Posted
on Friday, November 21, 2025
in
Small Business Spotlights
Pictured is Erik Oleson, Ben Gruwell, and Rick Schreier
Small Business Spotlight: Benjamin Gruwell Photography
Meet Ben Gruwell - or as his little clients affectionately call him, Mr. Ben - the talented owner of Benjamin Gruwell Photography. Ben officially launched his business in 2014 after graduating from DMACC in Ankeny, following in the footsteps of a long line of entrepreneurs.
Photography has been a lifelong passion for Ben. “I’ve always been fascinated by the candid photos my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents captured in their youth,” he shares. “This is my true passion - to capture a moment in life and pass it on to the next generation.”
One of Ben’s favorite parts of running his own business is connecting with people. Over the years, he’s had the joy of photographing families as kids grow up, parents become grandparents, and couples celebrate their weddings.
A Story City native, Ben is deeply rooted in his community. Even during the years he lived out of state, he made weekly trips back to serve his local clients. “There’s something truly magical about Story City and the people who call it home,” he says.
Ben’s connection to the community goes even further back. As a child, he fondly remembers opening his first savings and checking account at Reliance State Bank (then Randall-Story State Bank). Later, when starting his business, RSB supported him with a line of credit to purchase essential equipment. “The team at Reliance has always been some of the kindest people you could ever meet,” Ben reflects.
From capturing life’s special moments to supporting his hometown community, Ben Gruwell Photography is all about preserving memories that last for generations.
To learn more about Ben's services, visit his website!