Building a business isn’t just about laying bricks and mortar—it’s about building relationships, values, and a lasting legacy. For Ben Forkum and his sons, Benton “Clay” Forkum III and Thomas Forkum, that’s exactly what they’ve done with Benton Thomas Construction GP (BTC), a company born from years of hard work, a strong family bond, and an unshakable commitment to quality.
BTC is more than just a construction company; it’s a blueprint made of decades of hard work, family commitment, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Founded by Ben Forkum and later expanded with the involvement of his sons, Clay and Thomas, the company is a blend of tradition and innovation, all rooted in the lessons learned from a father who showed his boys how to build—both homes and character.
From Laborer to Builder: Ben Forkum's Early Days
For Ben, construction wasn’t just a career—it was a passion that began in his teenage years. “I started out as a laborer and just loved the challenges it presented,” Ben recalls. Instead of going to college after high school, he opted for a hands-on education in the world of construction. He learned every aspect of the trade, from basic carpentry to the intricacies of building homes from the ground up. By 1986, he was not only a licensed realtor but was also remodeling homes for his clients, merging his construction knowledge with the real estate market, and subdividing tracts of land on the side. But it was the founding of Ben Forkum Construction in 1992 that marked the beginning of his true legacy.
Ben’s business acumen quickly became evident with the development of Benton Harbor Subdivision by Old Hickory Lake in Mt. Juliet. Over the years, Ben continued to develop properties, culminating in his proudest achievement to date: the creation of The Reserve at Horn Springs, a picturesque gated community here in Lebanon. The project, a master-planned neighborhood nestled along a creek, was envisioned as a place where families could settle and thrive for generations to come. And though Ben initially thought he would sell the lots, his two sons—Clay and Thomas—had other plans.
A New Chapter
“Dad, we want to learn what you do,” they told him, and in that moment BTC was born. Having grown up alongside their father in the business, the boys were no strangers to the world of construction. Since they could walk, they had been helping on job sites, running equipment, and observing their father’s work. But now, with their own names attached to the company, they were ready to take their place in the family business.
The trio formed BTC, named after their first names, and set their sights on becoming a boutique construction company that builds no more than 24 to 30 homes a year. They pride themselves on being in the same conversation as some of the great builders in Wilson County.
Clay Forkum: Leadership Through Service
Clay, the eldest son, has always been driven by a desire to do things the right way. Growing up in Laguardo, he and his brother learned the basics of construction at an early age, but it wasn’t until their teenage years that they truly began to understand the value of hard work.
“I remember sweeping out houses and digging trenches with my dad,” Clay recalls. “At the time, I didn’t realize how important that was, but looking back, I see that it taught me a lot about perseverance, about putting in the work to see results.”
A lot of Clay’s leadership skills were also shaped by his time in the Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The social and leadership skills he developed there served him well when he went on to become a C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) instructor at Boxwell Scout Reservation. But it was his time in the Tennessee Army National Guard that truly helped him understand the value of discipline and teamwork.
“I served as a Combat Engineer with the 890th Sapper Company out of Huntingdon,” Clay explains. “That six-year experience really gave me the skills I use every day in the business world. It also gave me a greater understanding of leadership and what it takes to work through tough situations.”
Clay now works directly with clients to ensure every project meets the company’s high standards. His philosophy is simple: “Never cut corners. Do things right the first time.”
Thomas Forkum: From Punishment to Passion
Thomas had a slightly different path to the family business. As a young boy, he too, worked alongside his father on job sites, but it wasn’t always by choice. “We were raised up with shovels and brooms in our hands as free labor,” Thomas laughs. “I didn’t understand the importance of a good work ethic until we were older. We reluctantly swept out houses, dug trenches—the basic stuff. But it wasn’t until the 2008 economic crash that we really saw the importance of resilience, and how blessed we were to have him as an example.”
During the recession, Ben’s perseverance in the face of adversity made a lasting impression on both of his sons. “We saw how tough the economy was on him, but he pushed through,” Thomas reflects. “He showed us that when things get tough, you have to get tougher. That’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since.”
Thomas’ entry into the construction industry began somewhat unintentionally. His first job laying foundations for Odum’s Masonry was originally a punishment, but it quickly turned into a passion. Under the mentorship of the Odum family, Thomas developed a deep respect for the craft of building. “The mentorship I received was invaluable,” Thomas says. “That’s when I knew I loved building. I started working with a framing crew and learning other trades, just soaking it all in.”
Thomas’ journey through various trades gave him a well-rounded, hands-on education, and he now applies that experience every day in the family business. “It’s not just about the houses we build; it’s about building something that lasts, something that means something,” he says. “We take pride in what we do because we’re creating more than just homes—we’re creating a legacy.”
Building a Legacy Bigger Than Themselves
The Forkum family’s legacy isn’t just about construction—it’s about the impact they’ve had on their community and the lessons they’ve passed down to the next generation. Ben, Clay, and Thomas have always believed in doing things the right way, with integrity and attention to detail. It’s a philosophy they hope to pass on to their children as well.
“I would tell my future children that it doesn’t matter what career they choose,” Thomas says. “The Forkum legacy is about honoring the Lord in everything they do and carrying integrity with pride. It’s about being relentless in their passion and being a sponge in life—learning as much as they can from those around them.”
Clay echoes this sentiment. “I would tell my son the same thing: Do everything to the best of your ability. It doesn’t matter what business you’re in; that’s the key to success.”
With a focus on integrity, quality, and service, Benton Thomas Construction GP is more than just a family business—it’s a legacy that will continue to shape the landscape of Wilson County for generations to come. Through every project they undertake, the Forkum family continues to build not just homes, but a lasting impact that will stand the test of time.