Stephen Levi Carter

Stephen Levi Carter, MBA, PMP, is an American entrepreneur, author, and business strategist renowned for his transformative impact on healthcare staffing, veteran and minority business advocacy, and youth entrepreneurship. He is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Staffing Solutions, a leading Texas-based healthcare staffing firm, Founder and President of White Orchid Hospice, and co-author of the Amazon best-selling business book Double Your Success: Principles to Build a Multimillion-Dollar Business.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Carter was deeply influenced by his mother, an educator with a master's degree, following the early death of his father, a U.S. Air Force veteran. In 1987, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving as a Combat Medic during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service.

He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Langston University in 1993 and later received his MBA from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, with a concentration in Change Management and Finance.

Corporate Career

Carter began his professional journey as a Senior Accountant at Goldline Refinery before progressing to strategic and financial leadership roles at global firms including ExxonMobil, KPMG, BHP Billiton, and Gulf Interstate Engineering. These roles provided him with a strong foundation in financial operations, corporate strategy, and project management.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Carter's entrepreneurial instincts emerged early. In 1983, alongside his twin brother, Dr. Sterling Carter, he launched a lawn care business. While serving in the military, the brothers operated a boot shining service. Stephen later founded several ventures, including a tax preparation service, barbershop, event planning firm, and a jazz lounge—all while maintaining his corporate career.

In 2011, the Carter brothers co-founded Sterling Staffing Solutions, which supplies licensed clinicians—physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals—to healthcare organizations across Texas. The company has earned national recognition and multiple placements on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

In 2015, inspired by his father's end-of-life journey, Carter founded White Orchid Hospice, an in-home hospice agency focused on compassionate and personalized care.

He later expanded his healthcare holdings with Cartera Health LLC, Home Health Pro LLC, and MyMedCred LLC, while also launching the Young Millionaires Series, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on equipping youth with entrepreneurial skills.

Publications

Carter co-authored the Amazon best-selling book Double Your Success (ForbesBooks, 2018) with his brother, Dr. Sterling Carter. The book outlines actionable strategies to scale service-based businesses and achieve sustainable financial growth.

Awards and Recognition

Carter’s contributions to business, entrepreneurship, and community service have earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Inc. 5000: Multiple-year honoree
• Better Business Bureau: Pinnacle Award, Award of Distinction
• Stevie Awards: Gold Award – Minority-Owned and Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
• Black Enterprise: Family Business of the Year
• Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (2017, 2023)
• 2025 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas (d-mars.com)
• Houston Business Journal (HBJ): 2024 Largest Black Business, Largest Minority-Owned Business, 2023 Fast 50 Award
• Titan Business Awards: 2021, 2024
• Entrepreneur 360 Award: 2019
• Proclamations from Local Government for Exemplary Service

Full list available on StephenLeviCarter.com

Community Engagement

A passionate community leader, Carter founded and directs the Young Millionaires Series, helping youth across the country explore entrepreneurship. He also serves on several nonprofit boards, including:

• Better Business Bureau of Houston
• Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Houston
• 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston

Personal Life

Stephen Carter has been married to Daphane Howard Carter since 2001. Together, they have three children: Yasmine Howard, Madison Carter, and Morgan Carter. Carter credits his faith in God and commitment to family as the cornerstone of his personal and professional success.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Carter's estimated net worth is between $10 million and $15 million, derived from his holdings in healthcare companies, real estate, intellectual property, and book royalties. His flagship company, Sterling Staffing Solutions, generates multi-million-dollar annual revenues, and his other ventures and speaking engagements further contribute to his financial portfolio.

External Links

• Official Website
• Sterling Staffing Solutions
• White Orchid Hospice
• The Carter Brothers
• LinkedIn Profile
• Amazon Author Profile
• Eagles Talent Speaker Profile
• Crunchbase Profile

References

📰 Article(s) of the same category(ies)

• Jason Sherman (videographer)
• Marvin Ellison
• Rachel Zietz
• Martha Choe
• David Schieren
• Jeff Church
• Kathryn Deane

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