Chuck participated in drama, sports, church activities and numerous outdoors activities as a youth growing up in Penn Hills. Chuck graduated with honors from Penn Hills High School in 1982 and enrolled at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. Chuck excelled in the classroom and on the football field. As an academic and athletic All-American, Chuck led Division II in rushing and was a candidate
for the Heisman Trophy. Chuck is a member of the Penn Hills and Slippery Rock Hall of Fame. In 1986, Chuck graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business Management and was drafted by the NFL San Diego Chargers. He played the 1986 and 1987 seasons for his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. As a Steeler, Chuck was recognized as a standout special team’s player. Chuck also signed professional contracts with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams. After his NFL Career, Chuck embarked on the journey to fulfill his true God given purpose, business and community service. Chuck became a Real Estate Information Specialist and started “Join a Team, Not a Gang” inner city outreach program. “I decided to stop being an old football player and become a young businessman” and used that success to give back to people. In 1997, Chuck married the love of his life, Elisa Todd Sanders. In 1998, they founded Urban Settlement Services, LLC. Now Urban Lending Solutions, ULS provides real estate information and technology to banks and government institutions. In 2009, Urban Lending Solutions was recognized as the nation’s largest minority owned settlement services company. Urban Lending Solutions is ranked by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the top 100 minority owned corporations in America with over 200 employees. Urban Lending Solutions has also been recognized by Inc. 500 as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. Chuck and Elisa founded Chuck Sanders Charities to help fund and support existing Christian charities, churches and programs. They are also dedicated to promoting educational and physical fitness programs for Pittsburgh’s youth and young adults. Along with Chuck and Elisa’s charitable contributions, in 2011 the Sanders’ will open the SAVOY Restaurant located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s thriving Strip District. Chuck and Elisa strive to create a premier dining destination for Pittsburgh’s faith-based and professional crowds. At SAVOY, Chuck and Elisa’s goal is to provide the citizens of Pittsburgh with first class service, food, energy and a wonderful atmosphere. The Sanders’ also have interests in the DARBY and Mint Restaurants in New York and Phoenix, respectively. In his leisure time, Chuck’s hobbies include traveling, reading, coaching football and investing. He is the proud father of three boys Charles, age 13, Joshua, age 11 and Caleb, age 6.