Benji Koontz knows how to talk to people. Whether he’s in someone’s home solving a water issue or singing in front of a crowd with a local band, there’s a steady charm about him—authentic, upbeat and driven by connection.
As a longtime salesman for Oxley Soft Water Co. in Muncie, Koontz has become one of the company’s most recognizable faces. This summer, as Oxley celebrates its 69th year in business, he’s right where he wants to be—helping customers, carrying on family legacies and performing with passion in every sense of the word.
From the Gridiron to the Stage
Koontz’s story begins at Wes-Del High School, where he was a varsity kicker on the football team. But it wasn’t just sports that shaped him. His coach, Coach Meyer, saw something beyond touchdowns and playbooks and encouraged him to audition for the school play, “The Outsiders.”
Shortly after graduating, Koontz began pursuing acting. He secured an agent and landed roles in several commercials, one of which featured NFL quarterback Peyton Manning.
“Peyton sent me for a long pass that he never threw,” Koontz remembers with a laugh. “It was fun, but it was double-cast, and my version got cut. Still, what an experience.”
He still appears in commercials from time to time, collaborating with Mikey Skoglund’s company, Orange Wave Media.
Later this year, Koontz will take the stage in Muncie Civic Theatre’s production of “High Fidelity.” Even more meaningful: his 20-year-old daughter, Juniper, is serving as choreographer.
“It means the world to share the creative space with her,” he says proudly. “It takes me back to being a ‘dance dad,’ driving her back and forth to dance class.”
Selling Solutions, Not Just Salt
Koontz’s professional path hasn’t followed a straight line. From 2004 to 2007, he built a successful career as a car salesman at Gaddis. He saw the opportunity to transition to Oxley through Chad Little—the nephew of owner Keith Little and son of office manager Vicky—who was also a fellow member of the Partners for Profit BNI group. Koontz joined the team and quickly found his niche.
“I like solving problems,” he says. “When someone needs better water and Oxley makes that happen, that’s a win.”
Then, in 2019, another turning point came—literally in a dream. Koontz woke up with an idea: a smart salt sensor that could alert customers via cellphone when salt levels were running low. He teamed up with chemical engineer Patrick Huth and Dustin Humm from eKeeper to launch K & H Sensor Solutions, offering peace of mind and practical innovation for water softener users.
“I surround myself with people who can do things I can’t,” Koontz says. “That’s how real solutions come together.”
Remembering a Friend
Not all of life’s moments are joyful. In 2007, Koontz learned that one of his friends, Ryan Berry, had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Berry died at just 37 years old. In his honor, Koontz helped create a marathon. The “Berry Long Run” became an annual community fundraiser supporting families facing life-altering illnesses or the loss of a loved one.
“Ryan was a quiet leader, but when he spoke, people listened,” Koontz says. “He would always remind folks, ‘Strength for today… Hope for tomorrow.’”
The legacy carries on with the Ryan D. Berry Memorial Scholarship Fund.
From 2010 to 2014, Koontz participated in five runs. Although the event returned in 2015, it was held without a run. In 2016, he transitioned from organizing marathons to launching the World’s Longest Field Goal Approach.
“I would run a mile around Gaston, then kick three balls: one from 30 yards, then 25, then 20. Out of the three years, I only missed one kick.”
In 2024, Koontz teamed up with Viking Realty owner Robb Riley to raise scholarship funds through Riley’s event, Hops with Hutch.
“I’m passionate about promoting local entrepreneurs,” Koontz says. “Lathay Pegues, the owner of JohnTom’s Barbecue, is one of my favorites. He is also a musician. You can often find him hanging out at Mike Martin’s Common Market.”
Music, Community and the Smoking Horses
When he’s not solving water problems or acting, Koontz can often be found behind a microphone with his band, the Smoking Horses. The band’s drummer contacted him when they found themselves without a lead singer. Koontz auditioned and landed the role once again.
“Singing with a band is way easier than karaoke,” he laughs. “You’ve got that support behind you.”
Koontz draws inspiration from the music he grew up with—and the artists who shaped his love for storytelling through song.
“And I miss Jimmy Buffett,” he says, a nod to the late icon whose ability to connect to and read an audience was unmatched.
You can catch the Smoking Horses performing on June 21 at Acres USA, the first annual event hosted by Jason Mauck at his farm in Gaston. The day will showcase Mauck’s unique, zero-carbon-footprint farming methods and feature food trucks, drinks, a six-hole golf course and live music at dusk.
Legacy of Trust
This summer, Oxley Soft Water celebrates 69 years of service. Founded in 1956 by John Oxley, the company quickly built a reputation for reliable service and state-of-the-art water solutions. In 1984, Don Little moved from Ohio to Muncie to purchase the business. His son, Keith Little, took over in 1996 and still owns the company today, continuing a legacy of community-first service.
For Koontz, being part of that story is more than just a job—it’s personal.
“Sixty-nine years of service in this community—it’s not just a number. It’s trust earned every single day,” he says. “I get to be a part of that.”
Whether he’s selling softeners, performing on stage or belting out music, Koontz lives each day with intention, humor and heart.
“This isn’t just about what I do,” he says. “It’s about who I get to do it with. My family, my friends and my team at Oxley. Find your people, play it until you get it right and keep the party going.”
