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Ben Swartz

Founder and CEO

The CEO of Marcel Digital, Ben is known for finding talent and letting it thrive. He sharpened his digital marketing skills at AOL Time Warner during their heyday before launching Marcel Digital on his birthday in 2003. He received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business to complement his Marketing degree from The Ohio State University.

Ben is passionate about several organizations including Chicago Lights Internship Program (Marcel has been a participant for over 10 years), JUF (Marketing and Communications Board), and University of Chicago Social Enterprise Executive Coaching. Currently Ben serves as Chairman of the Board of StreetWise, empowering Chicago's homeless population with the dignity of work. 

Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters. If he is not at Marcel or with his family, you can find him cooking, traveling, or practicing Ving Tsun Kung Fu.

Do what you said you would do.

Favorite Vacation Spot

Buenos Aires

Favorite Beverage

Whiskey

Favorite TV Show

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Favorite Challenge Food

Bring it on.

Hidden Talent

Soccer

Weird Fact

Both second toes point outward

Fun Fact

Will typically sneak in some movie quote into every conversation

Something You Hate

Lazy thinking

Favorite Pastime

Cigar and whiskey

Favorite Restaurant

Erie Cafe

Favorite Song To Dance To

Can't dance. Picture Elaine Benis, or worse

First Concert

Michael Jackson 

Favorite Nicholas Cage Movie

Moonstruck

Most Famous Celebrity Met

Billy Corgan

First Job

Maintenance man. Pick up trash, take out trash, repeat.

What You Wanted to Be When You Grew Up

President, OSU Football Star, or Spiderman