In 2002, Ben Campbell, co-founder of Higher Ground Furniture, faced a life-altering challenge. A high-speed biking accident left him with three fractured lumbar vertebrae. If it weren’t for his active lifestyle as an athlete and yogi, he likely never would have walked again. However, through diligent rehabilitation and the passage of time, Ben managed to make a remarkable recovery. His journey compelled him to seek alternative ways to sit comfortably, igniting a quest for the perfect chair that would support his recovery while promoting optimal posture and circulation.
Exploring options from ball chairs to kneeling chairs proved fruitless; none provided the ideal solution. However, a moment of epiphany in 2021 changed everything. As Ben sat on a zabuton cushion, tilting it forward offered newfound comfort and support. He fashioned a makeshift solution using scrap plywood and a stack of books. This innovation alleviated discomfort and allowed Ben to sit with a strong posture as he worked.
He knew the value of his discovery, and he set out to design a chair that replicated the makeshift solution he’d thrown together. He designed dozens of prototypes before, eventually, he conceived the final form of the Higher Ground Chair.
Even before they were designing office furniture, Ben and his co-founder, Baird Whelan, had been active entrepreneurs and professionals. The two had even worked together before, founding a company that produced educational content for sustainable industries. With Ben’s design and marketing skills, and Baird’s focus on operation and logistics, they were a winning team, and when it came time to turn their revolutionary chair design into a business, they already had a network of support.
Since 2016, they have immersed themselves in the local entrepreneurial community, attending events like 1 Million Cups AVL. Through opportunities provided by the Hatch Innovation Hub, they applied for grants and participated in pitch coaching events. Though they didn’t progress past the final round of consideration for the NC Micro Idea Grant, their perseverance bore fruit during Asheville Entrepreneur Week 2023, where their pitch for Higher Ground Furniture won among dozens of other pitches.
Their victory wasn’t just about accolades; it validated their mission and perspective as entrepreneurs in the physical goods industry. With guidance from mentors like Jay Mixter, feedback from judges, and community support, Ben and Baird refined their vision. They were determined to ensure that Higher Ground Furniture was more than just a pitch; it was a commitment to crafting comfort and well-being for their customers.
Now, as members of Hatch Coworking, Ben and Baird are surrounded by a vibrant community of local entrepreneurs. They envision a future where Higher Ground Furniture becomes a cornerstone of health and wellness, locally and beyond. In the next two to three years, they aspire to establish relationships with local manufacturing partners and vendors, realizing their dream of a vertically integrated business model. They believe that being present in the community at Hatch will expose them to the kinds of local business contacts necessary to realize their lofty aspirations.
They envision a business that not only designs and fabricates products to support health and wellness but also sources its sustainable materials locally, like Hempwood or Bamboo plywood. Moreover, they aim to provide spaces and educational events to empower their community to reach higher ground, both figuratively and literally.
In only the first month since launch, their sales have more than exceeded expectations. The market wants their chairs. By getting their chairs in health and wellness spaces with high visibility they believe they’ll sustain this early momentum.
Though Higher Ground Furniture remains a part-time engagement, its potential is undeniable. With Hatch Innovation Hub behind them, Ben and Baird are confident in their ability to scale their enterprise as it grows. Their journey is one of resilience, creativity, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the world—one chair at a time. As they continue to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, their vision of Higher Ground Furniture serves as a beacon of inspiration for all those who dare to dream and strive for something greater.