Benton was born into a now seven generation ranching family outside of Las Cruces, New Mexico. He attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas where he received a Bachelors of Business Administration degree and later earned an MBA from Southern Methodist University-Cox School of Business.

Benton began his career at CSG Investments in the corporate securities sector of finance analyzing debt securities and purchasing debt on the secondary market, all secured by real estate. Within four years Benton transitioned to the relationship side of the industry joining Cullen-Frost Bank where he focused on commercial real estate lending. Soon after achieving his MBA, Benton accepted an opportunity to work for Hillwood Development Company. He oversees Hillwood's global debt markets securing and managing all debt capital transactions for the various Hillwood business units in addition to assisting with various corporate finance platforms and capital solutions. Benton is active with Texas Tech University's Investment Resource Council in addition to many other Dallas based professional organizations.

With his wife Carli and their four children, he resides in Dallas, Texas and whenever possible he enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family and friends in the mountains.