Meet Ben Midgley
Ben’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and an unshakable belief in the American dream. Ben Midgley isn’t a politician. Ben is a family man. He’s a conservative businessman. He’s a doer. Ben grew up in York County, with Maine values - integrity, resilience, and a deep love for family and community. He and his wife Sonia, a Lyman native, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of 3 children - Alec, Cassie and Brooke. Ben’s children attend the same school he attended growing up.
Ben and Sonia’s commitment to their local community runs deep. The son of a veteran, Ben has a deep appreciation for our military members and their families and is a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion in Sanford/Springvale. Ben and Sonia are strong supporters of Veteran causes, Toys for Tots, families in need of support and various school programs such as the football boosters, the swim team and the theatre program. Ben has played an active role in his children’s education.
Ben Midgley’s life is a testament to grit, determination, and the power of never backing down. Like most Mainers, Ben grew up in humble surroundings. He didn’t inherit wealth, and he wasn’t born with a silver spoon. Ben worked hard and earned every bit of his success. Ben didn’t take the traditional path, but it shaped him into the leader he is today. He left college before earning a degree, faced periods of unemployment in his younger years, and even relied on food stamps to get by. Ben didn’t give up. Instead, these moments of adversity are what gave him the desire to do better. Instead of giving up, Ben got to work. He rolled up his sleeves and fought his way to the top, not by cutting corners, but by showing up, leading with integrity, and ever for getting where he came from.
Ben’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and an unshakable belief in the American dream. Ben Midgley isn’t a politician. Ben is a family man. He’s a conservative businessman. He’s a doer. Ben grew up in York County, with Maine values - integrity, resilience, and a deep love for family and community. He and his wife Sonia, a Lyman native, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of 3 children - Alec, Cassie and Brooke. Ben’s children attend the same school he attended growing up.
Ben and Sonia’s commitment to their local community runs deep. The son of a veteran, Ben has a deep appreciation for our military members and their families and is a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion in Sanford/Springvale. Ben and Sonia are strong supporters of Veteran causes, Toys for Tots, families in need of support and various school programs such as the football boosters, the swim team and the theatre program. Ben has played an active role in his children’s education.
Ben Midgley’s life is a testament to grit, determination, and the power of never backing down. Like most Mainers, Ben grew up in humble surroundings. He didn’t inherit wealth, and he wasn’t born with a silver spoon. Ben worked hard and earned every bit of his success. Ben didn’t take the traditional path, but it shaped him into the leader he is today. He left college before earning a degree, faced periods of unemployment in his younger years, and even relied on food stamps to get by. Ben didn’t give up. Instead, these moments of adversity are what gave him the desire to do better. Instead of giving up, Ben got to work. He rolled up his sleeves and fought his way to the top, not by cutting corners, but by showing up, leading with integrity, and ever for getting where he came from.
Ben entered the fitness industry by cleaning gym equipment in exchange for a membership. He didn’t stop there. He learned every aspect of the fitness industry and spent 30 years becoming one of the most successful leaders in the industry nationwide. Ben is the former President of Planet Fitness. Most recently, Ben was a Founding Partner and former CEO of Crunch Franchising. Ben led the company for 15 years from a startup into a billion-dollar business, creating over 15,000 jobs, with over 460 locations, serving millions of Americans. But for Ben, success was never about titles or money. It’s about purpose. Fatherhood shaped his leadership style. Ben believes everyone has a gift, and a leader’s job is to identify that gift and create an environment where people can reach their full potential.
Ben entered the fitness industry by cleaning gym equipment in exchange for a membership. He didn’t stop there. He learned every aspect of the fitness industry and spent 30 years becoming one of the most successful leaders in the industry nationwide. Ben is the former President of Planet Fitness. Most recently, Ben was a Founding Partner and former CEO of Crunch Franchising. Ben led the company for 15 years from a startup into a billion-dollar business, creating over 15,000 jobs, with over 460 locations, serving millions of Americans. But for Ben, success was never about titles or money. It’s about purpose. Fatherhood shaped his leadership style. Ben believes everyone has a gift, and a leader’s job is to identify that gift and create an environment where people can reach their full potential.
Ben believes in Maine. Mainers don’t expect things to be given to them but, they do want the opportunity to achieve the American Dream, just like he did. We can build a stronger Maine, but only if we have the courage to act. We must strengthen Maine’s economy so our kids can get good-paying jobs and create a life here. We must lower the cost of electricity and housing so we don’t price a generation out of home ownership. Ben is committed to supporting law enforcement and cracking down on crime and drugs, including the ring of organized criminal activity that is rampant among Maine’s illegal Chinese marijuana crisis. Lastly, Ben will drive the change the education system needs so parents, not government, decides what is best for their kids.
Ben’s leadership philosophy is simple: Make good decisions, think big, and never give up. That’s how he raised his kids. That’s how he built his business. And that’s how he’ll lead Maine.
Ben believes in Maine. Mainers don’t expect things to be given to them but, they do want the opportunity to achieve the American Dream, just like he did. We can build a stronger Maine, but only if we have the courage to act. We must strengthen Maine’s economy so our kids can get good-paying jobs and create a life here. We must lower the cost of electricity and housing so we don’t price a generation out of home ownership. Ben is committed to supporting law enforcement and cracking down on crime and drugs, including the ring of organized criminal activity that is rampant among Maine’s illegal Chinese marijuana crisis. Lastly, Ben will drive the change the education system needs so parents, not government, decides what is best for their kids.
Ben’s leadership philosophy is simple: Make good decisions, think big, and never give up. That’s how he raised his kids. That’s how he built his business. And that’s how he’ll lead Maine.
Our state has everything it needs to succeed, natural beauty, hardworking people, and strong values. What we’ve lacked over the past 7 years is bold leadership. That changes now.
Ben Midgley is ready to do everything it takes for Maine. He isn’t interested in the status quo. Ben will deliver a Maine comeback. He won’t be swayed by special interests, and he won’t back down. If you’re tired of excuses, and ready for results, Ben Midgley is your candidate for Governor. Let’s get Maine back on track. Let’s build a state where our kids can live, work, and thrive. Let’s make sure the future for all Mainers gets better and continues to get better!
Maine’s comeback starts now.
It is time for a Stronger Maine!
Our state has everything it needs to succeed, natural beauty, hardworking people, and strong values. What we’ve lacked over the past 7 years is bold leadership. That changes now.
Ben Midgley is ready to do everything it takes for Maine. He isn’t interested in the status quo. Ben will deliver a Maine comeback. He won’t be swayed by special interests, and he won’t back down. If you’re tired of excuses, and ready for results, Ben Midgley is your candidate for Governor. Let’s get Maine back on track. Let’s build a state where our kids can live, work, and thrive. Let’s make sure the future for all Mainers gets better and continues to get better!