Media Contact & Press Kit

Complete Bio (318 Words)

Chuck Cuda is a successful entrepreneur, commercial real estate expert, and philanthropist based in Kansas City, Missouri. As the founder of OPES Commercial Real Estate, Chuck has played a key role in the company's rapid success, personally completing over $440 million in transactions since inception. OPES is regularly recognized as one of Kansas City's top brokerage firms, exceeding $80 million in annual transaction volume. Chuck's focus on client relationships and market knowledge has been integral to the company's growth.

Beyond real estate, Chuck has built a diverse portfolio of businesses, including investments in real estate, property management, construction, healthcare, professional employers’ organization (PEO) and cannabis. As CEO of Elevation Cannabis, he has overseen the company's expansion from five licenses to 26 across three states, driving growth in both medical and adult-use markets. Chuck's ability to scale businesses and lead through complex transitions has made him a respected figure in the cannabis industry.

Chuck is also deeply committed to philanthropy. He founded the OPES Charitable Foundation in 2018, which has raised over $4 million for causes such as cancer research, MS foundation, paralysis research and therapy, autism, and several other local community organizations and families in need. The foundation's Green Tie Gala has raised over $600,000 in a single event, supporting medical research and community initiatives. Chuck is also involved in local boards, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – now Blood Cancer United, and the Tommy Simone Memorial Foundation, and he gives back through other non-profits including Naturals Baseball Club, youth baseball coaching and mentoring.

A devoted Catholic, Chuck credits his faith, family, and commitment to continuous improvement for his success. He lives in Kansas City with his wife Annamarie and their four children, balancing his professional ambitions with a deep commitment to his family and community. Chuck's journey is driven by a desire to make a positive impact and build a lasting legacy of service and achievement.

Book Cover

Available for Download and Use HERE

About Ego Strength

Ego Strength is the inspiring true story of Chuck Cuda, a self-made leader in commercial real estate and various business enterprises, who turned adversity into the foundation of a lasting legacy.

In today's fast-paced world of entrepreneurship and reinvention, true success is defined not just by what you achieve—but by how you overcome.

Chuck Cuda didn't just build a successful career; he built a legacy. In this compelling memoir, he shares the story of how he rose from the challenges of his early adult life to become a leader in commercial real estate, retail, healthcare, and the cannabis industry, all while shaping his legacy around the core values of personal growth, integrity, and resilience.

Chuck's turning point came when he made a difficult choice to protect his friends, which landed him in prison. What many would see as a setback, Chuck saw as an opportunity to build his "ego strength"—a crucial trait that would become the foundation of his future success. In prison, Chuck learned to turn his biggest challenges into opportunities, a lesson that propelled him forward after his release.

Chuck's insights into business, mindset, and leadership provide powerful tools for anyone striving to create lasting success. Through his story, Chuck teaches how to align your actions with your core values, rise above adversity, and build a truly fulfilling life. Whether rebuilding after a setback or aiming to achieve new heights, this book offers inspiration and practical advice to help you navigate life's toughest challenges and emerge victorious.

Ego Strength delivers the inspiration and tools to help you rise, lead, and thrive, whether you're rebuilding after a fall or pushing toward your next big goal.

Start your journey today—and discover the strength already within you.

Available for purchase HERE

• Chuck, people see your success now—CEO, author, real estate mogul but you’ve said it all started in a jail cell in 2009. What led you to write Ego Strength, and why now?

• You talk a lot about personal responsibility. Can you walk us through the moment you realized no one was coming to save you—and how that mindset shift changed everything?

• If you had to summarize Ego Strength in one sentence, what’s the big idea you want readers to walk away with?

• You’ve faced massive financial losses, business failures, and family friction—and still came out on top. What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to overcome adversity?

• Your book isn’t just for entrepreneurs. Who do you think needs this message the most—and what would you say to someone listening who feels stuck or defeated?

• You write about something you call 'ego strength'—which is different from ego. What is it, and how can someone build it in their own life?

• Let’s talk about betting on yourself. Most people are afraid to take the leap. What gave you the confidence to step up, especially when you took over as CEO of the cannabis company?

• You coach little league, run multiple businesses, and still make time for your family. What’s your philosophy on time management—and how does that show up in the book?

• Where can people find Ego Strength, and what surprised you most about the writing process? Would you do it again?

For all media requests:

Morgan Hicks

Morgan@opeskc.com

913.709.1627