Al's Entrepreneurial History

Founded in 1992 by Al and his dad, Dave, the company was initially launched to sell the "Made in the Shade" video about Dave's moss and wildflower gardens.  Later Benner's Gardens became the nation's first and largest supplier of virtually invisible deer fencing systems.   Al sold the company in 2006, but his brother Rob continues the legacy, and currently offers mail order supply for DIY as well as installations

Established in 2000, Pure Maine was the first online business to offer gift baskets containing all Maine made foods and gifts.  The company proved to have too low an operating margin to be run remotely by

others, so in the summer of 2003, the business was gifted at the cost of inventory an employee.  To this day she still runs the website and has a small shop with the same name in Southwest Harbor, Maine.

Founded in 2001, Moss Acres was located in Honesdale, PA, and was the first national mail order supplier of live moss for landscaping.  The company was restructured and the assets conveyed to new ownership in 2021.

Purchased in 2002, Old School Farm began as a small, bio-divers organic farm providing the Benner family, interns, and local people with fresh produce.  The enterprise later evolved into an experiential venue featuring a wood-fired earthen oven turning out sourdough pizza with home grown toppings.  Live music provided soothing sounds.  The farm was sold in 2021, but pizza nights, weddings, and Icelandic sheep live on.

A spin off in 2005 from Benner's Gardens, this company offered a way for cat owners to keep the pets health and safe outdoors. The system featured a patented pivoting arched top that prevented escape. The company was sold to new ownership in 2017.

Close to 150 acres of raw mountain land located above the Pacific ocean was purchased by myself and three partners in early 2006.  We got close on completing a 25 lot community, but unfortunately due to the global financial crisis and disputes between the partners, the project never reached its' full potential.  Now, fifteen years later, several homes have been built and perhaps the next chapter is just around the corner.

Backyard Farmers was founded by Al Benner & John Genovese in 2010. The brand was ahead of its' time, offering the installation and maintenance of high quality raised bed gardening systems with automated irrigation.  Unfortunately the business was shut down two years later due to lack of traction.

Founded in 2012, this company was all about healthy fun for kids.  The brand featured close to fifty varieties of heirloom vegetable seeds whose characters came to life right on the packs with the help of an augment reality app.  I also authored an interactive book called the "Carrot Napping".  The brand was acquired by Burpee Seeds in 2018.

The course  was hand carved from the Maine woods just outside of Blue Hill by Al, his son Owen, and Al's fiance, Marah.  The first nine holes opened in 2024, with 18 open the following year.  A total of 27 holes are expected to be open by later in 2026.  The course features a funky 70's/80's theme with curated music from that era.