Meet Charlie Garcia, the visionary founder of R360, who is transforming the privilege of wealth into a force for good and reshaping not just the lives of those it touches but also the world their children and everyone else will inherit.
As a highly decorated veteran, Charlie’s patriotic service is highlighted by his contributions to the administrations of six U.S. Presidents from both political parties. This dedication to his country has paralleled his entrepreneurial journey, where he demonstrated his gifts by founding Sterling Financial and fostering its growth across eight countries with sixty offices, before leading its successful sale to leading public companies. Recognized as “Entrepreneur of the Year” by three organizations, Charlie’s strategic insights have influenced Fortune 500 boards, and his passion for innovation has stimulated the launch of numerous start-ups.
Charlie’s commitment extends beyond business and politics, into the nonprofit sector. As leader of the Florida Governor’s statewide Reading Taskforce, he has made literacy accessible to a multitude of Latino and African American students, who now outperform their white counterparts in reading in 33 states and boast the highest graduation rates in the country. His service extends further as chair of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, a member of the Florida State Board of Education, and as a board member for organizations including the Girl Scouts of the USA, Junior Achievement USA, and 3DE Schools, which is redesigning public high school education across America.
His contributions to public service were honored at a ceremony on Capitol Hill with the Distinguished Public Service Medal for his transformative work to enhance candidate diversity across five military service academies during the administrations of Presidents Obama and Bush. For his work throughout war-torn Central America in the mid-1980s, he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, one of the highest peacetime awards bestowed upon members of the armed forces by the Department of Defense. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Charlie’s unique contributions to the intelligence community earned him the Director of National Intelligence Medallion and the CIA’s Agency Seal Medal - both acknowledge exceptional service and significant contributions to national security.
Beyond his roles in public service and business, Charlie is a respected thought leader, having authored two best-selling leadership books that now inspire readers in over ten languages.
In the bustling orchestra of life, Charlie finds his sweetest symphony in his family. Married to his soulmate, Cristina, their love story lights up his days. As a devoted father and grandfather, he savors every moment spent with his four wonderful children and three beloved grandchildren, his most precious treasures.
At the break of each day, Charlie pledges anew to a life of service, harnessing his gifts to enrich society, anchored by a deep and unwavering love for his country.
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