A native of Euclid, Benjamin Duer has been in journalism for more than 24 years
Local journalism requires local journalists. Every couple of weeks, we will spotlight Canton Repository staff members who serve the Stark County community.
Benjamin Duer grew up in Euclid and is a graduate of Villa Angela-St. Joseph's High School in Cleveland. He is the oldest of four and a former athlete.
Duer graduated from Ohio University in 1998 and is a former Postie, working for the student-run newspaper, The Post. Duer also has a MBA from Malone University.
After college he spent five years in New Philadelphia at The Times-Reporter before arriving at The Canton Repository in April 2004.
He has been a beat reporter, a videographer and a multi-media editor for The Repository. His video work frequently involves high school football.
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Why I became a journalist
There was no single moment or news event that drew me into the profession.
I love history, and I believe journalists capture and record history as it unfolds. The stories we write lay a foundation for tomorrow's history books, locally and nationally. That has always excited me ― and it still does.
What I like most about my job
It is the best classroom to learn and teach from.
It is my honor and privilege to learn from others in the community, to hear their stories and knowledge and turn around to share what I've learned with readers.
In that way, I feel like a student and a teacher.
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My favorite story or stories I've written
My favorite stories were the ones that grabbed the headlines like breaking news or a political scandal. At least they were when I entered the profession.
Now, as I'm older, the stories that motivate me are the ones that I hope add value and make a difference in the community. They are the ones that provide some closure or help others be heard.
They are the stories that shine spotlights on injustices or on the good work of those who help communities move forward.
If I wasn't a journalist...
I would've been a firefighter.
I think the men and women in that profession are real-life superheroes. They run into the chaos, all to save others.
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Favorite quote
"If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. '" - Martin Luther King Jr.
Life away from journalism
I am married with two children living in North Canton. My wife is a preschool teacher.
We love to travel and explore the country. We mix history and family fun in our adventures.
Before journalism, I worked for a steel mill, a golf course, an ice rink and a fertilizer company. I have two brothers who are Army veterans and a sister who teaches. I am a lifelong fan of Cleveland sports.
Countries I want to visit
In my youth, I saw the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo perform in front of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. A lone bagpiper, high atop the castle, ended the concert.
A very cool experience.
Now I would love to see the fjords of Iceland, playing golf at midnight, and the beaches of Guam.
How to reach me
You may reach me at 330-580-8567 or bduer@gannett.com. On Twitter at @bduerREP.
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Benjamin Duer has worked for The Canton Repository since 2004
