By Rich Sanders
Chris Cumby grew up in a rough-and-tumble neighborhood in Toronto, Canada, but has become an important part of the Emerald Coast community during the last decade. Through inspirational leadership, coaching and networking in churches and Bible studies, Chris has developed a role that he describes as a “super-connector of people,” culminating each year in a business conference called Level Up. This year’s Level Up Emerald Coast conference will break out at the Oceans Church in Destin from September 25-27th and host more than 400 entrepreneurs!
Before he came to this beautiful part of the world, Chris was had two successful careers in different industries: soft drinks and energy. First, he learned the basics of corporate life with a variety of roles with Pepsi in Toronto. After seven years with Pepsi, Chris became a powerful force in the energy business.
In describing his role with a start-up company in the energy business, Chris describes an early surge: “We did 12 million in profit in the first 18 months!” By helping large consumers of energy, such as hotel chains, manage their risk in consuming electricity, Chris’ company likewise became energized. This put him in an environment of abundance.
It also taught him important lessons about life and wealth. As he started to travel and experience more of the world, Chris says: “I’ve seen the richest, and I’ve seen the poor.” All that experience led him to Jesus, and he was born again through baptism last year on March 16th!
Now, as a follower of Jesus, Chris has developed an incredible level of discipline. Early each day, he awakens to read the Bible, calls his father (his parents still live in Canada and have been married nearly 60 years), then heads to the gym for strenuous exercise. After all that morning preparation, he’s ready to be the super-connector! “Every day I seek walking with Jesus in my heart and looking for opportunity from a perspective of helping people. I’ve just always been a helper, a servant.”
That servant leadership inspired Level Up. “I truly believe you have to interact, go with intention, and be full of faith,” Cumby says. “Because when you are, people, places, events, and circumstances show up.”
This year’s conference, he says, is more than a business event. “Level Up Emerald Coast isn’t just an event – it’s a movement. It’s where faith meets action, leaders rise, and vision turns into reality. This is the room where breakthroughs are born!”
Registration is open at levelupemeraldcoast.com. Cumby also recently shared his story on Episode 21 of the Christian Capitalist podcast, available at SouthWalton.life.
As host of the podcast, I’m excited to share inspirational stories of hard work and generous giving to the poor and needy in the name of Jesus Christ, such as Chris Cumby’s and the Level Up Conference!
