Ben Holladay has spent much of his life trying to understand how things work.
As an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy, he maintained complex systems aboard a Navy ship and at naval installations in San Diego. Later, at a Honda manufacturing plant in Ohio, he worked with robotics and manufacturing equipment. Even today, he uses his skills as a technician on Micron Technology's ID1 fab expansion team.
However, throughout his technical career, Holladay found himself becoming increasingly interested in the people behind the machines.
Why do people think the way they do? What influences their decisions?
That curiosity led Holladay to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology and develop an interest in mental health counseling. Now, at College of Western Idaho (CWI), he is studying Entrepreneurship and Business Management to develop the skills needed to build a business focused on helping others.
Holladay comes from a family with strong military ties. Following in the footsteps of his father and three brothers, all of whom served in the military, he joined the Navy in 2009 at age 25. After completing his training, he was stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, before joining the crew of the USS America in 2013. He was part of the ship's original crew and served aboard until 2016. During his service, Holladay met people from different backgrounds and developed an appreciation for the camaraderie that came with military life.
After leaving active duty in 2016, Holladay began working at Honda in Ohio while continuing to serve in the Navy Reserve until 2018, Holladay began working at Honda in Ohio before moving to Arizona, where he completed his psychology degree and helped establish a nonprofit supporting a rural community.
When he later moved to Idaho to be closer to family, Holladay was considering graduate education in counseling. With experience operating small businesses, he also recognized the value of developing stronger business skills for his goal of eventually opening a counseling practice.
While exploring education options, Holladay and his brother decided to stop by CWI.
During their visit, he met Coordinator for Veterans and Military Family Services, Shannon Kerr, who helped him explore education benefits, academic programs and resources available to veterans. Kerr also connected him with people at other institutions who could help him evaluate his options.
Holladay appreciated that Kerr took the time to understand his goals rather than simply direct him toward a particular program.
"That meeting opened up more options than I expected, and the support I received made the transition feel manageable," Holladay said. "I left knowing CWI would back my goals, no matter how ambitious or challenging they might be."
He enrolled in CWI's Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Certificate program, where he is studying finance, digital design, business planning, and entrepreneurship.
Holladay is already applying what he learns to “Beyond the Surface,” his business concept focused on personal development, coaching, and educational resources. He hopes to develop tools that help people better understand themselves and work through personal and financial challenges.
"My biggest motivation is building work that actually helps people, and I’ve learned that good intentions need solid business skills behind them," Holladay said.
In his digital design class, Assistant Professor of Art, Eric Mullis, helped Holladay work through unfamiliar software and explore how he could use those tools for his business. Adjunct Faculty, Taylor Polinard, has also encouraged conversations that allow Holladay to explore different perspectives on financial topics.
"I love teachers who are willing to engage and willing to stretch the social tension in the classroom,” he said. “That's absolutely awesome."
That same interest in connecting with others carries into his involvement with CWI's Student Veterans of America club, where he serves as secretary.
Having experienced the transition from military service to civilian life, Holladay understands the importance of finding community. He hopes to create informal opportunities for fellow veterans to come together, share experiences, and build friendships outside of more structured events.
Holladay plans to complete his certificate in December and continue developing "Beyond the Surface.” He also hopes to pursue a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling or a related field, with the goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor and potentially opening his own practice.
His plans include developing resources for people who may have difficulty accessing traditional counseling or feel hesitant about seeking professional support.
For Holladay, the work he hopes to do next brings together interests he has developed throughout his life.
"Every part of my journey, from the Navy to the plant floor to psychology to business, has pointed me toward the same goal: helping people find their own path to a healthier, more fulfilling life."
Learn more about Veterans and Military Family Services at CWI and explore resources available to support your education.
