About

Charles “Chuck” Wardell III has lived an extraordinary life–in fact he wasn’t supposed to live at all, but he did...

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He was regularly counted out. Even at the hospital where he was born, the doctor didn’t think he would make it. But Chuck counted himself in and did more than survive. He rose to the top, over and over, through Vietnam, Harvard, the White House, the State Department and beyond. He went on to run six international companies as their CEO, and now, at 80, Chuck is not stopping anytime soon.

This life story, intersecting with major events in American history over the last 80 years, is told with raw honesty and self-effacing humor. Is an inspiration to all who have been counted out. Over and over, Chuck was cut out, flunked out, and simply underestimated. In his early years, there was no silver spoon to feed him, and he struggled even to finish his homework on account of his dyslexia. If there were any leaders to guide him, they lived by a rough, simplistic wisdom: “tough it out”. But with grit, determination, creativity and a tireless sense of humor, Chuck rose to the top of every agency and company he encountered.

Praise

Praise for Come Up Big

”An exciting and even fascinating life does not always produce an excellent autobiography. In this case it does. The author’s charm and whimsical view of life bleeds pleasurably into the narrative making it a thoroughly and immensely entertaining romp through a remarkable life superbly lived.”

~ Brian Haig

Author of the best selling Sean Drummond thriller series and renowned military strategist.

“Come Up Big is a fascinating book about a great American life well lived. Chuck Wardell’s journey from growing up in New York to the jungles of Vietnam, through the halls of power in the White House and corporate America provides a great example of living life with determination, grit and a sense of humor. A joyful read!”

~ Col. Peter Kinney (Retired U.S. Army)

Board Chair of the Fort Campbell Historical Society

Works