The Carter Brothers, Stephen Levi Carter, MBA, PMP, and Dr. Sterling L. Carter, DPT, MS, CSCS, are American entrepreneurs, authors, healthcare executives, and veterans. Twin brothers from Houston, Texas, they co-founded several multimillion-dollar healthcare ventures and platforms, including Sterling Staffing Solutions, Cartera Health, and TheCarterBrothers.com.
Early Life and Education
Stephen and Sterling were raised in Houston and graduated from Willowridge High School. Dr. Sterling Carter was inducted into the Willowridge Wall of Honor in 2015 for his contributions to healthcare and service. Stephen earned a BBA in Accounting from Langston University, supported by a full scholarship, and completed an MBA in Finance and Operations Management at the University of Houston. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Sterling holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Physical Therapy from Langston University, a Master of Science from Texas Woman’s University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Simmons University. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Military Service
Dr. Sterling Carter served over 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Major. He participated in multiple combat deployments and served as Executive Officer of a military hospital overseeing more than 350 personnel. His decorations include the Combat Medic Badge and Army Commendation Medals. Stephen Carter served eight years in the Army as a Combat Medic, including during Operation Desert Storm.
Business Ventures
In 2008, Dr. Sterling Carter launched Sterling Physical Therapy & Wellness, a multi-site outpatient practice in Houston. In 2011, the brothers co-founded Sterling Staffing Solutions, providing healthcare staffing services across four states. They later launched Cartera Health, a holding company integrating their healthcare interests, including diagnostics, hospice, and home health. Stephen Carter also founded White Orchid Hospice, which offers condition-specific care across Texas.
Their ventures include Home Health Pro, a workforce optimization platform for home health agencies, and MyMedCred.com, a digital credentialing system for healthcare professionals.
Public Speaking and Publications
Through TheCarterBrothers.com, the brothers provide keynote addresses, leadership workshops, and consulting. In 2018, they co-authored Double Your Success: Principles to Build a Multimillion-Dollar Business, published by ForbesBooks.
Recognition
They have received numerous awards, including:
- Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas (2025)
- President’s Lifetime Achievement Award
- Black Enterprise Family Business of the Year
Additional honors include Houston Business Journal’s “Most Admired CEO” for Sterling, and the 2025 Cactus Jack HBCU Classic Alumni Award for Stephen.
Philanthropy
The Carter Brothers are active in community development and mentorship. Their companies have created hundreds of jobs in underserved areas. Dr. Sterling serves on boards such as the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and 100 Black Men of America. Stephen contributes to organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Better Business Bureau.
Personal Lives
Dr. Sterling Carter is married to Crystal Carter and has one son. Stephen is married to Daphane Carter and has three daughters. They credit their mother, Arnell T. White, as a key influence and leader in their success. She serves as Chairman of Cartera Health.
Media and Legacy
The brothers have been featured in Forbes, TLC’s My 600-lb Life, and Shoutout HTX. Their mission centers on healthcare transformation, workforce empowerment, and minority entrepreneurship.
