Accustomed to wearing many hats, Eric Cupp has led a life rich with diverse experiences. He began working at the age of 7 alongside his daddy and went on to build a varied resume that included employment at grocery stores, building tennis courts, painting, and even mowing lawns for $1 apiece. These early jobs instilled in him a strong work ethic, a genuine humility, and a willingness to tackle any task.
Eric became a youth minister in 1982 and has dedicated his life to ministry ever since. As a professional speaker and talented writer, his influence has extended into education, from leading youth assemblies to teaching educators about building relationships with children, and even serving as a minister to ministers within churches. As a former college professor at Amberton University, he taught courses on Family Relations, Conflict Management, Ethics, and reluctantly, graduate-level Research Methodologies when needed.
A passionate supporter of the military, Eric serves as a leader of Marriage and Family Retreats for special forces, remaining on call whenever needed. Reflecting on this role, he shares, “This is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done with my life. I was sandwiched between the generation being drafted and the one required to register. I didn’t have to do either one, and I’ve always regretted that. This allows me to correct that regret.”
Eric’s long-standing connection to CK Family Services began in the 1990s when he met founders Bill and Karen Lund. He conducted trainings for the organization and even facilitated the planning of the original CK mission statement, drafting the words based on Bill and Karen’s vision. Over the years, Eric has held various roles within CKFS and now serves as Chief Compassion Officer. “My footprint is all over the place,” he says with a smile.
In his current role, Eric sees the opportunity to shape the agency’s culture in a deeply meaningful way. He is committed to ensuring that CK’s Mission Statement permeates every action, from how the agency communicates to how it serves. “It’s not just about doing the right thing, but doing the right thing the right way. Compassion isn’t just about emotion—it’s about being human-centered. Even holding someone accountable can be an act of compassion because we’re helping them become better.”
Eric shares his life with his wonderful wife, Melissa, and their five adult children—four boys and a girl. Melissa, trained as a Physician Assistant, chose to stay home to raise their children and support Eric in managing his numerous commitments. “Through my career, she would remind me who I was meeting, where I was going, what I was speaking about, and even what to wear,” Eric fondly recalls. A proud “girl dad,” he’s no stranger to braiding hair and painting fingernails! In his downtime, Eric enjoys cycling, with his longest ride spanning from Midlothian to Kansas over five days. While his rides are more local these days, they still bring him great joy.
Watch for Eric’s wisdom and heartwarming style in the top article of each CKFS newsletter. His ability to blend personal experiences with practical insights creates a meaningful connection for all of us. Whether he’s offering advice on relationships, parenting, or navigating life’s challenges, Eric’s relaxed and genuine tone provides encouragement and guidance that resonates with our entire community. Be sure to look out for his thoughtful reflections in every issue.
