Chinedum K. Ndukwe is a real estate developer and entrepreneur based in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the founder and managing partner of Kingsley + Co., a minority-owned development firm focused on sustainable, community-driven projects.
Born in Virginia to Nigerian immigrants, Chinedum learned the value of hard work early on. He earned a degree in Business Management and Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and later completed NFL executive programs at Harvard Business School and Wharton during his five-year career in the NFL. After playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders, he pivoted into real estate.
In 2012, he launched Kingsley + Co. to bring new life to underused spaces. His firm builds more than just buildings. It creates places that reflect the needs and voices of the people who live there. One of his standout projects is a 481-bed student housing development near the University of Cincinnati. The project was recently approved by the City Planning Commission and shows his focus on sustainability, equity, and public feedback.
Chinedum also gives back through board service and the Ndukwe Foundation, which supports youth and immigrant communities. He believes real estate is not just about returns but about legacy. His daily habits, like journalling and time-blocking, keep him grounded and focused.
Chinedum Ndukwe is a leader in modern development. He brings a mix of business skills, life experience, and community care to every project he takes on.
Building With Purpose: A Conversation With Chinedum Ndukwe
Chinedum Ndukwe didn’t follow the usual path into real estate. He began his career on the football field, but today he leads one of Ohio’s most forward-thinking development firms. We sat down with him to talk about his career journey, his views on real estate, and how he balances strategy with community care.
You started your career in the NFL. How did that shape your entry into real estate?
The NFL was always a dream, but I knew it wouldn’t last forever. A teammate once told me it stands for “Not For Long.” That stuck with me. I took every chance to learn while I was playing—especially during the off-season. I enrolled in executive courses through the NFL at Harvard and Wharton. That opened my eyes to business and real estate. When I left the league, I already had a plan.
What was your first step after leaving football?
I had a strong interest in development. I started small—networking, learning, and understanding how cities work. I realised there weren’t many minority-owned firms doing real estate at scale. That was a gap I wanted to help fill. I founded Kingsley + Co. in 2012 with the idea of building with purpose.
What makes Kingsley + Co. different from other development firms?
Our mission is simple: Building to Inspire. We look at real estate as more than square footage or profit. We ask: how will this space serve the people who live here? That’s why we involve community voices early in the process. Every project has to be viable, but it also has to be responsible.
Can you give an example of that approach in action?
Definitely. Our student housing project in Corryville is a great example. It’s just a quarter mile from the University of Cincinnati. We proposed 180 units and 481 beds—something the area really needed. But it wasn’t just about numbers. The original plan had 173 parking spaces. After community feedback, we increased that to 208. We also wrapped the building with townhouses to create a more walkable and community feel as well as added more bike parking and focused on streetscape improvements. We even integrated clean energy through Ohio’s Clean Air Improvement Programme.
Did the community support the project?
Very much so. We received over 129 letters of support and had strong backing from the Corryville Community Council. That doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of listening, adapting, and being present. You can’t build trust from behind a desk.
How do you manage your time between projects, family, and civic roles?
It starts early—usually before 5 a.m. I pray or meditate, then I exercise. I get the kids ready, then it’s straight into my day. I rely heavily on time-blocking. My calendar runs my life. I also make time for deep work—thinking, not just doing. Journaling helps me reflect and reset.
What’s one lesson from your early career that stuck with you?
Humility goes a long way. When I first started, a few deals didn’t go through. I was new, and people were sceptical. I had to partner with people who’d been in the game longer. I listened more than I talked. Over time, I built credibility. You earn your seat at the table.
What trends are shaping the future of development?
I’m excited about community-led development. It’s not enough to build in a place—you have to build on the place. People want to see their identity in the spaces around them. We’re also focusing more on sustainability—solar energy, walkability, cleaner air. The next decade will reward those who lead with values, not just numbers.
What’s your long-term vision for Kingsley + Co.?
We want to be one of the most trusted development firms in Ohio—and eventually, across the Midwest. We still feel like a start-up, but we’re scaling with purpose. It’s not about being the biggest. It’s about impact and longevity.
Any advice for someone starting out, especially athletes?
Start early. Use your platform while you have it. Your identity is not your jersey. Learn, ask questions, and build your network. Life after sports isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning.
