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Open Book: Ben Jenkins, Experience Partner

Reading Time — 5 minutes

February 18, 2021

By Opendoor Team

Reading Time — 5 minutes

February 18, 2021

Open Book is a series of interviews featuring the incredible people of Opendoor. Two years ago, Ben took his first job in the real estate industry and joined Opendoor to help people sell their homes. Here’s what he loves most about his work and how the Sales & Support team is helping customers move into the next chapter of their lives.


We’re excited to talk with you today, Ben! As an Experience Partner, you’ve been part of the Sales & Support team for nearly two years. What led you to Opendoor?

Maybe a surprise, but I didn’t have any experience in real estate when I came to Opendoor. I was working in outside sales for a logistics company when I ran into a family friend at a local bar in Atlanta. We were catching up, and he couldn’t stop talking about a new company he was working for. He was visibly excited and I thought, “Wow, I wouldn’t be able to explain what I’m doing with this kind of energy.”

Our conversation left me feeling like I needed to see what Opendoor was all about and when he suggested I interview, I jumped at the chance. Coming from a corporate environment, I was blown away when I walked into the Atlanta office—a renovated trolley with beautiful old beams and exposed bricks. I could feel the energy and the hustle and was inspired to see people at their standup desks. For me, it was a vision of what work could be. After talking with team members during my interview, it was even more clear that Opendoor was something special.

I officially started with the team in early 2019 and it’s been an amazing ride so far. Looking back now, I feel like I ran into that old friend for a reason. My journey to Opendoor feels like it was meant to be.

That’s an incredible story. Can you tell us a bit more about what you do each day?

From start to finish, our day-to-day is centered on providing top-notch customer service. Things change all the time, but being able to provide that same great experience for the customer, no matter what’s happening, is at the heart of what we do.

Opendoor is unique in how it offers people a digital and contactless platform for people to buy or sell a home, but customers still need people to help them through the process and that’s where I come in. As an Experience Partner on the Sales & Support team, I work closely with customers looking to sell their homes to Opendoor. I walk them through the entire home selling process from start to finish, from requesting an offer on their home and guiding them through the sales process to seeing them through to closing. I’ve always liked being able to help people through my work, and I love empowering customers in a new way as part of this team.

What does it mean to you to be a part of such an important moment in customers’ lives?

Selling a home can be challenging for many different reasons, so we do our best to make sure our customers feel comfortable and informed each step of the way. Helping people achieve the best possible outcome when selling their home empowers them to move onto the next chapter of their lives.

For example, we’ve worked with people in tough financial situations to make their home sale work for them. Seeing the difference that can make for a person or a family—and being a part of that impact—motivates me every day.

Is there anything about Opendoor’s culture that empowers you to do your best work?

Opendoor’s culture has proven to be a perfect fit for me. Reflecting on the last two years and my previous roles, I can see that I really didn’t know I needed this kind of work environment until I experienced it. I had grown accustomed to extremely structured, one-dimensional environments, and being a part of the team at Opendoor has opened my eyes to new ways of doing things and endless possibilities.

Within my team, we like to say, “One team, one dream.” We work together, trust each other, and lift each other up. Every day is fast-paced and fun, and no two days are the same. My favorite thing about Opendoor’s culture is how everyone is empowered to share their ideas. On any given day, any person can make a suggestion that will help us all make a meaningful impact.

Your excitement about Opendoor’s mission and genuine care for our customers is infectious. What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in joining the team?

Opendoor’s team is composed of people who are driven, caring, and want to make a difference. Bring a go-getter attitude and know that your ideas matter. Regardless of what you did previously, your experience is valuable. You’re bringing a unique outside perspective that we don’t already have.

Looking ahead and thinking about the rest of the year, what are you most excited about?

Working from home posed interesting challenges for many of us this year and there were some difficult days, but I truly believe in our mission and empowering people to move. I’m really excited to help more people and make their lives better this year.

Outside of work, my wife and I are having fun exploring Arizona. We got married in February 2020 and moved from Atlanta to Phoenix a month later, and we’ve found some awesome hikes to enjoy together. I’m also looking for spots to try out my new fly rod and we’re planning to get a dog! I’ve never been more grateful to be healthy and spend so much time outdoors.


Interested in joining our team? Opendoor is hiring across all teams, including Sales and Support! Check out our current open positions!

Want to learn more about working at Opendoor? Check out our Design and Engineering and Data Science blogs.

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