Jeff Benzenberg ’04: “It’s like everything else in life: it is what you make it.”

Q: Why did you join Ohio Zeta Chapter in the first place?

A: I went to high school in Texas and I didn’t know a soul when I arrived at Ohio State. I was looking to make new friends.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time in the chapter?

A: Wow, hard to say. Every day was a gift. We always had a very special week near the end of the pledge process where we got to know the pledges better. We played Jeopardy and told some jokes. Also, those late nights where we just hung out at the house, playing poker and ridiculing each other. That was the real stuff. Nothing better.

Q: Do you still keep in touch with any of your fellow alums? Who?

A: For sure. John Schrock ’03, Mike Ezzo ’05, Rob Peirce ’03, Steven Schranz ’04, Danny Richardson ’03, Jeff Krall ’03, Mick Pfaff ’01, Disco. Regan Berry ’03, Mike Darwal ’05, and many others! We don’t get together often enough, of course.

Q: Tell us about your company.

A: I head up the marketing and design teams at eRetailing. We operate three custom apparel websites including CustomizedGirl.comBridalPartyTees.com, and FunnyShirts.org

Q: How did your time in Ohio Zeta Chapter help to prepare you for that role?

A: My experience at PDT helped inform my approach to adult life in general. I walked out of that house with a lot of confidence. I felt a huge sense of optimism and opportunity that’s directly related to the bonds I formed there. That being said, I recognize this might not be everyone’s experience in a fraternity. It’s like everything else in life: it is what you make it. 

Q: Tell us about your family/hobbies.

A: I’m married with two kids. I live in Worthington. My hobbies mostly revolve around ridiculing John Schrock and Mike Ezzo for their poor performance in our college fantasy football league. Please contact me if you would like to join our league and be crushed by my dynasty of a team.

Q: What would you say is your biggest accomplishment?

A: I believe I already mentioned the college fantasy football league domination. 

Q: What advice would you give to future generations PDT Chapter members?

A: Try not to take it for granted. Take a little bit of time to look around and appreciate it. Appreciate your friends. And, jeez, fix the volleyball court! We played volleyball constantly in the spring and it was glorious. 

Also: study hard. Depending on your major or future career path, you probably don’t have to wait for someone to give you a job to get started. For example, if you’re a designer or software engineer, just make good friends and build cool stuff with them. College is the perfect time for this.