After emigrating in 1951 to Canada, Bendtsen began an apprenticeship under his father, a cabinetmaker who worked under Jacob Kjaer. In 1963, he opened his own retail store where he sold his father's designs, as well as other pieces from Scandinavia.

Moving around the world while gaining different types of experience in the world of furniture, Bendtsen started his own manufacturing company, Bensen, combining Italian craftsmanship with contemporary designs. Along with his staff, Bendtsen designs and oversees production on every piece.