BENMCMILLEN.NET - Blog

Small Town Game Plan: A Football Story About Community

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 14:44:16 GMT

Small towns run a lot like a football team, and Greene County is no exception. It isn’t about bright lights or fancy arenas, it’s about the people on the field, on the sidelines, and in the stands, each playing their part.

The Game Plan
The commissioners and local government? They can draw up plays, plan strategies, organize meetings, and try not to call a timeout every time someone starts a Facebook argument.
They can create an environment where success could happen, but they can’t bake the brownies, fix the plumbing, sell insurance, cut hair, cook burgers, repair cars, or grow grapes and turn them into wine.
They can set the stage, but they can’t run the businesses that make our small towns thrive. They can’t do it alone.

The Action
The real action comes from the players: the business owners and nonprofit organizations. These are the folks who will fight for every yard. They open early, stay late, take risks, and push through the tough plays.
They are the heartbeat of Greene County’s offense. They keep showing up. But even they can’t do it alone.

The Sidelines
Then we’ve got the second-string players and the assistant coaches, the true community leaders.
They share social posts, help spread the word, quietly organize festivals, and volunteer at events.
They may not be in the spotlight, the announcer may never say their name, but they keep the season alive.

The Concession Crew
These are the side-hustlers, the craft-fair warriors, the bake-sale champions, and the “I’ll help any way you need me” folks.
They fill in the gaps and keep the organization running smoothly, all to the benefit of the entire community.

The Crowd, The People of Greene County
These are the folks who decide whether the stadium is dead silent or absolutely roaring.
They choose to show up, clap, cheer, buy local, spend local, and back their hometown businesses like it’s the Super Bowl every day.

They’re the ones spending time at the farmers market instead of driving an hour away.
They’re the regulars grabbing lunch at locally owned cafés instead of a giant chain.
They’re the neighbors who leave reviews, share posts, tell friends, and proudly say, “You’ve gotta check out this place, it’s ours.”

In small towns, the crowds are not simply just spectators.
They are the momentum. They are the energy. They can shift the entire game.

Avoiding Fumbles
If we start pointing fingers, blaming the coaches, the players, the volunteers, or the fans, while refusing to step into our own role with hometown pride and passion, we hurt the whole team.

You can’t yell about the quarterback from the bleachers if you didn’t even spend a few bucks on a ticket.
A winning season in Greene County won’t come from complaints. It’ll come from support, commitment, and dedication, no matter how big or small our role feels.

The Heart of It
Our roles matter.
Our effort matters.
Our energy matters.

Whether we choose to coach, play, volunteer, cheer, or simply leave a positive review for a local business, we can all be part of what pushes Greene County forward.

Small towns don’t win because of one person or one group.
They win because everyone, from the commissioners to the concession stand volunteers to the fans, decides to show up, work together, and believe in the home team. And yes, criticism will happen. That’s okay.
Just make sure your positive energy and effort outweigh the negative.

If we all do our part, no excuses, no blame-shifting, no waiting for someone else to run the ball, Greene County can become the kind of team nobody wants to bet against.

Not because we’re flashy.
Not because we’re perfect.
But because we show up for each other.

That’s what can make a small town unstoppable.

The Great Paradox of Your Life

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 01:09:20 GMT

by Ben McMillen

I began writing a story about a tornado that ripped through our county in 1944, only to realize that nearly everyone who experienced it is gone. Their names, their voices, their memories, all fading with time. So I scraped that story and wrote this instead.

The Great Paradox of Your Life: In just a hundred years, every single one of us alive today will be gone.

The people you love, the ones who drive you crazy, the ones you secretly admire but never tell, will pass. The celebrities you follow, the politicians you argue about, the influencers filling your feed, all gone.

Even the people who once felt permanent, your parents, kids, your best friends, your mentors, your rivals, they’ll all exit the stage one by one. Some slowly, some suddenly.

The arguments will fade. The trends will vanish. The names that once filled your mind will dissolve into mostly obscure and forgotten history, just like the names of those who came before us.

It’s a hard truth to swallow, but also a freeing one. Because once you understand that this cast is temporary, you stop performing for them. You stop living your life as if you’re trying to win the approval of an audience that will one day disappear.

Instead, you start living for the moments that actually matter, the love you give without keeping score, the time you spend truly being there for anyone other than yourself.

The company around you will change. The story will end. But the way you treat people during your short time on this earth, that’s what echoes beyond you. That’s what shapes the future, one quiet act of decency at a time. That’s how we, together, move civilization forward.

The stages we walk on, our homes, our workplaces, our favorite coffee shops, will be filled with new faces and new conversations. They’ll laugh, stress, argue, dream and cause drama just like we did.

If you’re lucky, you get roughly seventy trips around the sun. Of those, maybe forty or fifty are spent as a so-called “productive” adult, the years where you build, create, hustle, raise families, make mistakes, and try your best to leave something good behind.

And that’s where the great paradox comes in.

On one hand, your existence is unbelievably small in the grand scheme. The universe doesn’t care about your job title, your follower count, or the exact date you were born. Stars will explode and galaxies will spin whether or not you get that promotion, buy that house, or check every box on your to-do list. Measured against cosmic time, your entire life isn’t even a blink. You are nothing.

But on the other hand, your life, your individual existence, means everything.

To you, this tiny window of time is all there is. It’s the only chance you get to feel the warmth of the sun, the sting of loss, the joy of laughter, the pride of creating something from nothing. It’s your one opportunity to show up, to care, to love people deeply, and to make the world around you a little brighter.

Your purpose isn’t to make a mark that lasts a million years. Your purpose is to make this brief life, this fragile, beautiful moment, count.

Be present for the morning coffee. The awkward hug. The unexpected kindness. The hard conversation that heals something deep. The sunset that stops you mid-sentence.

You will be forgotten someday. That’s not a tragedy, it's the truth. But the way you lived, the way you made people feel, the small good things you did, they ripple outward long after you’re gone. They shape the stories others tell, the values they carry, the kindness they pass on.

So don’t chase after some personal cosmic significance. Think bigger. Chase and search for human significance.

Be fully alive in the short time you’re given. Many years from now, long after we're all gone, the universe will decide if we did it right.

Beyond Left and Right: What Two Deaths Reveal About Us All

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 23:32:44 GMT

“No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks.” - Mary Shelley

The murders of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and conservative activist Charlie Kirk are more than tragedies. They are warnings. Both lived on different sides of the political spectrum, yet both were silenced by violence. Their deaths remind us that the dangers we face in our divided culture are not about left or right, but about what happens when dialogue collapses.

Mistaking Evil for the Good We Seek
Mary Shelley’s words cut to the heart of these moments. Few people wake up wanting to commit evil. More often, they are convinced that their actions serve a greater cause. That twisted conviction, mistaking harm for justice, violence for righteousness, is what turns ordinary men and women into perpetrators of tragedy.

In these assassinations, the killers likely believed they were protecting something: their ideology, their values, their identity. Instead of creating safety or meaning, they destroyed life. They mistook destruction for “the good they seek.”

The Culture of Speaking Over Listening
We live in a culture that rewards volume over reflection. Social media algorithms promote outrage. Politicians win by landing the sharpest soundbite. Talk show hosts thrive on never letting silence linger.

But when speaking becomes our default, listening disappears. Without listening, empathy withers. Without empathy, the “other side” becomes an enemy. Once we label someone as an enemy, the leap to justify harm is frighteningly short.

The Cost of Not Hearing One Another
Melissa Hortman and Charlie Kirk represented very different political visions, but the same root cause sits beneath their deaths: the refusal to hear. The shooters were not monsters from birth. They were people who allowed anger, isolation, and ideology to drown out any possibility of listening.

When we stop listening, we no longer see humans. We see threats. We see villains. We see targets.

Choosing to Listen Before It’s Too Late
If Shelley is right, that no one chooses evil for its own sake, then there is hope. The antidote is not shouting louder, but pausing to listen. Listening does not mean agreement. It does not mean surrendering convictions. It means recognizing that even those we oppose are, in their own way, chasing happiness, safety, or meaning, however misguided.

When we truly listen, we can see where their pursuit went astray. And maybe, just maybe, we can prevent more lives from being lost to the illusion that violence is ever the path to “the good we seek.”

Editor’s Note
A few days before the murder of Charlie Kirk, I was on a backpacking trip with Father Mike, a practicing priest and a close friend. Late at night, as we sat around the campfire, our conversation turned deep. At one point Father Mike said, “No man chooses evil because it is evil.” The words struck me then, but in the days that followed they carried even more weight. What was meant for deep thought in the glow of a campfire became a haunting reminder after these tragedies. Curious about its origin, I did some research and discovered it came from Mary Shelley. That search led to this article. We have to do better. I believe it starts with listening.

Author

Ben McMillen

The Business/Consumer Relationship

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:16:10 GMT

I wrote an article for a local newspaper. They wanted something locally written from the perspective of a local business owner. I wrote about how there should be a mutually beneficial relationship between the local residents and businesses in their community. Here is that story. The original story was published on April 25th, 2025 and can be found here.

“Buying local.” You’ve heard it a thousand times. It’s a phrase tossed around in campaigns, posted in storefronts, and shared across social media. And yet, somewhere along the way, the message has lost its edge. It’s become background noise, well-intentioned, but easy to tune out.

But maybe we’ve been focusing on the wrong reasons.

Yes, shopping local supports the economy. Yes, it keeps money circulating in the community. But here’s the truth no one talks about: shopping local adds value to your life.

In the day-to-day grind—commuting, working, returning home, the rhythm of routine becomes a blur. Life begins to feel like an endless loop. What if breaking that loop could be as simple as where you choose to spend your money?

When you walk into a local shop, you’re stepping into someone’s passion. You're not just another transaction. You’re part of an experience that can’t be replicated by a big box store or an online cart. Local businesses reflect the heart of your community. They offer something different, authenticity, connection, and often, a little bit of surprise.

Will it cost more? Sometimes, but not always. Will it be perfect every time? Probably not. But what you will often find is a shop owner who genuinely cares. Someone who remembers your name, your preferences, and who will go above and beyond to make things right if something goes wrong.

That’s not just customer service, it’s human connection. It’s being seen.

Big chains often prioritize efficiency and profit. They’re designed to be the same everywhere, to minimize variance, and maximize returns. Local businesses, on the other hand, are built on personality and personal investment. They evolve with their customers. They listen. They try harder.

So next time you find yourself stuck in the daily rhythm, consider shaking things up. Wander into that small bookstore you always pass by. Grab coffee at the corner café instead of the drive-thru. Browse a local boutique for a gift instead of clicking “Buy Now.”

It’s not just about where your money goes—it’s about what you get in return. Real people. Real stories. Real experiences.

Life’s too short to keep living on repeat. Shop local. Not just for the economy—for yourself.

You can do anything if you fail enough times

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:52:01 GMT

“You can do anything if you fail enough times”.

That's my secret. Anytime I start a new project, design, idea, or a business, I usually look for a popular quote to get me excited. I have had many motivational sentences that I copied from people way smarter than me.

After a long chat with my buddy Nate recently, I went home and wrote down a bunch of notes. I know people think I have some top secret business knowledge… I don't. Advice that will skyrocket their own dreams of self employment? I don't. A nugget of information that guarantees their success? I really don’t. Friends and family close to me know I struggle with people thinking everything I touch turns to gold. It absolutely doesn’t.

What I do have is a lifetime of failures that I have learned from. That’s it. You just didn’t see the failures. Because I learned from them and moved on. Aggressively. This is why you never see me sitting still for very long. I can always do better. By failing.

If you are afraid to take a swing because you might not hit a home run the first time at bat then you are missing the most valuable lessons in business (and in life). Learning by failing is every entrepreneur's secret sauce. It’s not money. I’ve been broke more times than I can count. It’s not luck. Luck only gets you so far. It’s letting go of your fear of failing and embracing it as part of your life's journey and personal growth.

Most people will never see or care about the long hard journey on the way to your goal. The crazy hours, massive learning curve, constant setbacks and mistakes... The energy it takes to get going may not even be the hard part. The financial pressure and emotional toll all that takes on your family might be the worst of it. And the crazy part? Most people never get to see why it’s all worth it. They are Paralyzed with the idea of failing. In business, failure is a necessary component of true lasting success.

I never had my own “words of wisdom". I thought long and hard about what I have to offer someone and this is the best I could come up with. “You can do anything if you fail enough times”. If that quote ends up not motivating you today… I'll just think of something else tomorrow…

Roaring Plains, WV

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 01:02:03 GMT

Dolly Sods, WV never disappoints

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 01:00:25 GMT

Fast Friends

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:59:18 GMT

My brother went backpacking

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:58:30 GMT

I Tricked Him into Snow Camping

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:57:38 GMT

Backpacking Mount Eisenhower, New Hampshire

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:56:23 GMT

My Favorite Backpacking Trail

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:55:25 GMT

Backpacking In Kentucky

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:53:55 GMT

My Wife Hates Hiking

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 22:57:30 GMT

I Shot A Music Video!

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 13:12:16 GMT

Below you can watch both the actual music video and the behind the scenes version. I had the chance to film and record a "Live Performance Music Video." Filmed everything in one take using 5 cameras. Enjoy!

Red River Gorge Backpacking Trip

Sat, 02 May 2020 11:52:57 GMT

Right before the world started locking down I was fortunate enough to get invited on a backpacking trip with some great guys from Kentucky to the Red River Gorge. Here is a quick video of that trip.

Greene County Then & Now Project

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 21:05:30 GMT

This is a project that we did for the Greene County Historical Society. We took a bunch of old photos and recreated them. Then we mixed them all together for one pretty cool presentation. Enjoy!

Lost Hikers Walked Into Our Camp At Night In The Middle Of Nowhere

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 21:05:10 GMT

This was one of our crazier backpacking trips we have had at Dolly Sods WV. Two lost day hikers found themselves 9 miles from their car with no food, water or shelter and the sun had already went down. Luckily they found our camp and we had plenty of supplies to get through the night. Enjoy the video.

Backpacks
http://www.HilltopPacks.com

1 Pound Camera Travel Tripod
https://amzn.to/2KPJSQn

Garmin Inreach Expoerer+ GPS Sat
https://amzn.to/2KOZmEe

15 Miles, 15 Yr Old Camera, 1500 Spider Webs

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:53:48 GMT

For this video we head to Otter Creek WV for another backpacking trip. Tagging along is a 15 year old camera I use to use in 2005. An Olympus Evolt E300 an crappy 8mp camera. But in its time was a pretty sweet camera. Can it still hold its own on the trail in 2019? Lets find out.

Backpack & Camera Pack
http://www.HilltopPacks.com

1 Pound Camera Travel Tripod
https://amzn.to/2KPJSQn

Garmin Inreach Expoerer+ GPS Sat
https://amzn.to/2KOZmEe

20 Miles, 3 Days Solo at Dolly Sods

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:47:16 GMT

In this video I head out solo to one of my favorite backpacking places, Dolly Sods WV. Instead of taking a full frame camera this time I save some weight by taking a crop sensor apsc Pentax KP.

Equipment Used
Pentax KP: https://amzn.to/2YgStno
One Pound Tripod: https://amzn.to/332AaRP

Backpack: Zpacks Arc Haul
Tent: Zpacks Pleximed

Filmed on a Sony x3000: https://amzn.to/2KcKoHS

Behind The Scenes: High School Senior Portraits

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 14:06:44 GMT

Follow along on a real high school senior portrait session including some dramatic sports images!

I have really enjoy making these behind the scenes videos. Hope you enjoy them too!

Equipment Used
Smoke In A Can: https://amzn.to/2IUVPC3
Nikon D750: https://amzn.to/2XursvP
Nikon 70-200 VRii https://amzn.to/2WMhamg
600WS Strobe https://amzn.to/2L4V2B4

How To Be A 2nd Photographer at Weddings

Sat, 25 May 2019 00:55:49 GMT

Real Live Wedding! Follow along as we film this video from the perspective of a 2nd shooter at a wedding. BTS video showing each part of the wedding day as a 16 year professional wedding photographer steps into the role of a 2nd shooter to you everything you need to know to get through a wedding day.

VIDEO: 8 Tips For Sunrise Landscape Photos

Thu, 23 May 2019 17:28:36 GMT

Besides the whole getting up early thing I love Sunrise Landscape photos. To capture a great sunrise you need to plan your shot before you ever leave your house. Here are 8 tips for better Sunrise Landscape photos. Watch the video below...

THE VIDEO

Some extra photos from the video...

Equipment Used Pentax K1ii https://amzn.to/30HpWFo
Benro Carpon Tripod https://amzn.to/2YIZ3yU
Tripod Head Desmond DLow 55 https://amzn.to/30BSQGV

Video Recorded on:
Sony A6400 https://amzn.to/2WkGNy5
Rode Videomic Pro + https://amzn.to/2VKebu6

My Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/benmcmillen

VIDEO: Learn This Shot in 6 Minutes

Tue, 21 May 2019 23:35:16 GMT

The backlit shot is one of my favorites at weddings. Check out this 6 minute video on how we do it...

VIDEO: Hiking in the Rain. Enlow Fork Trail in Greene County.

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 11:11:27 GMT

Enlow Fork is blooming in late April with small flowers along the trail. One of Greene County's hidden hiking gems. Check out the video below as I hike in the rain and attempt to take some photos..

Gear Used:

Backpack
F-Stop Tilopa https://amzn.to/2ZxF6fC

Camera
Pentax K1 II https://amzn.to/2GzAYDb

Tripod
Benro Mach 3 Carbon https://amzn.to/2DyL7PL

Tripod Head
Desmond DLOW-55

Filmed on a
Sony FDR X3000 https://amzn.to/2UY4vR5