Our Story
From One Man’s Mission to a Global Movement
In 2008, Herb Knoll’s world was forever changed when his wife passed away from pancreatic cancer. As a successful bank executive, Herb was no stranger to solving challenges—but he quickly discovered a profound gap in resources for widowers like him. Motivated by his own journey and the struggles faced by widowers—ranging from emotional isolation to high suicide rates—Herb turned his grief into action.
From Personal Loss to Global Support
Herb’s journey began with a vision to support other widowers. In 2014, he founded the Widowers Support Network (WSN) to provide widowed men with a safe, supportive space to connect and heal. With its mission to “serve, comfort, and assist widowers and those who love them,” WSN quickly grew into a global movement, now supporting widowed men in over 40 countries. In 2021, WSN was honored with a tribute from the Florida House of Representatives for its impact on widowers worldwide.
Building on this foundation, Herb spent nine years conducting research and engaging in conversations with fellow widowers. These efforts culminated in the release of The Widower’s Journey in 2017, a book that became a lifeline for widowers, earning widespread acclaim and FIVE STAR reviews on Amazon.com. The book was more than just a publication—it was a call to action and a source of hope for countless men.
A New Chapter with Chris Bentley and WidowWise LLC
In December 2024, the Widowers Support Network entered an exciting new phase when it was acquired by WidowWise LLC, under the leadership of Managing Director Chris Bentley.
Chris brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for supporting widowed individuals. After retiring from his advisory and wealth management practice, Chris retained his credentials, including his CFP® designation, and shifted his focus entirely to empowering the widowed community.
Loss, Finance, and Compassion
Chris’s journey into advocacy began with a profound realization during his financial advisory career: most people lack critical guidance after the loss of a spouse. Witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of navigating financial decisions during grief, Chris was moved to action.
Empowering the Widowed
In 2017, Chris founded Wings for Widows, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to providing widowed men and women with compassionate financial coaching and education. As a prolific writer and speaker, Chris has dedicated his life to raising awareness of the plight—and lack of support—for the widowed community. His books, including The Legacy Planning & Conversation Guide and The Newly Widowed Guide to Financial Wellness, have become essential resources for navigating life’s most challenging transitions.
Under Chris’s leadership, WSN is entering a new era, focused on innovation, growth, and empowering widowers to move beyond grief to embrace the next chapter in their lives.
Looking to the Future
WSN is evolving to meet the modern needs of widowed men with several exciting initiatives:
- A Redesigned Website: Offering a more intuitive, engaging, and user-friendly experience to better serve widowed men worldwide.
- Implementing a Membership Program: Creating opportunities for members to access exclusive content, events, and resources.
- Introducing the “Re-Building Blocks” Series: A professional toolset designed to help widowed men navigate life after loss, focusing on areas such as emotional growth, financial stability, and social reconnection.
- Founding Member Opportunities: An invitation to join as a Founding Member, with recognition, special perks, and a legacy badge to honor their support in shaping WSN’s future.
With Chris Bentley at the helm, WSN remains steadfast in its commitment to providing meaningful connection, resources, and a shared mission to help widowed men heal, rebuild, and thrive.
A Legacy of Impact
Herb Knoll’s vision laid the foundation for the Widowers Support Network, and his contributions continue to inspire. From publishing his acclaimed book The Widower’s Journey to founding WSN and hosting the Widower’s Journey Podcast, Herb’s work has touched thousands of lives.
Under Chris Bentley’s stewardship, WSN carries this legacy forward, building a brighter future for widowed men everywhere. Together, we honor the past, serve the present, and look toward a hopeful future.
