The landscape of corporate America changed dramatically between 2000 and 2003.

In an age when the daily life of a business CEO could include appearances on national TV, golfing with PGA stars, and doing promo spots for ESPN, the public's trust and confidence in our open market economy quickly disappeared in the face of scandal after scandal: the Enron debacle in November 2001, and into 2002 with Adelphia, Qwest, Tyco, and the unthinkable $74.

4 billion in improper accounting by WorldCom.

Even the venerable Martha Stewart was indicted for insider trading abuses.

As CEO and Chairman of the dynamic telecom Net2000 during those days, Charlie Thomas experienced the full life cycle of a business-start-up, incremental growth, rapid expansion, near collapse, boom, bust, and exit.

In Entrepreneur, Charlie has leveraged his knowledge as a business advisor and his experience leading and growing Net2000 to deliver a unique mix of business guidance set against the backdrop of company triumphs and disappointments.

These Lessons Learned will guide the reader through taking a company from a startup to an IPO and beyond.