Stephen Levi Carter, MBA, PMP, is an influential American entrepreneur, business strategist, and author, widely recognized for his transformative leadership in healthcare staffing, minority and veteran business advocacy, and youth entrepreneurship development. As the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Staffing Solutions, one of Texas’s fastest-growing healthcare staffing companies, Carter has driven innovative approaches to workforce solutions that support healthcare providers and clinicians across multiple states.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Carter’s journey has been shaped by resilience and dedication. After losing his father, a U.S. Air Force veteran, at a young age, Carter was inspired by his mother’s dedication as an educator holding a master’s degree. Following his early enlistment in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1987, Carter served as a Combat Medic during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, earning the Army Commendation Medal for his meritorious service. This experience laid a foundation of leadership and discipline that Carter would carry into his business ventures.
Carter holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Langston University (1993) and an MBA from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where he specialized in Change Management and Finance. His formal education, combined with extensive practical experience, has equipped him to successfully navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and business growth.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Carter’s entrepreneurial spirit ignited early. In 1983, alongside his twin brother, Dr. Sterling Carter, he launched a lawn care business. Even during his military service, they operated a boot shining service to support their ambitions. Over the years, Carter expanded his portfolio by founding a tax preparation service, a barbershop, an event planning company, and a jazz lounge — all while managing demanding corporate roles. This entrepreneurial diversity highlights Carter’s versatility and keen business acumen.
The launch of Sterling Staffing Solutions in 2011 marked a pivotal moment in Carter’s career. The company specializes in supplying licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to hospitals, clinics, and rehab centers across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Under Carter’s leadership, Sterling Staffing Solutions has earned national recognition, appearing multiple times on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. The firm is also honored with awards such as the Better Business Bureau Pinnacle Award and the Stevie Award for Minority-Owned and Veteran-Owned Business of the Year.
Inspired by his father’s end-of-life journey, Carter founded White Orchid Hospice in 2015, a compassionate in-home hospice agency focused on delivering personalized care with dignity and respect. His healthcare holdings further expanded to include Cartera Health LLC, Home Health Pro LLC, and MyMedCred LLC, reflecting his commitment to comprehensive healthcare services.
Community Engagement
Carter’s dedication extends beyond business. He is the founder of the Young Millionaires Series, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth across the nation with entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy. His community involvement includes serving on boards such as the Better Business Bureau of Houston, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Houston, and the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston.
Publications and Recognition
As a published author, Carter co-wrote the Amazon best-seller Double Your Success: Principles to Build a Multimillion-Dollar Business with his brother. The book shares proven strategies to build scalable, sustainable service businesses and achieve financial freedom.
Stephen Levi Carter’s numerous awards attest to his impact, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (2017, 2023), Black Enterprise’s Family Business of the Year, Houston Business Journal’s recognition for the Largest Black and Minority-Owned Business in Houston, and a spot on Texas’s Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs list.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Married to Daphane Howard Carter since 2001, the couple has three children: Yasmine, Madison, and Morgan. Carter credits his faith in God and family support as the cornerstone of his success and ongoing mission to uplift others through business innovation and community leadership.
For more information, visit StephenLeviCarter.com.
