Considering himself an “islander”, Chuck Oakes was born on Long Island, New York. A couple of years later, his family moved to the outskirts of Los Angeles, above the smog. After being seeing and being inspired by the Kingston Trio at a local concert, he took up the guitar and formed his own performing trio; aptly called “The Princeton Trio”. At the age of eight, this group was signed to appear on the Steve Allen Show. After three impressionable years in L.A., his family moved to West Hartford where he sang his way through grade school! Local modeling, singing and acting began while in school. Upon graduating with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration, he began performing in the hotel circuit. His career expanded to include television commercials, appearing on the Kate & Allie television series, opening for The Kingston Trio and modeling as “The Stetson Man” for Coty Cosmetics. (right)

After years in the entertainment environment, Chuck transferred his stage and "stand up" skills to the corporate realm as an executive coach and corporate trainer. Jumping off from experience as a Human Resource Generalist, he began writing for various publications and websites including those of: USA Today, the Wall St. Journal, The American Management Association, USA Disabled, the Progressive Grocer and RV West. His research and writing on matters pertaining to individuals with disabilities prompted him to be an Advisor to the President’s Council on Hiring the Disabled. 

Today, Chuck concentrates on aging matters and its impact on families and employers. As a result of recent writing and research in aging “in place”, (at home) he is now a member of the Communications Coordination Council of the United Nations and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist from the National Association of Home Builders.

In his spare time—
Chuck enjoys going back to his roots as “The Stetson Man” to capture the Spirit of the Old West on film and video. His photography of ghost towns and historic railroads has been in restaurants, stores, exhibits and travel articles. “Tracks, Trails and Treasures” is but one multi-media presentation he offers to audiences of all ages. His bus tour series called "Catch The Spirit" tours highlights the vintage American West, enamored by many cultures around the globe.

ARTICLES AND APPEARANCES

Articles written by Chuck Oakes

Beyond Ramps and Handrails - November 2007 - Caring Today

Home Enhancements - May 2007 - First Time Home Buyers

June 2006 - On-line Newsletter

July 2006 - On-line Newsletter

August 2006 - On-line Newsletter

Magazine Articles written by, or about Chuck Oakes

“The Art, Science and Passion of Garden Railroading”
Living in West Hartford, March 2005

“Making Your Home Senior-Friendly”
Living in West Hartford, Holiday 2004/5

“Making Your Home Senior-Friendly”
CT Homebuilder, Fall 2004

“Author Shows How to Live Life at Any Age with Gusto!”
South Windsor Life, October 2004

“A Refrain in Transition, Home, Safe Home For Seniors”,
Westchester GENERATIONS October 2003.

Previous articles published in the websites and magazines of:

• USA Today
• The American Management Association
• USA Disabled
• The Progressive Grocer
• CBIA News
  and others.