Shared Faith,
Shared Ambition,
Shared Experiences.
Banded exists to create the most soul healthy, well connected, inwardly strong and others focused leaders in their community. We do this through monthly peer groups, curated trips and experiences and a national network of peers striving to lead well and live well.
Forged By The Frontier
From the beginning of time, creatures have banded together in the name of survival. Without the right community, every piece of your life becomes marginalized. Going it alone leaves you vulnerable, burnt out, and out of sync with what you were created for. That goes double for those in positions of leadership. Families are depending on you to remain steady in the daunting face of entrepreneurial adversity – a task that simply cannot be done in solitude. Luckily, it no longer has to.
The History of BANDED
Banded was founded as a joint venture between Ocean and FCCI, blending the innovative leadership development of Ocean with FCCI’s legacy of faith-integrated business guidance. Ocean began by equipping early-stage business owners through its Accelerator and later expanded to support leaders across all stages of growth, helping them align their business practices with faith and values. FCCI (Fellowship of Companies for Christ International) has empowered Christian business leaders globally for decades, focusing on integrity, stewardship, and community impact through a strong peer advisory network and resources.
The vision for Banded emerged from the combined passion and experience of founders Ben Hardman and Luke Dooley, who saw a need for a community where leaders could grow with purpose and resilience. Hardman and Dooley have led Banded groups, curated meaningful experiences and trips and building a strong membership community among close friends and relationships. These early stages shaped Banded as a space for leaders to engage authentically and thrive in a supportive, values-driven environment.
Banded Virtual expands the opportunity for Christian executives, team leaders, and key decision-makers to engage in a powerful peer experience rooted in biblical wisdom and authentic community. This initiative was born from a desire to connect those who shoulder significant organizational responsibility—even if they aren’t owners themselves—with a trusted circle of peers who encourage spiritual growth, leadership excellence, and Kingdom-minded impact in every domain of work and life.
We’re thrilled to welcome leaders into a community dedicated to purpose, clarity, and navigating their journeys with faith.
Ben Hardman
Founder and National Director
Ben Hardman helps develop leaders who are soul healthy, deeply connected, inwardly strong and fully focused on serving others. His work aligns the inner life, relationships, and business strategy to create sustainable, meaningful impact.A serial entrepreneur, Ben is the founder of Banded, and the executive director of Grace Family of Churches. With 25 years of experience coaching thousands of leaders and launching entrepreneurial endeavors, Ben has built and successfully transitioned ownership of two consulting firms, helping individuals and organizations thrive through clarity, structure, and purpose.
His vision for the second half of his life is to help others achieve their dreams of impact and transformation, acting as a supportive figure behind countless redemptive and flourishing visions.
FAQs
Who is Banded for?
Banded is designed for high-capacity leaders who want more than surface-level success.
Our members are founders, CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs who carry significant responsibility and are looking for a trusted community of peers who understand the weight of leadership.
If you’re building something meaningful, navigating complex decisions, and want a space where you can be honest, challenged, and supported — Banded was created for you.
Is this coaching or therapy?
No. Banded is not coaching or therapy.
Banded is a peer community built around honest conversation, shared wisdom, and accountability. Instead of a coach or expert directing the conversation, members learn from each other through guided discussion, real-life leadership challenges, and shared experiences.
Many members find that the collective insight of the group provides clarity and perspective that can’t be found alone.
How are groups formed?
Groups are intentionally curated to create meaningful and trusted relationships.
Members are placed in small groups of 6–10 leaders who share similar levels of responsibility and leadership experience. This allows conversations to be relevant, honest, and impactful.
The goal is to create a space where every member feels understood and challenged by peers who truly “get it.”
What does it cost?
Banded offers two membership options depending on how you want to participate.
In-Person Membership
$675/month
Includes monthly in-person gatherings with your peer group and access to community experiences and retreats.
Virtual Membership
$250/month
Includes participation in a virtual peer group with the same structure and intentional conversations.
Both options provide access to a trusted network of leaders committed to growth and accountability.
How do I apply?
Submit an application through our website and a member of the Banded team will connect with you to learn more about your leadership journey and what you’re looking for in community.
If it’s a good fit, we’ll place you in a group with leaders who will challenge, support, and walk alongside you.
Embrace the power of the collective
By opening a Banded branch, you can bring the transformative power of our company model to create a space where entrepreneurs like yourself can connect, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Let’s work together to create a thriving business ecosystem in your city.