Charlene Hampton & the Bus That Changed Everything

DeShay Williams

Tuesday, January 20

7:00 a.m.

Spark Thomasville Executive Director

Let me tell you about Charlene Hampton.

For twelve years—every single morning and every single afternoon—Charlene climbed the steps of Bus 5.

The second place check for winning business idea: MarBen5 Charters—named after her parents Margarite and Reuben, Mr. Benny and Bus 5. (Pictured L-R) Spark Board Chair, Doug Shierling, Charlene Hampton, Mina Thomson, and Spark Executive Director, DeShay Williams

The squeak of the door opening.

The smell of vinyl seats warmed by the Georgia sun.

The chorus of voices—little kids giggling, middle schoolers debating, high schoolers dreaming out loud.

And Mr. Benny Roberts? He wasn’t just a bus driver.

He knew every name. Every family. Every story.

He didn’t just drive a route—he created a family on wheels.

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HERE’S WHAT MADE IT MAGIC

Charlene never sat alone.

There was always someone to talk to. Someone to laugh with. Someone who knew her name.

The older kids looked out for the younger ones. Stories flowed freely across grades and ages.

Bus 5 wasn’t just transportation—it was belonging.

And twice a day, every single day, Charlene felt it: This is what community feels like.

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Charlene Hampton, entrepreneur and founder of MarBen5 Charters, sharing her journey from Bus 5 to Spark Tank 2025.

THEN LIFE GOT HARD

When Charlene was ten, her father died.

Her mother—a laborer who worked tirelessly—didn’t sugarcoat their financial struggles. She taught her kids that hard work and showing up weren’t optional.

That resilience shaped everything that came next.

After graduating high school Charlene earned her B.S. Degree joined the ranks of public-school teachers. She retired after 30+ years of service.

After retirement, Charlene became a serial entrepreneur—Uber driver, insurance agent, and non-emergency medical transport. She even drove Bus 5 for Thomas County Schools (yes, that Bus 5).But one memory never left her:

The feeling of belonging she experienced twice a day on that bus.

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Charlene Hampton pitching MarBen5 Charters at Spark Tank 2025—turning a childhood sense of belonging into a business vision.

THEN SPARK THOMASVILLE

Walking into that first cohort meeting felt familiar—like climbing the steps of Bus 5 all over again.

Entrepreneurs at different stages. Sharing stories. Supporting each other.

Coaches who knew their names, listened to their dreams, and believed in their potential.

Through twelve weeks of training, Charlene found something special: a community that understood her vision.

Fellow entrepreneurs who cheered her on. Coaches who helped her turn a childhood memory into a viable business plan.

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AND THEN? SHE WON!

At Spark Tank 2025, Charlene won 2nd place with MarBen5 Charters—named after her parents Margarite and Reuben, Mr. Benny and Bus 5.

Her mission?

To recreate what she felt twice a day for twelve years: a transportation company where people belong, celebrate together, and build memories that last a lifetime.

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THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Charlene’s story reminds me why community matters so much.

Why showing up for each other—twice a day, every day—changes lives.

Why the right support at the right time can turn a childhood memory into a thriving business.

That’s what Spark Thomasville does.

Spark doesn’t just teach business plans. It creates the kind of community that makes entrepreneurs feel like they belong—just like Charlene felt on Bus 5.

Need transportation for your group to the next football game or special out-of-town event?

Call Charlene, she anticipates launching mid-winter 2026! marben5.com

Let’s build more buses. 🚌