After
years of struggle, hard work and even tragedy, it is now time for Valerie
Daniels-Carter to have it her way. The president and chief executive officer
of the largest African-American-owned restaurant franchise — V &
J Holding Companies, Inc. — has reaped the benefits of a strong
work ethic and faith in God. Under the helm of Daniels-Carter, the Milwaukee,
Wisconsin-based corporation operates more than 100 Pizza Huts and Burger
Kings in four states.
Daniels-Carter received a bachelor of arts
degree from Lincoln University and went on to receive a master's in business
administration degree from Milwaukee's Cardinal Stritch College.
Her dream began in 1984, when she opened
her first Burger King restaurant in Milwaukee. With little knowledge about
the fast-food industry, the entrepreneur took two years to learn the ropes
prior to starting her first franchise.
Once she was confident with her developing management skills,
Daniels-Carter opened her second restaurant a year later and the third one soon
after.
This savvy CEO has been recognized for her accomplishments.
Her company was placed on Black Enterprise magazine's list of top 100 black-owned
businesses in the country. She has also appeared on Essence Books' List of "50
of the Most Inspiring African Americans," sharing the honor with the likes
of Oprah Winfrey and Colin Powell.
"Don't allow anyone
or anything to
prevent you from achieving excellence."
She has been instrumental in the development
and implementation of numerous community projects, including the Daniels-Carter
Youth Center and Jeffrey A. Carter Sr. Center for Community Empowerment and
Family Reunification. She consistently provides relief to the distressed by
supplying basic necessities to families in need due to unforeseen circumstances
and partners with Prison Ministries by assisting families of incarcerated
individuals.
While her business blossomed, Daniels-Carter
had to overcome the loss of two important people in her life. In 1999, she
lost her husband in an accident, and the following year, her mother passed
away. Through it all, she has maintained her vigorous life-style, while acquiring
awards and recognition along the way. She does all this while reminding herself
and others, "Don't allow anyone or anything to prevent you from achieving
excellence."
