Our Team
Our purpose is to provide our clients first-in-class wealth management solutions using the latest technology. Our leadership team is made up of cross-disciplinary experts who value, and are committed to, serving our clients. The team has demonstrated success and professional expertise in the areas of wealth management, custody, insurance, client relations and services, security and risk management, finance, marketing, and administration.
Benjamin Wiener
CEO/Chairman
Ben Wiener is the CEO of Benaiah Co. and Chairman of the Board for Benaiah Holdings, Inc., a family of service companies. Ben has over ten years of demonstrated success leading multiple businesses with a focus on efficiency, growth, and revenue generation. Ben’s studies in economics and finance along with his entrepreneurial skillset and value-focused mindset position him well to lead Benaiah Management, Benaiah Capital, and Benaiah Custody Solutions. Ben resides in Sioux Falls, SD with his wife Leah and their five children.
Chris Hmielewski
Chief of Staff/Investor Relations
Chris Hmielewski provides administrative leadership across all Benaiah Holdings, Inc. companies. Chris possesses over 25 years of experience in administration, leadership and staff development, fiscal management, operations, and client relations. During his 16 years as Director of Athletics at Southwest Minnesota State University, Chris fostered a culture of hard work, success, and teamwork while achieving financial and organizational growth. As Chief of Staff, he oversees the executive leadership, business development, operations, and client success across the business entities. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Secondary Education and a Master’s in Higher Education Leadership and Administration. Chris resides in Sioux Falls, SD with his wife Mary Jo and enjoys keeping up with their three adult children.
Scott Pugh
Controller
Scott Pugh is Benaiah’s controller and brings 20 years of experience in the financial industry with major roles within the finance and operations departments of companies. Scott takes great pride in assessing and developing an understanding of the entire business. His focus drives efficiencies on the accounting and systems side of the business while working directly with the administrators of the funds. Scott earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and his Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Katie Bobbin
Director of Brand, Culture, & Communications
Katie Bobbin has a passion for people and a knack for fostering genuine relationships. As the Director of Brand, Culture, and Communications she ensures that Benaiah brings education and engagement to the ever-changing digital asset and blockchain technology industries. Katie comes to Benaiah with over ten years of experience in event planning, fund raising, relationship management, and delivering a first-class customer service experience in the public and private sectors. Her detail-oriented approach brings personalization and the pursuit of excellence to our clients, partners, and new employees during the onboarding process. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marketing with a minor in Graphic Design. Katie resides in Sioux Falls, SD with her husband Jason and their two daughters.
Drew Hmielewski
Director of Business Development/Investor Relations
Drew Hmielewski is a former collegiate student-athlete for the University of Minnesota and brings a competitive drive and work ethic to Benaiah’s team. During Drew’s tenure at the U of M, he competed for the Golden Gopher football and baseball teams, and graduated earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing Education. As the Director of Business Development and Investor Relations, Drew manages investor portfolios by supporting the growth of assets within Benaiah Capital’s two hedge funds. He assists in educating accredited investors and institutions about the opportunities in the digital asset and blockchain technology space. His eagerness to learn, keen sense for building relationships, and strong desire to help people has prepared him well to advance the Benaiah family. Drew resides in Sioux Falls, SD.