HENSLEY BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Charles Benjamin Hensley – Biography
Dr. Charles Benjamin Hensley was born on October 12, 1953, in McAlester, Oklahoma. His early childhood was marked by mobility across several states, beginning in Oklahoma and later relocating to Newport News, Virginia, where he lived from 1960 to 1975. Returning to Oklahoma, he attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University for a year before moving to Norman to study at the University of Oklahoma, where he also played college football and earned his degree.
In 1981, Dr. Hensley furthered his academic pursuits at Long Beach State University in California, immersing himself in marine biology research. It was during this period that he stepped into a world of wonder—working alongside renowned shark biologist Don Nelson at California State University, Long Beach. His fascination with ocean predators deepened as he sought to unravel the mysteries of shark behavior, a passion that would shape his scientific career.
Dr. Hensley pursued advanced studies, including pre-doctoral work at USC from 1984 to 1988 and postdoctoral research from 1988 to 1993. His academic journey transitioned into a broader scientific and entrepreneurial career, leading him into the fields of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and entertainment.
From 1993 to 1996, Dr. Hensley served as a faculty member at Cleveland Chiropractic College. Demonstrating his innovative spirit, he founded Gel Tech (later ZICAM) in 1996, revolutionizing over-the-counter cold remedies with the development of ZICAM Cold Remedy—considered by many as “the cure for the common cold.” He also invented the nasal delivery system used in ZICAM products and co-founded Gel Tech LLC to fast-track its market presence.
Dr. Hensley's influence extended globally, with features in USA Today, Time Magazine, and appearances on CNBC Squawk Box Asia. His pioneering work in pharmaceuticals led to the development of broad-spectrum antiviral products, licensing deals, and further innovations across nasal therapeutics and neurodegenerative disease therapies. He founded Nasal Therapeutics, Inc., and developed treatments for migraines, receiving FDA approval and clearance.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, Dr. Hensley ventured into cosmetics by partnering with a Hong Kong-based group to establish Jovell, Inc., which now markets over thirty products across Asia.
In 2008, recognizing the potential of cross-industry opportunities, he turned toward entertainment. He founded Hensley Records in 2009, signing artists across various genres. By 2016, he expanded his entertainment enterprise into a global brand, establishing a parent corporation overseeing music, television, and film production.
Throughout his multifaceted career, Dr. Hensley has established himself as an international innovator, visionary, and entrepreneur with a significant global footprint. He is also a novelist, authoring Cold Wars—the story of his discovery and marketing of ZICAM—and Flu Wars, detailing his scientific and political insights into emerging viral diseases like SARS and Avian Influenza.
