I’m Charles Bender, an entrepreneur, Navy veteran, and passionate advocate for connecting communities through technology. My entrepreneurial journey started when I moved to a rural area and quickly realized that reliable, high-speed internet was a luxury not yet available. So, in 2002, I founded Skynet Broadband to bridge that gap, bringing dependable connectivity to underserved communities. Today, Skynet goes beyond internet access, offering world-class telephony systems that deliver high-quality communication solutions to businesses of all sizes—at a fraction of the traditional cost.Later, I launched Attentus Technologies, a managed IT services company focused on designing, managing, and securing IT infrastructure for businesses. At Attentus, we’re dedicated to proactive, transparent service, empowering our clients to grow without the constant worry of IT security and reliability. From compliance to cybersecurity, my team and I approach each project with integrity and a commitment to trust.Family is the heart of my life. I’ve been married to Celia, my partner and love, for 30 years, and we have two wonderful adult sons, with a soon-to-be daughter-in-law joining our family. Their support and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey, and I’m grateful every day for their love.My dedication to building strong connections extends to my work with the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO). For over a decade, I’ve held leadership roles at the highest levels within EO, where I’ve focused on developing leaders and building communities that prioritize connection over content. I believe that true power lies in people coming together to bring content to life through shared experience. I’ve also developed training programs to help entrepreneurial leaders grow, with practical skills in leadership and coaching.Education is a lifelong passion of mine. I attended the EO Entrepreneurial Masters Program in conjunction with the MIT Enterprise Forum, and each year, I read about 35 non-fiction books to deepen my understanding of leadership, strategy, and the human condition. I live by the philosophy: "A smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from others," a mindset that pushes me to share my knowledge and seek new insights continuously.When I’m not working or mentoring, you might find me with a guitar in hand, a good Scotch at my side, or doing stand-up comedy, finding humor in life’s ups and downs. To me, life is about building connections, empowering others, and making the most of every step on the journey.