Houston magazine is pleased to present a selection of extraordinary men who are leaders in their field. These men of distinction are truly accomplished and stand out as some of the best influencers and contributors of our community.
VIP PHYSICAL THERAPY CO-FOUNDERS & SERIAL ENTREPRENEURS
“We’re our yin and yang,” Sterling said. “Although we are different in many ways, we both have our own set of strengths and skillsets, and we balance each other out really well.”
With double the passion and expertise, native Houstonians Stephen and Sterling Carter are a recipe for entrepreneurial success, and now they’re giving discerning clients a premium physical therapy experience by way of a luxuriously appointed clinic on wheels with VIP Physical Therapy. This cutting- edge, mobile concept provides a safe environment for needed care that is more relevant than ever in the midst of the ongoing pandemic (vip-pt.net). Pivoting their business model to remain relevant is the same approach that they recommend to small business owners on how to scale their growth beyond the five-year mark and ideally to million- dollar status. The forward-thinking twin brothers and co-authors, who have been in business together for 13 years, operate several other healthcare-related entities under their CarterCare brand— including Sterling Staffing Solutions, Sterling Physical Therapy and Wellness, White Orchid Hospice, Home Health Pro and MyMedCred.com—with a fierce work ethic, a commitment to top-tier service and a philosophy of servant leadership. Additionally, the serial entrepreneurs are releasing a bespoke suit line. “Once you walk out of the door,” Stephen said, “not only how you treat people and how you speak but also what you wear and everything you are from head to toe, inside and out, matters.”
14140 Southwest Freeway
281.742.0992
vip-pt.net
DEMARTINO DESIGN GROUP CEO | CREATIVE DIRECTOR
“When I think of today’s ‘modern man,’ I think of casting off dated stereotypes and expectations; you don’t have to look or act like anyone else to be successful. As a proud gay man in the event design industry, I’m thankful that I can practice my craft without feeling pressured to be untrue to myself.”
Since founding DeMartino Design Group in 2016, tastemaker Taylor DeMartino has delivered the glitz and glamour of Broadway to Houston, one posh gathering at a time. Calling on a decade of industry experience, Taylor orchestrates distinctive occasions with an artistic vision and unparalleled attention to detail. His energetic, full- service approach allows DeMartino Design Group to produce lavish events from the ground up, filling a niche in the local market for weddings, corporate gatherings, and philanthropic soirées, while nurturing lasting relationships with notable clients like Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and Theatre Under the Stars. DeMartino is excited to introduce his newest venture, HTX Floral CO., a boutique, everyday floral studio, offering truly unique designer arrangements and luxury gifting available for local Houston delivery.
4930 Dacoma St., Ste. F
832.302.6630
demartinodesigngroup.com
EDGAR MEDINA ART STUDIO ARTIST-OWNER
“As an artist, I stay true to the aesthetic and intent of my work but pride myself in collaborating with my collectors to elevate and transform their personal spaces.”
Contemporary abstract artist Edgar Medina is celebrating over 10 years of his colorful career with renewed invigoration. Known for his work’s expressive energy, Medina exhibits his large-scale canvas paintings at prestigious international art fairs and maintains an active digital footprint, but with limitless enthusiasm, he’s always on a quest for new creative inspiration. Medina boasts an established collector base that includes recent corporate clients like the Westin Houston Medical Center, Memorial Hermann and Mayer Brown, and as part of his continued artistic exploration, he plans to debut an art show next year for his latest series, “Resilience,” which captures the emotional journey of balancing harmony and chaos in life.
FOSCARI CEO, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
“High design doesn’t have to mean expensive products. We optimize the available resources according to each individual person or project.”
As the new CEO of Foscari, Joaquin Olaverria is revolutionizing interiors with his innovative yet refined taste, continuously raising the bar for modern, architecturally integrated cabinetry that is both functional and timeless. A passion for design runs in the family, and the Argentina native has worked at Houston’s premier high-end custom cabinetry studio alongside his mother, founder Monica Wehbi, for nearly a decade. Whether tasked with a kitchen, bathroom or closet, the ambitious creative brings a keen eye for detail and a fresh perspective to every project, importing exclusive materials from around the world to offer endless possibilities fit for any consumer.
2226 Richmond Ave.
713.626.3305
foscariinteriors.com
Photography by: Photography by Stephania Campos