Benjamin Heckendorn, or Ben Heck as he fondly refers to himself, was a graphic artist, only dabbling in electronics. Eventually, his hobby became his career, and he’s been working in electronics and technology full time since 2004. Over the years, Ben has repurposed used video game parts, designed pinball machines, and educated and inspired kids about electronics.
For the last five years, Ben has been the main attraction on The Ben Heck Show, a weekly web series on www.element14.com, hosted on YouTube and the element14 Community. As of April 2015, the show had recorded more than 23 million views worldwide. A typical episode has Ben creating a new product or “hacking the heck” out of existing devices (like a Xbox) for different uses. Some of his inventions are even based on viewers’ suggestions.
As the host of his own show, Ben has made celebrity appearances as an attendee and judge at numerous industry events and competitions, including Maker Faire Detroit and Engadget Expand.
Ben’s show is unlike any other. Where else could you see the making of an R2D2-like Star Wars Soda Cooler? In another episode, he shows how to increase a couch-potato’s time exponentially, making it easier to be lazy. Ben does this by creating a new and improved version of his beloved Hot Pocket Dispenser. Sounds like every obsessed video gamer’s fantasy to us. You can watch all of Ben’s episodes here.
“I’ve always been into tinkering,” said Ben. “I took apart every toy and electronic I owned as a kid. As I grew older, I began to learn and understand how everything worked.”
Ben’s been into computers since before they were cool. (Actually, they were always cool!) As an adult, he learned how to leverage that knowledge by creating new products and helping people solve unique problems.
“I’m psyched when people get excited about the possibilities of electronics and the DIY maker culture,” said Ben. “I love encouraging people to create new ideas and turn their passions into viable businesses that can benefit themselves and others.”
Ben will be one of two dozen speakers at TEDxNavesink Makers on April 9 at Monmouth University. His message will be one of outside the box thinking and finding alternative ways to solve problems.
“I want people to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to take risks and that there’s still plenty of things that need to be invented,” said Ben. “No idea should be dismissed just because it seems too obvious. We live in a world where it took 120 years for someone to think of an upside-down ketchup bottle, for crying out loud!”
He has a point.
“TEDx conferences are built on the philosophy that ideas are worth spreading, and that’s what we do in our weekly web series,” said Ben.
Ben’s TEDxNavesink talk “Solving the World’s Problems One Maker at a Time,” will discuss the Internet and the proliferation of technology today that has made the world the maker’s marketplace.
Tickets are on sale now for the 2016 TEDxNavesink Makers event and include entrance into the Makers Gallery, a showcase of unique and innovative items. Get your tickets here.