Charles Masters Rodriguez

Charles Masters Rodriguez says he was destined to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Dating back to the Civil War, generations of men in his family served in the military, and he was not going to resist the call of legacy.

Charles graduated from West Point Military Academy and commissioned as an engineer dive officer in the U.S. Army. After five years of active duty, Charles was ready to pursue his other passion, entrepreneurship.

He enrolled in FIU’s College of Business Professional MBA Flex program, and describes StartUP FIU, StartUP FIU Local, and the Florida Small Business Development Center at FIU Business as paramount to his success.   

Charles participated in programs from the Academy of Leaders to the Luxury Incubator project and micro-credential courses. He credits this additional support and FIU’s network as a major draw to the program.

Thanks to his military training, his “can do” attitude and the support from FIU’s community, Charles was able to balance continuing his education with managing his own business, MK3 Industries.

His vision for MK3 is to develop next-generation manufacturing for high-end and military grade automotive parts, eventually expanding inventory to cover air and sea parts and include government contracts. He recently received a grant from Veteran’s Florida to lease a warehouse in Doral to expand his business.

Michelle Lopez
Assistant Director of Communications
FIU Business