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V O L . X X X I N O. V I M A R C H 2 4 , 2 0 2 5 26 ainebiz: It seems safe to say you're what's known as a serial entrepreneur. But how did that develop? Ben Davis: I've always been drawn to solving problems, building things and making connections — whether between people, products or businesses. Entrepreneurship, for me, is about creating value through those connec- tions. If we can develop something that strengthens or complements another part of our group, that's meaningful. is hub-and-spoke approach keeps [parent company] Even Keel Group continuously evolving. Each business we launch isn't just a standalone venture but part of a larger ecosystem, where innovation feeds into new opportunities. It's about solving real-world challenges, A born entrepreneur Ben Davis runs two midcoast companies whose products dovetail B Y P e t e r V a n A l l e n P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Ben Davis Founder, OpBox and Edura Marine OpBox and Edura Marine 126 U.S. Route 1, Woolwich What the companies do: OpBox is a container that can be adapted for retail use, pop-up shop, recycling center or temporary housing. Edura Marine produces structural panels used in OpBoxes and construction and marine use. Employees: 20 The 'paralysis of analysis' is often the biggest killer of great ideas. Taking the leap, learning as you go and adapting quickly — that's how real innovation happens. Ben Davis has started a succession of businesses, but they all seem to have led to the two companies he runs now. OpBox produces a shipping container- like structure that can be adapted for retail use, pop-up store, restaurant or recycling center — for instance, custom Clynk recycling centers and Safe Harbor marina merchandise shops. The main product of the second business, Edura Marine, is a light but strong structural panel that can be used to produce OpBoxes but also for construction of buildings and boats. M

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