My Story
Felix Bender grew up surrounded by the beauty of craftsmanship. With a family heritage rooted in architecture, carpentry, and artistic expression, he spent his childhood sketching intricate designs and learning the tactile art of working with wood. These early experiences instilled a deep appreciation for creating something meaningful with his hands. However, like many, Felix felt the societal pull toward traditional career paths. He found himself working in diverse roles—taxation, retail, and even baking—each offering stability but leaving a longing for something more fulfilling.
The turning point in Felix’s life came when he set off on a work-and-travel adventure in Australia. There, he embraced unconventional jobs, from working with a building company to nannying. It was during this time that Felix discovered scuba diving, eventually becoming a diving instructor. This opened the door to volunteering for "Scuba for Change," a social project supporting homeless children in Manila. For the first time, Felix felt the profound impact of purposeful work and realized he wanted to create a life that combined his skills with a greater mission.
Returning to Germany brought the challenges of transitioning back to a conventional life. He resumed work as a preschool teacher, finding joy in connecting with young minds but feeling a growing restlessness. When a friend suggested evening business school, Felix hesitated. Was this just another attempt to follow the standard path? Yet, the idea of blending his creative heritage with entrepreneurial skills intrigued him, planting the seed of a new vision.
Through late nights spent studying and exchanging ideas with peers, Felix began to imagine how he could integrate his love of woodworking and heritage materials with modern business practices. Inspired by his family background, he envisioned a way to preserve the stories embedded in reclaimed wood while creating functional, beautiful designs. Encouraged by a mentor who shared the wisdom that “dreams take shape when you commit to them,” Felix took a leap of faith.
In 2019, Felix founded Benders CONCEPT, a company dedicated to transforming old wood into stunning, sustainable designs. This was more than just a business; it was a way to honor the past while building for the future. But the journey was anything but easy. As Felix navigated the challenges of running a business, he faced a rapidly changing industry shaped by digital transformation. Balancing his perfectionist tendencies with the practicalities of entrepreneurship became a daily test.
Partnerships became a cornerstone of Felix’s approach. He believed in creating win-win scenarios and building a network of people who shared his values. However, staying true to his principles wasn’t always straightforward. Felix found it deeply frustrating when others broke promises or acted unfairly—values he held dear as a foundation of trust and collaboration. Despite these challenges, Felix remained steadfast in his belief that community and connection were at the heart of success.
Felix's vision evolved into something much larger than he initially imagined. Inspired by platforms like Amazon, Tinder, and Airbnb, he dreamed of combining scalability, connection, and community in a way that could reshape how people and businesses interacted. Scaling this vision required more resources, time, and people than Felix ever anticipated. At one critical juncture, a potential deal arose that could have brought financial relief but compromised the core values of fairness and community that defined Benders CONCEPT. Felix chose to walk away, reaffirming his commitment to integrity.
Through perseverance, Felix’s dedication began to pay off. Clients and collaborators recognized Benders CONCEPT as a company rooted in authenticity and purpose. The business became a symbol of what was possible when vision, values, and hard work aligned. For Felix, this success wasn’t just about building a company—it was about creating a movement that celebrated sustainability, human connection, and shared stories.
Reflecting on his journey, Felix realized that money alone doesn’t make a better person. What truly matters are the opportunities to create meaningful change and the relationships built along the way. He continued to stay grounded by volunteering, teaching, and fostering a culture of collaboration within his company. His belief that “we are all humans and can be on the same level” became a guiding principle for how he led his team and interacted with clients.
Today, Benders CONCEPT is more than a business—it’s a community that connects people and companies through shared values and innovative design. Felix’s journey, from a childhood steeped in creativity to a career built on integrity and vision, serves as a testament to the power of following one’s dreams. By transforming challenges into opportunities and staying true to his principles, Felix Bender has created something extraordinary: a company that bridges the past and the future, one reclaimed piece of wood at a time.
