Chuck Cuda is a Kansas City-based Author, entrepreneur, commercial real estate leader, cannabis executive, and philanthropist whose life and career reflect the power of redemption, resilience, and second chances. As someone who experienced incarceration early in life and later rebuilt his path through faith, discipline, and determination, Chuck brings direct personal insight into the realities of the justice system and the challenges individuals face when working to reclaim their futures after prison.

 

Today, Chuck is the founder of OPES Commercial Real Estate, where he has personally completed more than $440 million in transactions and helped build one of the Kansas City region’s top-performing brokerage firms. His leadership, deep market knowledge, and commitment to relationships have made him a respected figure in business and development.

 

In addition to real estate, Chuck has built and scaled businesses across multiple industries, including real estate, construction, healthcare, professional employer organizations, and cannabis. As CEO of Elevation Cannabis, he helped lead the company’s growth from five licenses to 26 across three states, expanding operations in both medical and adult-use markets and establishing himself as a recognized leader in the cannabis industry.

 

Chuck also brings a strong record of philanthropy and community impact. In 2018, he founded the OPES Charitable Foundation, which has raised more than $4 million to support cancer research, multiple sclerosis initiatives, paralysis therapy and research, autism programs, and local families and organizations in need. Through the foundation’s signature Green Tie Gala, he has helped generate significant support for medical research and community-centered causes. He has also served and supported organizations including Blood Cancer United, the Tommy Simone Memorial Foundation, youth athletics, and mentorship initiatives.

 

As a board member, Chuck brings a rare combination of business leadership, cannabis industry experience, philanthropic vision, and lived experience with incarceration. His personal journey gives him a meaningful connection to the mission of Forgotten Prisoner and a deep understanding of why advocacy, opportunity, and second chances matter. His voice on the board reflects both compassion and credibility, shaped by firsthand experience and a lifelong commitment to helping others build a better future.