Meet the Team – Steve Carter, Managing Director for Eastern PA and Southern New Jersey

Where did you grow up?  I was born in Hauula, HI, but grew up in an orphanage in Waipahu, until being adopted.  My new father was in the military, so from Hawaii we moved to Clarksville, TN; right outside Fort Campbell in KY.  After TN, my father was transferred to Fort Dix, NJ and my family fell in love with a small town called Medford Lakes.  It’s a square mile town of log cabins and almost everyone lives on a lake; doesn’t hurt that it’s half way between the city and

Where did you study for college?  I attended Pennsylvania State University for my entire undergrad experience.  While attending PSU, I worked in nearby Bellefonte, PA as the head of an inside team for the world’s largest chemical company Sigma Aldrich.  I graduated with BS in Economics.

What was the first job you had out of college? What was the most important lesson you learned there that has stuck with you for your entire professional career?  I graduated in the middle of a recession and was initially supposed to head to Chicago to work on the mercantile exchange, but when that fell through, I went to work for a start up that combined smart cards and the entertainment industry.  Since it was a small company I was able to move up quickly and wear many different hats.  During my time there, I ended up running the entire Business Development Department, but also had a big hand in product development.  The most important lesson I learned was to make sure you understand every aspect of your business, so you are able to assist when needed.

What drew you to working with A Neumann and Associates? (For Achim, what made you to decide to start A. Neumann & Associates, LLC). I had worked in an M&A Firm in the past in a more project managerial role.  After speaking with the team members at ANA I found their approach and passion for working closely with business owners to be exactly the type of place I wanted to work.

What counties and states do you represent?  In NJ, I cover Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, and Salem.  In PA, I cover Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia, Northampton, and Lehigh.

What do you feel makes your region unique compared to others? (tax benefits, special laws, etc.) This is an amazing territory because of its accessibility to both Philadelphia, New York City, and Wilmington. In addition, it is a beautiful area that encompasses some of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey and the greatest skiing in Pennsylvania.

What do you find is the biggest challenge in your region compared to others?  The sheer size of the territory can be overwhelming.  Philadelphia alone has a huge number of companies and the combined physical size of all the territories can mean that you’re dealing with a 300 mile diameter circle.

What do you find is the biggest advantage working in your region compared to others?  Having grown up in the area since I was 9, I have an amazing network.  I’ve lived on both sizes of my territory and have a great understanding of the people here.  Being a part of the community allows me to better understand the landscape and needs of each client.  Then when you include the incredible professionals at A. Neumann and Associates along with their vast network and expertise, we have the ideal team to service the Long Island area.

What do you find is the biggest advantage working in your region compared to others?  See above.

What do you think is the most underrated opportunity in your region?  Having a professional, independent valuation from a certified firm is one of the most underrated aspects of our business.  Most people only consider getting a valuation when they are looking to sell, however, a valuation can be a useful tool when planning your exit strategy even if it is many years out.  They can also help in assessing your company’s performance, optimizing debt or in estate planning.  A Neumann and Associates will help you prepare for your independent valuation and then will thoroughly review the results with you when completed.

What is the most rewarding experience you’ve had working in your region?  Helping individuals who have spent their entire lives building a business get a better understanding of what they have created and the value they often don’t see.  Working with these people to help discover hidden value is invaluable.

Best advice for someone considering selling a business in your region Do your research and make sure you pick the right team to guide you through the process which will be one of the most important transactions of your life.  As tempting as it may be to attempt to sell on your own, seek professional guidance.  There are so many aspects of the process that that need to be properly managed.  Having the right team in your corner will pay for itself many times over.  I am proud to say that A Neuman and Associates is that team.

Best advice for someone considering buying a business in your region. When buying a business, you will want to work with an organization that has the network and focus to bring you the opportunities that are right for you.  A Neumann and Associates is structured to do just that.