Navigation

The People Behind the Page: Ben Pothast

The Peninsula Pulse employs 24 full- and part-time staff members who live in or have strong ties to Door County. This crew brings you the news in print, on video, online and in podcasts every week. In each edition of the Pulse, we’ll introduce you to one of the people behind the page. This week, meet financial guru Ben Pothast.

Ben knows a good number when he sees one. That’s why you can find him crunching numbers and keeping things organized at the Pulse. After enjoying his family’s summer home here for 25 years, where else would he go? Read more about him in an extended Q&A below.

Celeste Benzschawel (CB): Where did you grow up?

Ben Pothast (BP): My family moved often for my dad’s job, but I would consider Decatur, Illinois, as my hometown as that is where I went to high school.

(CB): Where did you go to school, and what did you study?

(BP): I went to Augustana College for undergrad and was an accounting major. I then went to Northwestern University for an MBA in finance.

(CB): What brought you to the Pulse, and what is your role here?

(BP): My family has had a summer home in Door County for 25 years. Once our older sons were almost out of college and our youngest son was not yet in high school, we decided to move here full time. Best decision ever!

At the Pulse, I’m responsible for all of the financial, accounting and administrative functions, as well as the classified section of the newspaper. 

(CB): What’s your favorite part about working here?

(BP): The people, for sure. It’s fun to work with smart, talented, creative people. I also like that all of our publications are so community focused.

(CB): What’s the last thing you were really excited about?

(BP): My wife and I went to dinner with our older sons, and without prompting, they paid. It’s great when they’re doing their own thing and are off the family payroll!