From Adversity to Innovation: My Journey of Resilience and Success

How Overcoming personal and Professional Challenges Shaped My Path in Banking, Entrepreneurship, and Technology.

Forged in Adversity

Every journey has a defining moment, and mine began in the face of adversity. Growing up in adversity shaped my life in ways I could never have anticipated. I was the only child of a dedicated single mother who worked tirelessly to make ends meet. From a young age, I learned the values of hard work and resilience. Managing household responsibilities became second nature, instilling in me a profound sense of self-reliance and determination. These early experiences taught me that no challenge was insurmountable and that persistence would always pave the way to success.

Banking Career

My professional journey began in the banking industry, where I quickly climbed the ranks from a bank teller to Vice President of Investments. My innovative approach to streamlining loan processes set me apart and opened doors to rapid advancement. However, just as my career was taking off, the 2008 financial crisis struck. The collapse of Washington Mutual on September 25, 2008 — recorded as the largest bank failure in American history — was a seismic event that sent shockwaves through the industry.

In the aftermath, I found myself in a position I never anticipated. As layoffs became inevitable, I had to make the difficult decisions to let go of many talented employees. It was a harrowing experience, and by October, I, too, was without a job. The swift and brutal end to my banking career left me reeling, but it also ignited a fire within me to find new paths and new opportunities.

Adversity and Homelessness

The months that followed were some of the hardest of my life. By January 2009, I was homeless. Evicted from my apartment and with my car repossessed, I faced a bleak reality. I dropped out of the University of Texas at San Antonio and resorted to sleeping in the campus library, relying on public facilities for basic needs. Despite these dire circumstances, my resolve never faltered. I knew that I had to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the journey.

The Business That Started It All

This was the venture that launched my journey. Back in 2009, we created our first marketing video with hopes of running a full ad campaign. Little did we know, our efforts would lead to an acquisition before we even had the chance to fully implement our marketing strategy.

Entrepreneurial Journey

In the midst of these trying times, I found a glimmer of hope through entrepreneurship. My friends and I identified a common frustration with food delivery services, which led us to create TastyNow, an innovative online food ordering platform. We had no prior experience in coding or running a business, but we were determined to make it work.

Over the next three years, we poured our hearts into the startup, learning everything we could about coding, business operations, and customer service. Our hard work paid off, and in May 2012, TastyNow was acquired by a larger delivery company. This pivotal moment marked my transition into the tech industry and opened up a world of new possibilities.

Career in Technology

Post-acquisition, I immersed myself in the tech world, working with various startups and honing my skills in software development, cloud computing, app design, and coding. My journey in technology was driven by a commitment to innovation and problem-solving. Despite lacking formal degrees or certifications, I thrived on the challenges and opportunities that the tech industry presented.

Flyer.FM was the second startup I worked on, which was later acquired

Each startup I worked with provided invaluable experiences that emphasized the importance of adaptability and ethical practices.

I learned that success in technology required not just technical expertise but also a willingness to continuously learn and grow. These lessons became the cornerstone of my career, guiding me through the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry.

Below is my first business that was 100% funded and run by me. You could say it was my first real shot at being a solopreneur.

The above video showcases my first business, where I invested my own money to lease a floor in the tallest building in downtown San Antonio. A web design and marketing company CARTER MADE IT successfully sold in 2018.

Current Endeavors

For the past six years, I have played a critical role in a promising startup that seamlessly merges rideshare services with charter bus technology. My business partner, an angel investor who owns Texas’s third-largest transportation company, and I share a vision of revolutionizing the state’s transportation landscape. Our goal is to become the leading provider in Texas, offering innovative solutions that cater to both individual and group travel needs.

My strategic acumen and technical expertise have been pivotal in propelling this venture forward. We have developed a tech-driven marketplace where local bus companies can bid on consumer-paid trips, enhancing the booking process and ensuring trip fulfillment. Our robust overflow capacity, supported by my partner’s transportation company, ensures that we can meet customer demands efficiently and effectively.

Reflection and Future Goals

Looking back, my life narrative is a compelling saga of overcoming severe challenges, embracing change, and relentlessly pursuing innovation. My unique journey from financial lows to significant entrepreneurial highs demonstrates my capacity for resilience and my unwavering commitment to transforming adversity into opportunity. As I continue to shape the future of cybersecurity and transportation technology, my story stands as an inspiring testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and visionary leadership.

Side Projects and Videos

Among the various side projects I’ve tackled, two stand out. One involved creating an Augmented Reality Helmet alongside a group of fellow hackers, showcasing our collaborative spirit and innovative drive. Another significant project was participating in the Verizon 5G Hackathon in partnership with Capitol Records. I was proud and honored to be part of this team, and although we secured second place, our efforts helped push the boundaries of the technology we often take for granted today.

The videos below showcase the earliest testable prototype for an AR Helmet.

The first video above showcases our very hacked-together rig featuring a battery pack, Chromecast, and a pico projector. Good times :)

The second video shows the most complete version we created, complete with hand gestures and more.

The last video highlights the app we developed for the Verizon 5G Hackathon in association with Capitol Records. We were able to take artists and place them in the real world via Augmented Reality, like having your favorite artist’s music video dancing on your living room table. While it may not seem as far-fetched now, in 2019, this was bleeding-edge technology.

Conclusion

My journey illustrates not just a triumph over personal and professional trials, but also the enduring pursuit of a visionary future. It serves as a robust reminder of how perseverance, combined with a passion for innovation and a commitment to ethical practices, can forge a path to success and influence in the ever-evolving tech landscape. From my humble beginnings and setbacks in the banking sector to a thriving career in technology and entrepreneurship, I exemplify what it means to persevere and succeed against all odds. My story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of resilience and adaptability.

Where you can find me: carterverse

Authors Note: This is dynamic autobiography that will continuously evolve, incorporating images and videos from both the past and present.