Benji De Santiago, a proud 2008 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), has carved out an impressive career and personal life that reflects the values he learned early on. Now the Head of Safety and Security for the Las Vegas Loop at The Boring Company, Benji’s journey has been anything but straightforward, but it’s marked by determination, resourcefulness, and a strong sense of responsibility. After graduating from PVHS, Benji entered the United States Air Force, where he gained valuable experience that shaped his career trajectory and leadership style.
Reflecting on his time at PVHS, Benji fondly recalls meeting his wife, Crystal, during high school, a pivotal moment in his life. “Meeting Crystal was definitely one of the best things to come out of high school,” he says. Their relationship, built during those formative years, has flourished over time. Though Benji describes his high school years as a “pretty big blur,” he remembers playing sports and spending time with the same friends he remains close with today. One of his favorite memories involves pulling a prank on Coach Rieger by placing a porta potty on his front lawn. “His neighborhood thought he had plumbing issues,” Benji laughs, reminiscing about the lighter moments of his high school years.
While Benji’s journey after high school wasn’t always smooth, he has found success through his time in the Air Force and later in private security. His career, which he likens to “an EKG chart after six Red Bulls and Unisom,” has been filled with ups and downs, but he maintains a positive outlook. “There have been some highs, and there have been some lows,” he says, “but overall, it’s been pretty successful.”
Benji’s time overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa exposed him to extraordinary people who helped him shape his career path. He recalls, “Through those experiences, I met some phenomenal people who were able to point me in the right direction.” Their influence, along with Benji’s work ethic, helped him reach his current position at The Boring Company. “After a while, my work spoke for itself, and it allowed me the opportunity to get to where I am now.”
One of Benji’s career aspirations is to achieve a balance between work and personal life—envisioning a day where he can take business meetings while playing 18 holes of golf. This goal represents not only his pursuit of success but also his desire to maintain perspective, knowing when to focus on work and when to take time to unwind.
However, success doesn’t come without challenges. In his leadership role, Benji acknowledges that finding the balance between “doing what’s right and doing the right thing” can be a constant struggle. “The burden of leadership often involves making decisions that can’t make everyone happy,” he says. “You have to hear people out, relate to them, sympathize, and ultimately come to a common ground.” Benji’s experience with leadership has taught him the importance of empathy, understanding that the people who rely on his decisions deserve to be heard.
At the heart of Benji’s values is the influence of his grandmother, who played a key role in his upbringing in Southern California. He vividly recalls accompanying her as she ran her house-cleaning business. “We’d sit in the backyard of one of the homes she cleaned, and she’d tell me that I too could have a home like the one we were sitting in,” Benji shares. Her encouragement and belief in his potential gave him the drive to work hard and aim high. That early influence shaped not just his career goals but his outlook on life.
Benji’s ability to balance work and personal life is something he continually works on, especially when it comes to his family. He emphasizes the importance of being fully present in whatever he’s doing—whether it’s work or family time. “When you’re at work, be at work. When you’re home, be at home,” he advises. He’s particularly focused on being there for his kids’ events, where he’s often seen passionately cheering them on. “I’ve missed out on too much and have realized those moments are fleeting,” he admits, thanking his wife for helping him keep that balance in check.
Family remains central to Benji’s life. His oldest son, Benjamin, is already making a name for himself at PVHS as a student athlete, competing in football, wrestling, and track & field, where he’s even broken school records. Benji’s middle son, Jacob, is known for his calm demeanor but transforms into a force on the wrestling mat. Meanwhile, his youngest son, Noah, is the family’s “wild child.” Benji laughs, saying, “Somehow everyone knows him whenever we go out to functions.”
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Benji is passionate about giving back to the Pahrump community. He runs the Junior Trojans Wrestling Club, where he dedicates time to mentoring young athletes. “If you know anyone that is interested, have them reach out!” he says, encouraging others to get involved. Benji also lends a hand with the PVHS wrestling team whenever he can, continuing to stay connected with his alma mater.
In terms of advice, Benji offers words of wisdom to anyone aspiring to follow a similar path. “You can get bitter, or you can get better,” he says, urging others to learn from their failures rather than accept them. “Acknowledge your loss, but never accept it,” he adds. Drawing from his experience coaching youth wrestlers, Benji emphasizes the importance of persistence and pushing through difficult times. “We never lose, we always learn,” he tells his wrestlers. His advice is not only for athletes but for anyone facing challenges in their career or personal life. “Weaker men have seen harder days, just keep pushing,” he reminds them.
Looking ahead, Benji is excited for the upcoming wrestling season and the chance to mentor more young athletes. While he has future goals and aspirations, he’s keeping them under wraps for now. “They’re still under development, come back to me in a few years,” he says with a smile. But one thing is for sure—Benji serves as an inspiration for others to strive for success while never losing sight of what truly matters, family.
