Friendship, Business, and the Power of Connection: A Conversation with Ben Lapp

I recently had a great time catching up with my longtime friend Ben Lapp, someone I've known for about 20 years now. Ben and I share a friendship that's stood the test of time—even though we live far apart (I’m in Northern Utah and he’s near Portland, Oregon). Our connection flows effortlessly despite weeks or months apart, and when we catch up, it feels like no time has passed. This catch-up was a fun, natural flow of reminiscing, storytelling, and honest talk about life, business, and mental health.

How We Met and Early Connection

We met at a fire chiefs conference through a mutual contact. I rolled in to set up a booth for a company I worked for as a new salesperson, and Ben was there supporting his company Tactron. Right away there was a spark of camaraderie, centered around joking about our mutual acquaintance. That lighthearted teasing laid the groundwork for a solid friendship built on humor, honesty, and shared experiences.

Humor and Support During Hard Times

One of the highlights of our relationship is the ability to share raw and real moments without judgment. Ben stood by me during my first deep experience with depression in the winter of 2024—a struggle I openly describe as a physical, debilitating condition, not just a state of mind. He kept reaching out even when I was unresponsive, and when I finally opened up, we connected deeply. That kind of grace and understanding is priceless, especially when wrestling with the hidden pain many don’t see.

Shared Passions: Fishing and Business

We bonded over our love of fishing and even shared some memorable trips to the Columbia River. Our passion for fishing symbolizes so much about our friendship—patience, joy, and connection to nature. Ben is also a small business owner like me, running multiple companies for more than three decades. We often discuss the struggles and triumphs in business, providing advice, motivation, and laughter.

The Realities of Mental Health

Ben shared candidly about the struggle to balance mental health with life’s demands. Despite medication and support, depression lingers as a challenge. Yet he’s actively involved in fulfilling activities like theater and casting for plays, proving resilience is a journey with ups and downs. We acknowledged how important connection—with friends, family, and therapy—is to navigating these struggles and finding solid ground again.

Memorable Stories and Lifelong Connection

Our talk brought up hilarious and heartfelt memories—from managing misdialed 800 numbers linked to power companies on the East Coast to fishing trips with friends and family. These moments and shared laughter build the layers of trust and comfort that define our friendship. Ben and I value that we can joke, be serious, share struggles, and support each other across miles and years.

Final Reflections

This conversation with Ben reminded me how friendships that endure through the years are powerful anchors in our lives. They provide support during dark times, joy in good times, and a partner in the ongoing adventure of life. I’m grateful for Ben’s friendship and the role it plays in my well-being, and I hope sharing our story encourages others to nurture and cherish their own meaningful connections.

Thank you for spending time with me as I celebrate a wonderful friendship. Stay connected, stay laughing, and keep supporting those who matter most.