Be incredibly humble, think of others and don’t chase the dollar. Work on projects that you are genuinely interested in and don’t do something solely for the money.
Carter Boehm is a real estate development and film executive located in Montana. His years of expertise in both real estate, land development and film have allowed him to forge a successful career for himself in both industries.
Carter’s real estate development career has proven to be incredibly successful. He is the principal and owner of the HC Land Company based in Vienna, Virginia. Founded in 1998, the HC Land Company, under Carter’s leadership, has successfully acquired multiple properties throughout the Washington D.C. area. Carter Boehm excels at analyzing a buyer’s needs and developing properties to perfection.
Carter’s passion for real estate and land development stems from his first experience purchasing land in 1972. Since then, he has been working tirelessly to create one of the greatest land development companies in the Washington D.C. area. He began his first forray into the real estate industry as a broker and later founded Century 21 Townside Properties.
Carter Boehm is also incredibly passionate about the film industry. After serving as the manager of a Washington D.C. theater for several years, Carter took his passion for cinema and became an executive producer. With his knowledge of business management, entrepreneurial spirit and vast knowledge of film and theater management, Carter founded the production company Ponderosa Films. Although he is still relatively new to the industry, he has already served as the executive producer for the film Broken Ghost, and has several interesting projects in the works.
Outside of work, Carter is also a veteran who served in the United States Military for three years and spends his free time working with the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit program dedicated to honoring WWII veterans.
Carter Boehm’s success in multiple industries demonstrates his skills as a real estate and film professional and is a testament to his work ethic, dedication, and organizational skills.
Where did the idea for Ponderosa Films come from?
My father had originally owned Ponderosa Films which made feature films and documentaries. The name has been in my family for 50 years and I wanted to honor my father’s amazing legacy and heritage.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Typically, I attend to my several real estate developments, so that takes up quite a bit of my time. I am also very busy with location scouting for a new feature film we are preparing to film.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Honestly, I simply think of an idea and I just go out and do it. I won’t stop until that idea is finished, completed or realized.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Independent films really excite me. Indie films really offer so much more freedom than a conventional film and they are beginning to get so much more respect and attention.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Perseverance. As a second degree black belt, I learned to never give up or quit. It helps me be as productive as possible.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be arrogant. Be incredibly humble, think of others and don’t chase the dollar. Work on projects that you are genuinely interested in and don’t do something solely for the money.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Nobody agrees with me on trusting your gut instinct, but it has allowed me to become a great leader. Always follow your gut.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I always set goals and constantly check them. It isn’t enough to set them, you must accomplish them. As you complete each one, make sure to check them off and keep great track of them. And if this year’s goals aren’t accomplished, they can spill over into next year’s as long as you eventually complete them.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Treating people and your team as equals and with respect. Never look at someone as your employee. Nobody works for me; we all work with each other. This has allowed me to grow a great network or colleagues and, in turn, has grown my client portfolio.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I had started a company named Amtel and we had purchased payphones and installed them. Unfortunately, the phones were not that great and the business ended up not working out. It helped me learn to never go into a business that you do not understand.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
The basic idea is a point system for gym members. Essentially, gym members can ride a cycle or run on a treadmill that is connected to a generator; the more you run, the more electricity you generate, which can then be used as credit towards a gym membership. The gyms can, in turn, sell that electricity to make a profit.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My iPhone and iPad. It is not technically a piece of software, but it does run on software that helps me get my work done. I use them for literally everything. I do not own a computer, so I use my iPhone and iPad for communication, documents, emails, and all other necessary work.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Anything written by Khalil Gibran. He was a writer and poet who wrote many works that offer some fantastic advice.
What is your favorite quote?
“You are responsible for the consequences of your actions and/or inactions”
Key Learnings:
- Think of an idea and just go out and do it. Don’t stop until that idea is finished, completed or realized.
- Treat people and your team as equals and with respect. Never look at someone as your employee. Nobody works for me; we all work with each other.
Connect:
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.