sales to start The Big Fish Contracting Company.
The Big Fish Contracting Company wasn’t just another roofing company. Benny combined innovative marketing strategies with superior customer communication, leveraging social media and branding to carve a niche. The results spoke for themselves. Today, the company thrives, celebrating nine years of success. But Benny’s growth wasn’t just financial—it was personal. Through struggles with addiction, a divorce, and devastating personal losses, he discovered mindfulness, yoga, and the importance of leading with love.
Benny now empowers others through speaking engagements, podcasts, and masterminds, helping fellow entrepreneurs find balance between ambition and inner peace.
Actionable Insights for Business Owners
Benny Fisher’s journey isn’t just inspiring—it’s packed with lessons for entrepreneurs:
Leverage Technology Early: Benny’s success began with understanding social media’s power in the early 2010s. Whether it’s digital ads, customer outreach, or branding, don’t shy away from innovation.
Learn to Say No: Benny emphasizes the importance of focus. Not every opportunity aligns with your vision—say no to distractions to preserve your energy for the right decisions.
Delegate for Growth: Recognizing his limitations, Benny embraced delegation, allowing his company to thrive without his constant involvement. Build a strong team to scale your business.
Invest in Self-Reflection: After experiencing personal tragedies, Benny learned the value of stillness and self-discovery. Entrepreneurs who focus on mindfulness can better manage stress and avoid burnout.
Build Your Brand: Benny’s personal brand created trust, authenticity, and opportunities beyond his business. Start with simple, consistent value-driven content.
Plan for an Exit: Whether or not you intend to sell, designing a business with scalable systems ensures you’re not indispensable, allowing flexibility and freedom.
Benny Fisher’s story is a reminder that success isn’t linear. It’s about perseverance, adapting to change, and committing to self-improvement. For business owners, his journey offers hope and practical strategies to navigate their own paths to success.
Podcast
Listen to Benny Fisher in conversation with Tommy Mello:
