“You get what you put into it. Nothing good comes easy, but the reward is awesome.”
– Charles Carter
At Crane Credit Union, we take pride in supporting our small business members and celebrating their successes. This quarter, we are excited to highlight Carter’s Sauces—a company that started with a single batch of pickled jalapeño sauce and has since grown into a thriving business offering a variety of flavorful sauces.
Carter’s Sauces was founded five years ago by Charles and Kelsey Carter, entrepreneurs with a passion for experimenting in the kitchen. What started as a way to use up extra garden peppers quickly turned into a business when, in 2020, a single Facebook post offering their signature “Sweet Heat” sauce led to an overwhelming response—selling 167 bottles in just 24 hours. Encouraged by the demand, the business took off, and today, Carter’s Sauces continues to create unique, high-quality products inspired by personal experiences and a love for bold flavors.
Success for Carter’s Sauces isn’t just measured by sales, but by the impact they have on their community. They’ve built partnerships with other small businesses, sourcing peppers from Thomas Family Acres in Owensville, Indiana, and working with Bluegrass Superior Foods in Louisville, Kentucky, for bottling. Their commitment extends beyond business, as they regularly give back to local sports teams, PTOs, and civic groups.
Of course, no journey is without its challenges. Entering the entrepreneurial world without a roadmap meant learning every step of the way. Charles says that through it all, CCU has been there to support the business and help make their dream a reality. When they needed financing, CCU helped the Carters take the first steps with a structured loan tailored to their needs. “We’ve never felt pressured to overextend our reach,” Carter said. “We truly feel like they have come along as a partner and not just a financial institution.”
For those considering starting their own business, the Carters offer this advice: “You get what you put into it. Nothing good comes easy, but the reward is awesome.” More than just a business venture, this journey has been a family affair, teaching their children the value of hard work and perseverance—lessons passed down from one generation to the next. Carter notes that running their own small business has helped teach his children the words his grandfather once said to him: “In this country, you can have anything you want as long as you’re willing to work for it.”
We at Crane Credit Union are honored to be part of Carter’s Sauces’ story and can’t wait to see what’s next for this growing business. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out their website and try one of their incredible sauces—you won’t be disappointed!
