our mission
Our mission is to exceed expectations every day. With our customer service and team-oriented approach, we anticipate, we plan and we accomplish.
Development
Ben Carter Enterprises has four areas of specialization: development, asset management, leasing and brokerage. We have consistently delivered exceptional quality projects and services to our clients since 1993.
Services
Ben Carter Enterprises develops and services Class A office buildings and a mixture of retail properties ranging from regional malls and open-air lifestyle centers to power and strip shopping centers. Every project, from start to finish receives thoughtful consideration for the absolute best interest of the property without compromise.
BEN CARTER
Chairman & Founder
Ben Carter is Founder and Chairman of Ben Carter Enterprises. He is responsible for the business strategy, new business development, site selection, retailer relationships and project partnerships. Carter also oversees the company’s performance, operations and portfolio management. Through his vision and leadership, the company and its predecessor, Ben Carter Properties, have developed nearly $4 billion – and over 5 million square feet – in retail projects since 1993. Carter has been at the helm of numerous successful projects including St. John’s Town Center in Jacksonville, Florida and The Mall of Georgia in Mill Creek.
Ben Carter Enterprises is currently involved in the development and acquisition of outlet retail centers, as well as urban retail/mixed-use properties in the Southeastern U.S. The company’s current development and acquisition pipeline includes a regional outlet center in Pooler, Georgia and an urban renewal project in Savannah, Georgia.
Throughout Carter’s career, he has been involved with the development of office, retail and industrial properties throughout the Southeast. He is known for his intuitive site selection, quality design and construction and steadfast tenant commitments.
Carter graduated from The Lovett School in Atlanta, and later received Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from American University.
Palmer Carter Stratton
President
As President, Palmer Carter Stratton is responsible for identifying voids in the marketplace and applying visionary thinking to creatively lease space and sell land. She takes pride in playing matchmaker between Ben Carter Enterprises and prospective tenants or business partners to create win/win solutions. Palmer is a hands-on leader and enjoys building close business partnerships and understanding the local community being served.
Formerly, as the Vice President of Leasing at Ben Carter Properties, she was responsible for the leasing of new developments, including the high-profile project, The Streets of Buckhead in Atlanta (now known as Buckhead Atlanta). While heading up the Jacksonville office, she forged strong community ties and actively participated in the leasing effort for three significant projects:
- St John’s Town Center (1,200,000 sf)
- St John’s Town Center-North (120,000 sf)
- The Markets at Town Center (500,000 sf)
Stratton is an advisory board member of Carter Real Estate Center (CREC), a school within the College of Charleston. Earlier in her career, she was one of the founding officers appointed to lead the International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Next Generation chapter in Jacksonville, FL. Both these roles reflect her dedication to the industry and commitment to supporting people with an interest in a real estate career.
Palmer, a native of Atlanta, graduated from the Lovett School and went on to earn her BA degree in Communication Studies with a Minor in Sociology from the College of Charleston.
“I feel like real estate is in my DNA. BCE is a family business, and it’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Whether I’m visiting any retail district in the world or walking one of our properties, my mind is constantly noticing the retail mix and thinking about the potential for a similar use in one of our projects.”
Cathy Sell
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Cathy Sell is responsible for managing the financial analysis for acquisitions and development projects of the company. She also oversees financial reporting, cash flow forecasting and cash management for the company’s investments.
Sell has over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate. Her background includes the establishment and administration of development, corporate and construction management accounting procedures. Cathy has been an integral part of the Ben Carter team since she joined in 1993. Prior to working with Ben Carter Properties, she worked as Accounting Manager for Southern Federal Savings & Loan Association in Atlanta, Georgia, and Regulatory Reporting Analyst for United Federal Savings & Loan Association in Smyrna, Georgia.
Sell is a native of Atlanta, and a licensed Georgia real estate broker. She is a graduate of Brevard Technical Institute and attended Clemson University.