We are pleased to introduce you to Benjamin Hisey, My Green Lab’s Business Development Manager. Benjamin obtained his PhD in Chemistry prior to pursuing a career in sustainability, and brings his combined experience in research and sales to help drive positive change within the scientific community. Hailing from Waterloo, Ontario, Benjamin is avid gardener who enjoys playing board games with his wife and spending time with his son.

Learn more about Benjamin, his interests, and his sustainability journey below!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself & your background.

I am from a small town in Ontario, Canada where every fall I was surrounded by golden leaves and the warm smells of my hometown’s Apple Butter and Cheese festival. Now, I call Waterloo home where me and my wife are raising a relentlessly silly son.

I obtained my PhD in chemistry at the University of Western Ontario and continued my research career at the University of Waterloo. Wanting to find something where I could feel a more immediate impact and pursue greater interpersonal collaboration, I took a sales role with a local start-up supporting social service not-for-profits. Through two mergers of the company, I helped to build and grow the impact of their support among Canadian and international organizations.

What is your role at My Green Lab?

I am My Green Lab’s Business Development Manager. I’m excited to bring my combined research and sales experience to help empower sustainability change makers and continue growing the impact of My Green Lab’s programs.

What inspires you to do the kind of work you do?

I am inspired to lift others up. Making an impact is a team and community effort. As a team player and someone that loves bringing joy into everything I do, I am most fulfilled when I’m empowering people to make positive impacts in their lives and communities.

What are your personal sustainability goals?

Me and my family are currently working to reduce our environmental impact by engaging more in the circular economy, reducing food waste, and finding daily ways to decrease our impact. (Ask Benjamin about his garden!)

What are your hobbies outside of work? 

Bored on a weeknight? Check-in to see if I’ve got any board game recommendations. Me and my wife are often nestled on the couch with one of our favorites (Cribbage, 7 Wonders Duel, Nouctiluca, etc…) But you might also get your ear talked off about the book I’m reading, the cross-stitch project(s!) I’ve got on the go, or my garden.

What are your favorite books / movies? 

I am always happy to talk Lord of The Rings with anybody (and no, it’s not longwinded) but I’m also fond of the Saga series by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples. My favorite poetry is by Rupi Kaur (and I even have a signed copy of home body!). I’ve also got time for non-fiction and was most influenced by Edward Herman’s and Noam Chomsky’s Manufacturing Consent. Movies hold a special place in my heart, as well. While I love checking out the latest Disney blockbuster (did you SEE Turning Red!?!?) I’m a sucker for sci-fi like Bladerunner, Alien, 2001 A Space Odyssey, Interstellar, and Arrival.

Where do you call home?

Waterloo, Ontario.