The CNCT Story with David Tennent
Founder & CEO of Capitol CNCT — on the idea, the impact, and the credit card debt it took to get there.
The idea for CNCT began with an interaction that almost didn't happen. At the start of 2021, David Tennent was ready to leave D.C. Like many staffers after a change of power, he felt it was time for a personal change. But before finalizing his plans, he had one last commitment — volunteering at Joe Biden's inauguration.
After striking up a conversation with the Democratic staffer standing next to him, David realized how well they got along when keeping an open mind. That realization would be one of the sparks that ignited Capitol CNCT.
Just two weeks later while lying awake in bed, restless, David got up to jot down his thoughts — and that's when CNCT was born.
David started working relentlessly, scribbling away in his notebook to come up with the first few sketches, mock-ups, and business plans for CNCT. Over 2021, David spent all of his savings and accrued a little credit card debt (it was a lot of debt) to bring CNCT to life.
The first breakthrough came in February 2022, when reporter Jim Saksa covered CNCT's pre-launch event in a front-page Roll Call story. Immediately, David's inbox filled with subscribers — proof that CNCT was solving a real problem.
Coffee Spot: Rare Bird Coffee Roasters in Falls Church
Restaurant: RPM Italian
TV Show: The Studio
Movie: Apocalypse Now or Tropic Thunder
Destination: Tuscany, Italy
Band: Hillsong United and Led Zeppelin
Faith in Jesus is David's sole reason that CNCT is still in business. There have been too many moments where CNCT was supposed to fail, but David saw miracles happen through deep prayer.
The support from his wife, Selby, was, and continues to be, essential as well. Besides faith and family, other motivators include his plans to donate 90% of the money he makes from CNCT, his dream of owning a place in Colorado, and buying the Pittsburgh Pirates to finally end their losing record.