Monday's Moment with Business Owner Mindy Viteri

True morals. Heart-felt, cry-out-to-God praying. Jesus first. These aren't normally terms you would use when speaking of your typical accounting firm, but Carter Services Plus, Louisiana's Largest and Best Accounting and ISO Firm, is anything but typical. Today, I would love for you to meet the Owner and CFO of Carter Services Plus, Mindy Viteri, who is not at all shy about her beliefs. In fact, she even encourages other business owners to NEVER let anyone tell them that they can’t praise God or be an example for Him in their own business.

Mindy is also the co-founder of Bags Not Rags organization helping foster children all over the US. She has over 15 years experience in accounting and frequently helps new small business owners start-up and manage their companies. She is married to Andres Viteri and they have two small children, Alex (3) and Caroline (1). She currently resides in Louisiana and has a passion for children in need which is the reasoning behind her formation of the Bags Not Rags organization. She is known for bringing small businesses to new levels of success through accounting advice, encouragement, and keeping clients up-to-date on the latest tax and financial issues.

Read on to see what more Mindy has to say!

Mindy, tell us about Carter Services Plus and what key services/products you offer your clients.

Business Solutions Company Key Services - Accounting, Bookkeeping, Marketing, Consulting, Cost Reduction, Business Advice and Strategy, all for a very low cost. We were setup with Small and Start-up companies in mind, so many times we are less than a part-time minimum wage workers.

What obstacle(s) did you face in getting started? How did you overcome it/them?

Most companies in this field set up high prices and this was an obstacle when speaking to potential clients. The first thing they would think was that we would cost too much. We set ourselves apart to help small businesses maintain the same quality of accounting and business services as large companies without the high cost.

How do you balance faith, family, and the demands of running a business?

We made the decision to sacrifice money for our children, so our children are at the office with us and we hire nannies to watch them. Because my husband co-owns our business, we are together most of the time. We keep Christ first which manages our stress and needs.

What 3 nuggets of wisdom would you offer an aspiring business woman?

Keep Christ First, Know that your family is more important than any business, and Be good to everyone you meet, you never know how they can be affected by your spirit.

If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be, and why?

From Hopeless to Conqueror. I was abused as a child and later as a wife and through Christ's love and forgiveness, I escaped an abusive marriage, my parents are now my best friends, and my husband treats me like a queen. He believes in me which allows me to take risks and excel in life and business.

I know that you are upfront and clear about your love of Christ. You've said that if clients are uncomfortable with Christian music playing in your front office and "Jesus First" written on the white board in your conference room, Carter Services Plus might not be the right fit for them. Have you ever lost a client because of your undeniable love for the Lord?

Not that I know of. We don't really ask if it offends anyone. We have had a few not return or return phone calls and that might be the reason, but we could really care less. For those who are our clients, they appreciate our faith, and utilize our prayers when needed. I love praying with my clients, it strengthens our bond and helps their spirits when needed.

Do you have a favorite Scripture or one that you find particularly uplifting?

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthen's me."

What is your HIGHEST HOPE for your business?

That it gets to the point where it can manage itself and we can focus on our organization, Bags Not Rags more than the business.

What else do you want readers to know?

We have begun an organization called Bags Not Rags. When children are taken from their homes and placed into foster care, many times they are handed a trash bag to place their personal belongings in. We fill this gap. We ask that people look in their homes for luggage, duffels, back pages, totes, diaper bags, etc and donate them to us. We, in turn, take them to social services. Then a child is picked up from their home, they are then handed a bag which become their property.

How can readers reach you and find out more about Carter Services Plus (e-mail, website,etc)?

Email: mindy@carterservicesplus.com, Websites: www.carterservicesplus.comor www.bagsnotrags.com Telephone: 888-868-4952.

Feel free to contact Mindy with your questions or comments and she will be happy to reply. You can reach her at the website noted above. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today, Mindy!