40 Under 40: Bowie Benson's innovative technologies could change manufacturing worldwide

Bowie Benson, 29, CEO, Carbon Rivers

After working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Bowie Benson launched Carbon Rivers and built a team of engineers that has developed new nanotechnologies that have global implications. Carbon Rivers is the first company in the world to upcycle glass fiber from wind turbine blades and other manufactured parts into sustainable, next generation composites that go back to manufacturers to be used for cars, boats and other pieces of equipment. 

More:Announcing the Knox.biz 40 Under 40 class of 2021

When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most?

Moving into my most recent facility. It has been exciting moving from my basement to bigger facilities over the years, but this last one is big enough where we actually need phones and walkie-talkies to know where we're all at. It feels like a permanent place. Back when I was kid, I spent a great deal of time in my father's business facilities and remembered how large they were. When I realized how I now have more square footage to manage than he did, it hit me.

What is the greatest professional obstacle you’ve had to overcome?

Building an advanced technology company, learning the value and placement of a good business partner/team outside of technical expertise and utility was probably the most important thing I’ve had to learn by experience. Many claim they can sell anything, develop business, or “do the business things” to allow us to focus on the technical side. Only a fraction can actually make your life easier instead of adding more work for you; figuring that level of discernment had to be learned on a hands-on level for myself. I’m glad I learned it at an early part of my career and business.

What will you focus on in 2022?

Striking a healthier balance in my personal life. I love what I do for work so I naturally find myself at times choosing the needs of the company over my own. I think I innately am this kind of person, so it is important that what my companies do are things I can look at and be proud of, but still I’d like to pace myself more so I can take a step back and appreciate what I have done already and who I have around me.

What is your biggest professional goal?

To continue seeing the technologies that I develop leave my direct purview and be fully matured into their respective industry for the world to benefit from. I have a tendency to micromanage, so it has been great stepping back and letting the technology mature in the hands of others. It's also been a relief having more competent people come on the the team so that the transition is smoother.

What mistake did you learn the most from?

Losing one of my co-founders to suicide. From that experience, I’ve learned to take more time to catch up with my teammates to see where they are at personally, to not value the work over the friendship, and treat them more like family than employee. Everyone on my team is unique with their talents and their personal life, so I want to work with them as much as possible without jeopardizing the whole team.

What motivates you?

Seeing what I touch and create with others actually hitting the real world.

What is the most overrated piece of business advice you’ve heard?

Don’t build a business with a friend. I can say that some of the best business partners were first my friends, and many of my business partners then become my friends. I work harder for my team because I genuinely like them and want to see them prospering, so I make sure they are protected by the decisions that I make.

What trait do you most want in a co-worker?

One that sincerely wants to see their teammate and themselves reach their fullest potential.

What about Knoxville would you like to improve?

I have seen great strides in the growth and development just in the years that I have lived here. Knoxville should become a city that enables skilled people to leave corporate structure and create renegade businesses with disruptive technologies. I would like to see that continue to improve so that Knoxville can remain an extremely competitive place to do business.

Who in Knoxville is underappreciated?

First responders.

Family: Cody, fiancée; Sage, daughter; Dana & Mark, parents

Years worked at current company: 5

Degrees and certifications: Bachelor's in materials science and engineering, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Community involvement: University of Tennessee, mentor

This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity. 

— Brenna McDermott