Q and A, Cris and John Carter, Carter Brothers

March 11, 2008

As an eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, Cris Carter had a future Hall of Fame-caliber career. Today, he is chairman of Carter Brothers, an Atlanta- based electronic security firm he launched in 2001 with his older brother, John.

Business to Business: What was the appeal of the electronic security industry that motivated both of you to start the company?

John Carter: The global security industry grosses about $150 billion annually, but it is extremely fragmented. Eight years ago when we started, there really was only one big player and that company controlled 20 percent of the U.S. market. The rest of the pie is divided among smaller companies that don't have the bandwidth to service large scale, national accounts. We saw this as a phenomenal opportunity to gain market share while building a first-class enterprise.

Cris Carter: At the same time we started, there were few minorities in the security industry. This significant advantage gave us a chance to do something that had never been done before: build a multi-million-dollar enterprise in an industry that has been challenged with a lack of diversity ownership.

 BTB: You acquired a fire safety company, Edwards Service, from GE Security last year. Any plans for more acquisitions?

John Carter: We're business people and we will always look to grow and expand our company. We have our eyes on a few lucrative deals. However, our decision with any acquisition will follow the same model as the Edwards acquisition: We'll be just as thorough and strategic.

Last year was pivotal for us. We were recognized as one of the top five MBEs at the National Minority Supplier Development Council's annual conference with the Regional Supplier of the Year Award, Class III; named to Black Enterprise's Top 100 list, for the second consecutive year; and received the first Entrepreneurship Award from the National Urban League. When you have this type of visibility it's inevitable people and organizations want to align themselves with you.

BTB: When you two were growing up, did you ever have any thoughts about going into business together?

Cris Carter: When we were younger John and I dreamed about and discussed the possibility of one day owning our own business. I had the opportunity to play in the NFL, and John built a successful career in corporate America. But we always knew that we would eventually work together.

BTB: Tell us about this Little League baseball game that played a role in Carter Brothers.

Cris Carter: In 2001, I was at my son's Little League game of all places, when another parent came up to me and mentioned he was a huge Vikings fan. He asked what I was doing now that I was retired from football. I vaguely remember mentioning that my brother and I had recently started a new security business. As it turned out, this individual was an international mergers and acquisitions lawyer for a major security company. We both instantly saw an opportunity to work together. He made a few phone calls; set up some meetings and the next thing I know John and I are meeting with his corporate executives.

While I owe my first success to the gridiron, I owe my second taste of success to a Little League baseball field. Go figure.

BTB: John, you're the older brother. What's it like working with a younger sibling?

John Carter: Yes, I am the older brother (laughing), and I wish more people, including Cris, would acknowledge that fact. But seriously, it is an honor to work alongside not only my brother but also my best friend. Cris is my hero and it gives me great pleasure to know each day that he's as committed and dedicated to making the company succeed as I am.