The CNCT Story
with David Tennent
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Hear the CNCT story from Founder and CEO David Tennent in a new episode of Capitol Spotlight, a video and audio podcast.
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. On January 20, as Biden took the oath of office, David felt the Holy Spirit say: “it’s not time to leave D.C.”
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 subscriptions—proof that CNCT was striking a chord with staffers who wanted to see a change.
Finally, in March 2022, David quit his job on the Hill and launched CNCT. He picked up a job at Mission Navy Yard, building CNCT during the day while he waited tables at night.
Get to know more about David...
🏠 Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
🎓 College: University of Pittsburgh
🔗 CNCT with David about... His toxic love for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
❤️ David’s Favorites
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
Tune in to this episode to hear how David created a successful start-up and what really motivates him to continue even when times get tough.
More about David
Starting a business wasn't easy, and David faced some pretty serious bumps along the way. There were moments when he wasn't sure how he'd fund the next step and others when the complexities of technology became overwhelming. Through it all, he relied on two forces to keep moving forward.
✝️ 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. David recalls one particularly rough dinner date when he broke down in front of his then-girlfriend who was nothing but understanding and supportive. As David describes how she's been there through the whole process, he thanks her support which helped him fully commit to CNCT.
🏴☠️ 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.
One more thing: David wants to make it clear to any staffers reading that CNCT is here for them! If there is any way CNCT can support you or your office, let us know.
If starting a business is in the back of your mind, you may want to CNCT with David!