Ben D. Anderson was born with cerebral palsy, grew up in the small town of Kenmare, North Dakota. When he was three years old his grandfather promised him a John Deere (pedal) Tractor if he would learn to walk.  Anderson graduated from Minot Senior High in Minot, North Dakota in 1972. He attended both Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake, North Dakota and Golden Valley Lutheran College in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Ben is a 1992 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stout at Menomonie, Wisconsin. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation with an emphasis in community-based rehabilitation.

Anderson began Break Through, Inc. in 1978. Break Through is a non-profit organization that provides leadership training to churches, community civic groups, schools, universities, businesses, and professional groups. The training enables them to build a new awareness of and sensitivity towards persons with disabilities. The message motivates people to face their discomfort and opens the door to better interpersonal relationships. Ben travels nationwide as the CEO and Chief Trainer for Break Through, Inc.

In January of 2006 Ben was appointed by the governor of Wisconsin to the Rehabilitation Council .

He enjoys his North Dakota roots and the memories of the "John Deere" tractor that his grandfather gave him when he was a boy. Ben has always loved the country and all the activities that goes with living with the farm industry.