Ben Dossman

Ben Dossman IV is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and change agent who believes in the unwavering power of the human spirit. Ben spent several years traveling the world honing his culinary skills as a chef. He then moved to MN and thus began the pursuit of his passion for helping others.

In 2009 Ben started a non-profit Affirmation House which provides housing to chronically homeless men. Utilizing one of his rental houses in Brooklyn Center provided permanent housing for five men. As a result of the success of the first house – Ben won the Housing First Award from Hennepin County.

Continuing on his quest to give back to others, Ben engaged with Hennepin Community College in 2013 and continues to work on the Black Male Leadership program, providing the students with insight into real-life experiences. Ben currently serves as a board member of North Hennepin Community College.

In a continuous quest to be of service to others, from 2015 to 2019, Ben started Fat Chance restaurant in Brooklyn Park, which focused on large Smokehouse sandwiches sourced with local ingredients. In addition to serving the Best Sandwiches in MN, the restaurant's mission was to provide employment opportunities to men and women experiencing homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse. In addition to nourishing our bodies, Fat Chance also helped nurture young minds by partnering with Hennepin Community College to provide internships and training to college students. Lastly, Fat Chance created outposts serving Fat Chance favorites and coffee shops at Hennepin Technical Colleges in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie.