Benny came to the United States in 1952.  When he arrived at the airport in Boise, a rancher met him to take him to a ranch in Mountain Home, Idaho where Benny's uncle was a foreman.  He worked with the sheep for four years, then moved to Idaho City as a logger, and began a long career as a butcher in 1957.  He started weightlifting around this time.

Weightlifting soon became one of Benny's passions, a sport at which he excelled.  He has traveled across the United States for competitions and exhibitions.  Actively involved in the Basque community in Boise and surrounding area, Benny is a pillar of the community and a staunch supporter of Basque culture and sports.