Celebrating the people who have positively impacted the real estate industry
The Everitt Real Estate Center’s Entrepreneurship Award
The Everitt Real Estate Center’s Entrepreneurship Award was established in 2007 to recognize and honor individuals who have been innovative, creative, and have displayed forward-thinking in their industry. The Entrepreneurship Award winners have impacted the real estate industry as a result of their resourcefulness, collaboration, and imagination. Their actions are inspiring, and they serve as exceptional role models for CSU Students.
2025 Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year
CARE Communities demonstrates innovation and creativity by challenging traditional affordable housing models and redefining how neighborhoods can serve diverse populations together. Under the leadership of Executive Director Steve Kuehneman, the organization has embraced a people-centered, design-driven approach that prioritizes dignity, inclusion, and long-term community impact. The Heartside Hill project reflects this vision, transforming church-owned property into a thoughtfully planned, mixed-income neighborhood through strategic partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and L’Arche Fort Collins.
Rather than limiting development to conventional apartment housing, CARE Communities intentionally incorporated modern amenities, shared community spaces, and housing options that support individuals with disabilities alongside families and workforce residents. This integrated approach, championed and advanced by Steve Kuehneman’s collaborative leadership, results in housing that feels welcoming, inclusive, and community-oriented, setting Heartside Hill apart from traditional affordable housing developments.
CARE Communities also exemplifies forward-thinking leadership through its long-term vision for community resilience. Heartside Hill was conceived not as a single-phase project, but as an evolving neighborhood designed to grow over time to include single-family homes, shared housing for individuals with disabilities, and a planned early childhood education center. By anticipating rising housing costs, workforce challenges, and the need for supportive services, CARE Communities has invested early in partnerships, financing, and thoughtful site planning to ensure lasting impact. This proactive, multi-generational vision positions CARE Communities as a model for building sustainable, inclusive communities that will serve Fort Collins well into the future. Aligning with the College of Business mission of “Business for a Better World,” CARE Housing is most deserving to be recognized as the 2025 Everitt Real Estate Center Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Everitt Real Estate Center Hall of Fame
The Everitt Real Estate Center Hall of Fame was established in 2003 to recognize and honor leaders whose life-long contributions shaped the real estate industry. The Hall of Fame award winners have a proven record of improving their community through their business leadership. They have had a significant impact on their field and serve as exceptional role models for CSU Students.
2025 Real Estate Hall of Fame Inductee
As President and CEO of one of Colorado’s premier real estate investment firms, Chris King has built a distinguished career defined by value creation, strategic leadership, and long-term stability. Over more than 35 years in commercial real estate, he has successfully acquired, developed, and overseen more than $2 billion in land development, office, retail, and industrial projects.
Chris is widely respected for his ability to uncover opportunity in under-managed and complex properties. Alongside his experienced team, he has created successful investment strategies through both traditional acquisitions and forward-thinking financial structures. His expertise navigating complex entitlement processes, working closely with municipalities, urban renewal authorities, and metropolitan districts, has enabled even the most challenging projects to move forward in ways that create value for all parties involved.
Under Chris’ leadership, DPC has grown steadily through both strong markets and economic downturns, reflecting his commitment to disciplined investment and long-term resilience. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris has been deeply involved in civic and industry leadership, serving as Past President of NAIOP’s Denver Chapter and supporting organizations such as Hope House, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Gold Crown Foundation. A proud Colorado State University alumnus, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in finance and economics. We are proud to have Chris in the Ram Family, and his career along with his student and community impact make him a deserving inductee into the Hall of Fame.
Deserving nominees are considered each year by the Everitt Real Estate Center Advisory Board and the Executive Committee. The award winners are honored at the Everitt Real Estate Center’s Annual Northern Colorado Real Estate Conference, held each fall in Fort Collins, Colorado. Please email cob_evertt_real_estate_center@mail.colostate.edu for more information to submit a nomination.
Submit a nomination