Chuck Ross, well-known industry speaker and business consultant, has died

Charles “Chuck” Ross, a former owner of an architectural woodworking and furniture manufacturing firm who later transitioned into a business consultant helping woodworkers create exit strategies and maximize their wealth, has died. He was 70.

Ross of Lebanon, Indiana, died Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born September 30, 1955, in Logansport, son of the late Charles Frederick and JoAnn Etta (Cassidy) Ross, and was a 1973 graduate of Logansport (Indiana) High School.

He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business from Purdue University and a Master’s in sports administration from Ohio University. Following school, he began his career as a ticket manager for the Indianapolis Indians and box office manager for Market Square Arena, later moving into event promotion. 

Over time, he forged a business relationship that led to a joint venture in Japan within the machine tool industry. Ross, along with his wife Gayle, later founded CA Ross Company, specializing in architectural woodworking and restoration, and later started the business consultancy firm, Ross Business Solutions. 

As co-owner of Ross Business Solutions, Ross created exit strategies for his clients, enabling them to maximize their wealth, give the next generation the best chance for success, and exit in the manner they wish. While growing his own business, he accelerated the firm’s value through continuous quality, safety, and environmental systems and procedures, earning several certifications, including AWI QCP and FSC Leed Certified.

His experience in manufacturing process improvement and business development started with his ownership of the architectural woodworking and furniture manufacturing firm. Here, he gained firsthand knowledge of what it takes to launch, grow, and determine the best business exit strategy, enabling business owners to transition into the second phase of their lives.

A respected speaker at numerous trade shows hosted by Woodworking Network, Ross was scheduled to speak on “Exit and Succession Planning in Action” in October at Wood Pro Expo, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when he died. 

In addition to his business and professional endeavors, Ross had a lifelong love of sports, and he took great joy in supporting his granddaughter and nephews in their athletic endeavors. He was a strong advocate for Mesothelioma awareness, a member of the Zionsville Fellowship Church, and, before that, was actively involved in all aspects of church life at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Logansport.

According to his published obituary, survivors include his wife of 32 years, Gayle Ross of Lebanon; sons, Jason Ross of Charlotte, NC, and Byron (Amanda) Ross of Indian Land, SC; granddaughters, Jameson, Kyleigh, and Brooklynn Ross; sister, Patti (Eric) Wolf of Carmel; seven nephews, two nieces, and three great nephews and three great nieces.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Amanda (Jason) Ross.