It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since I started Carver Peterson. This milestone feels significant, not just because of the decade mark, but because of the journey—both personal and professional—that’s unfolded along the way. Starting this company wasn’t just a career move for me; it was the culmination of lessons learned, risks taken, relationships built, and the pursuit of a future I envisioned for myself and my family.
Before Carver Peterson, I spent 13 formative years at Aerotek, a time that shaped the foundation of everything I know about being a professional salesperson. I learned how to prospect, cold-call, take control of meetings, multi-task, follow through on commitments, navigate tough conversations, and handle adversity in the fast-paced world of sales. The people I worked with pushed me to grow and supported me as I developed into a confident leader. Those years were critical to my development, and I remain forever grateful.
Yet, as much as Aerotek gave me, everything shifted when I met Molly. From the moment we started dating, I knew she was the one. Suddenly, I could see a future beyond the office—one filled with love, family, and the freedom to pursue new dreams. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I’d always felt that pull to step out on my own. Molly was the catalyst. She made me realize that now was the time to take that leap—to start my own business and build something from the ground up.
I’d be lying if I said the early days weren’t terrifying. I had no clients, no network of prospects, a strict non-compete, and no guarantee that any of it would work. But I knew my “why.” Professionally, I wanted to follow my passion and have a meaningful impact by helping others realize their dreams. Personally, I wanted the flexibility to be present for my family—to be the kind of dad who could coach my kids’ sports teams and not miss those moments. That vision fueled me, even when I wasn’t sure how I’d land my first client.
Thankfully, business owners took a chance on me in those early months, believing in my potential even when I was still figuring things out. The solid foundation from Aerotek helped me apply those experiences to support other entrepreneurs as they grew and scaled. I’m forever grateful to those clients who trusted me to advise them when I was just starting.
I remember a conversation early on with my cousin Brent James. He said something that stuck with me: “You’re not a real company until you’ve made it seven years.” At the time, I thought he was exaggerating. But now, having lived through the highs and lows, I see the truth in his words. Making it past those early years takes more than grit—it requires resilience, flexibility, and the humility to admit when you’ve made mistakes.
And trust me, I made all the classic entrepreneurial mistakes. I lost my way, hesitated to specialize, hired without clear roles, and went unpaid in the name of “investing in the business.” Like many entrepreneurs, I went through a partnership breakup—but ours ended on a positive note, marked by respect and gratitude instead of legal fees and bad blood. I’m grateful Tim Schumm and I handled it with integrity and preserved our friendship.
For every misstep, there were also many great decisions. One of the best was hiring Selina Doran. She came in as an energetic young professional and evolved into an invaluable partner. Watching her grow into a powerhouse over six years is one of my proudest accomplishments. And when the time came for her to take a COO role with one of our clients, I knew it was the right move—even though it meant losing her at Carver Peterson. I couldn’t be more proud of what she’s achieved.
Another great decision was hiring Chris Kiser. His sharp mind and willingness to challenge the status quo instantly made Carver Peterson better. His fresh perspective helped us grow and evolve in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
Of all the decisions I’ve made, though, the most important one was choosing Molly. Over these ten years, we haven’t just built a business—we’ve built a family. Grady is six, Camden is four, and Mila is three. Leading a business while raising a family hasn’t been easy, but it’s been the most rewarding experience of my life. I’m thankful Carver Peterson has given me the flexibility to be present as a husband and father while partnering with growth-minded entrepreneurs across four time zones—all from our home in Cedarburg, WI.
As I reflect on this past decade, my goals have evolved, but my mission has stayed the same: to build the most trusted consulting firm in our space by helping entrepreneurs create high-performing sales teams. And, just as importantly, to be there for my family—coaching whatever sport is in season.
Looking ahead to the next ten years, my goal is simple: to keep learning, keep improving, and continue adding value to my clients. And to always be there for my family. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but if it’s anything like the last decade, I know it’ll be an adventure worth taking.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to the next ten years of Carver Peterson and beyond.
—Scott C. Peterson
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