Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Benjamin Engel '21
Ben Engel ’21 knew during his Trinity days that he wanted to eventually own and run a business. He credits Trinity for instilling in him the commitment and passion to do exactly that. Last November, Ben and Trinity classmates Thomas Smith and Jack Mitchell founded JBT Cleanout, which specializes in cleaning and organizing garages and commercial spaces. They also do residential and commercial move-ins and move-outs. They are working toward adding garage remodeling as an offered service.
“I saw that the Trinity network can take you a long way,” Ben said. “Being able to get advice from the older guys is awesome. I wanted to be that younger guy to step up and get out of my comfort zone. I want to be involved with Trinity as I can. The older guys want to help the younger guys. It doesn’t matter how old you are. We’re all Trinity brothers.”
Ben came to Trinity from St. Gabriel Catholic School. His oldest brother, Zack, graduated from Trinity in 2013. Ben says he immediately felt welcome and connected at Trinity.
“I met with Coach Jay Cobb during my orientation,” Ben said. “He was super encouraging. I felt that Trinity brotherhood you hear about. It felt true. Going to Trinity was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Ben joined the freshman football team and found it to be a great way to meet lots of people before school started. He also was a Gonzaga House captain, a member of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Society and an intramural sports participant.
One of Ben’s favorite Trinity memories was the fun after winning the Class 6-A state football championship in 2020.
“People from all grades were at a party, including players and cheerleaders,” Ben said. “It just felt like Trinity. I also remember winning state in basketball in 2019.”
Ben also remembers having meaningful connections with his teachers.
“My teachers were amazing,” Ben said. “Whether it was discussions in class or short conversations in the hallways between classes, that connection was awesome. It all goes back to the Trinity brotherhood.”
Ben’s favorite teacher was Randy Perkins H’23, who now serves as director of students.
“I use the things I learned in Mr. Perkins’ business law class every day,” he said.
Other favorite teachers were Jeff Becker ’90, Patrick Heintz and Walter Mata.
After graduating from Trinity, Ben attended the University of Kentucky. In 2025, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a business minor. He also was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
In addition to running JBT Cleanout, Ben works full-time at Wooden Life, an insurance, investment and retirement planning firm. Ben also is involved with the Trinity Alumni Association. He recently started attending the Alumni Business Circle gatherings. The Alumni Business Circle meets the third Thursday of the month at an alumni-owned establishment. It’s a great way to network with other alumni.
Ben has attended Young Alumni Shamrock Society events. The YASS is for alumni who graduated in the last 15 years (classes of 2010-25). Quarterly events are held for this dynamic group of young alumni.
Ben also is a Class Agent. Class Agents serve as liaison between their graduating class and the Alumni Office and serve as a pool of volunteers to assist at alumni events.
Being a donor was the next step. Ben is a contributor to the Trinity Annual Fund for financial aid. Over 43% of students receive financial aid, so it’s crucial to many families.
“I give to give back something I was given,” Ben said. “I still talk with my best friends from Trinity every day. We still rely on each other. I give a ton of credit to Trinity for building that brotherhood. It’s a deep connection that’s difficult to understand if you haven’t lived it.”
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
Since 1953, Trinity has benefitted from great teachers, resources, and activities to shape and guide promising boys into great men. The 106 students from our first graduating class have been followed by a legacy of academic, personal and cultural achievement. To learn more about our proud heritage, visit https://www.trinityrocks.com/o/trinityfoundation/page/about-us.
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