Processing Your Payment
Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Business Leaders: Ben Davis, founder of OpBox and Edura Marine, is a born entrepreneur
PHOTo / Tim Greenway
Ben Davis, an inveterate entrepreneur, founded OpBox and Edura Marine, which are based on one roof in Woolwich.
Ben Davis has started a succession of businesses, but they all seem to have led to the two companies he runs now. OpBox produces a shipping container-like structure that can be adapted for retail use, pop-up store, restaurant or recycling center — for instance, custom Clynk recycling centers and Safe Harbor marina merchandise shops. The main product of the second business, Edura Marine, is a light but strong structural panel that can be used to produce OpBoxes but also for construction of buildings and boats.
Mainebiz: It seems safe to say you’re what’s known as a serial entrepreneur. But how did that develop?
Ben Davis: I’ve always been drawn to solving problems, building things and making connections — whether between people, products or businesses. Entrepreneurship, for me, is about creating value through those connections. If we can develop something that strengthens or complements another part of our group, that’s meaningful.
This hub-and-spoke approach keeps [parent company] Even Keel Group continuously evolving. Each business we launch isn’t just a standalone venture but part of a larger ecosystem, where innovation feeds into new opportunities. It’s about solving real-world challenges, fostering collaboration, and building businesses that make a lasting impact.
MB: Did the OpBox idea grow out of the storage business you started?
BD: Yes, starting in portable storage gave us a strong foundation in modular buildings. That experience and infrastructure allowed us to refine how we design, build and deploy high-value modular solutions for a broader customer base. With OpBox, we took those core principles — efficiency, adaptability and sustainability — and expanded them into more sophisticated applications, from retail and hospitality to housing and workspaces.
This evolution didn’t just expand our offerings — it also grew our team. We brought in experts in design, real estate and construction, strengthening our ability to innovate and deliver even greater impact. It’s a perfect example of our hub-and-spoke approach, where one idea builds on another to create something even more valuable.
MB: Could the OpBox be outfitted as temporary housing for places affected by wildfires or natural disasters?
BD: Absolutely. OpBox was designed to be highly adaptable, and disaster relief is one of the most impactful applications. The same qualities that make it ideal for retail and commercial use — modular construction, rapid deployment and durability — also make it a great solution for emergency housing.
In disaster-affected areas, speed and efficiency are critical. OpBox units can be quickly transported, set up and configured to provide safe, comfortable shelter for those displaced by wildfires, hurricanes or other natural disasters. Beyond temporary housing, they can also serve as medical stations, command centers or community hubs, helping recovery efforts in multiple ways.
We’re actively exploring opportunities to expand into this space because it aligns with our mission: creating smart, sustainable structures that solve real-world problems and bring value where it’s needed most.
MB: With Edura Marine, what are its possible uses outside of the construction of the OpBox?
BD: Edura Marine has incredible potential beyond just modular building systems. While it’s primarily used for the construction of OpBox, its strength, durability and environmental resilience make it ideal for a variety of other industries. For example, it’s now being used by boat builders and manufacturers from Maine to Virginia, where its properties provide a superior alternative to traditional materials.
This year, we’re expanding our sales presence and distribution to the southeastern United States, bringing Edura to even more markets. Additionally, Edura is being used in aquaculture applications, where its durability and resistance to harsh marine environments make it an ideal choice for structures like offshore infrastructure and docks. We’re also excited to see Edura being used in surfboard building by Grain Surfboards, a [York-based] company that shares our passion for sustainability and innovation.
MB: How do you go about finding workers amid Maine’s labor shortages?
BD: Finding skilled workers amid Maine’s labor shortages is a challenge, but our company culture has been the primary driver of our hiring success. We focus on creating a positive, innovative work environment that attracts individuals passionate about our mission.
We also partner with local schools and vocational programs to offer internships and apprenticeships, providing pathways for future employees. Additionally, we offer a growing list of benefits that support work-life balance and professional development, helping us attract talent both locally and beyond. By prioritizing culture and opportunity, we’ve been able to build a dedicated, growing team despite the labor challenges.
MB: What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever gotten?
BD: I’ve been the very fortunate recipient of a lot of great leadership advice from many excellent leaders, but one of my favorite quotes comes from Richard Branson, whose style of entrepreneurship I truly admire: “Screw it, let’s just do it.” I love this because most people get stuck in overthinking and never take action, preventing them from discovering whether their idea is truly good or bad. The “paralysis of analysis” is often the biggest killer of great ideas. Taking the leap, learning as you go and adapting quickly — that’s how real innovation happens.
MB: What’s your own secret to leading a team into the unknown?
BD: Leading with patience and positivity — staying focused on the vision, building trust and empowering the team to navigate uncertainty with confidence.
Mainebiz web partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments