Cartis Group President Continues to Build Agency

AUSTIN, TX - August 06, 2002

From his kitchen table to a 7,000 square foot building, marketing design agency president draws his 10-year map to success.

Fired from his job in 1992, Shannon Carter used his kitchen table as an office for six months to start Cartis Group, a full-service marketing design agency. With his life savings, Carter moved into an office space in downtown Austin and purchased the best equipment available.

“I had $15,000, so I bought all the equipment I could afford; including a Mac LC II that ran at a whopping 16Mhz.” Carter said. “It’s a leap of faith to invest your entire life savings into something, but it’s paid me back in so many ways.”

Carter found his formula for success early: friends and word-of-mouth. He convinced friend, Hill Abell, President of Bicycle Sport Shop, to sign on as his first client. Bicycle Sport Shop grew to a top 100 bicycle dealership in five years.

“Word-of-mouth advertising can make you or break you,” Carter said. “To this day, client referrals are our best sales tool. Don’t ever burn your bridges. Those bridges are what will take you across some rough waters.”

Carter, who serves as President and Chief Creative Officer, has grown Cartis Group into a successful agency with twelve full-time employees. He recently purchased and remodeled a new building that will sustain the company’s continued growth. His success has led to the opening of his first regional office in Houston, Texas. A Dallas office will open later this year, and an east coast office is planned for 2003.

Some clients have been working with Carter for nine years, which Carter credits to his team’s client services, creative work and proprietary “BrandSmart” and “5D” processes.

“There is no way I could do this on my own, I have the best team I could ever hope to work with. Hiring the best people is worth every penny.”

Carter started Cartis Group during a recession; now he is celebrating its 10th anniversary during another. He grew his company during tough economic times, and attributes it to a smart growth plan.

“I struggled through my first year, but I persevered and have enjoyed tremendous success in the last couple of years,” Carter said. “Sure, there have been difficult times and long, long hours; but there have been even greater times. I wouldn’t trade this ride for anything.”