Humanitarian Touches Lives Locally and Globally

Owner of a quickservice empire of 137 restaurants in six states, Valerie Daniels-Carter’s business accomplishments rival her 26-year commitment to philanthropy. In the United States and Africa, she has been involved in many philanthropic initiatives, including educational and economic empowerment programs.

GIVING TREE: One of my company’s first major initiatives was the No Child Left Out for Christmas program. V&J buys gifts for children who normally wouldn’t receive Christmas gifts because their parents are incarcerated. We make it clear to the children the gift is from their parents and the community, who love them. They understand their moms and dads thought enough of them to get something for them, even though they can’t be with them. It’s really beautiful to see their expressions of joy.

FAMILY HERITAGE: One of the projects dearest to my heart is the Mother Kathryn Daniels Youth Center, developed in memory of my mother and husband. My mother was active in community work, and it was a part of the fiber and culture of our home to ensure the things we do aren’t just relevant to us, but to others in the world. The center is a 150,000-square-foot multibuilding complex in the heart of Milwaukee. Opened in 2002, it houses the state’s largest Boys & Girls Club, two schools, a family service center, social and meeting facilities. It also includes educational programming and extended learning for adults. It’s a beacon of light in a blighted community.

LOOKING ABROAD:We knew we could help people beyond the communities where our restaurants operate. In Africa, we created an initiative for the Minority Franchise Association to build a state-of-the-art wing for the Jubilee Center Orphanage in Kenya. We also helped build a water well in Kenya that today serves 20,000 families. In Ghana, we created an Economic Empowerment Initiative, acquiring 20 acres of land to enable local people to cultivate and market crops.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: I attribute my success to the relationships I have with God, my family and employees. I have a phenomenal group of employees, and it’s necessary to champion them. I couldn’t do many of the things I do without the team members I have. I celebrate the fact that as a team, we make V&J’s philanthropic work happen. THE RIGHT CAUSE: It’s not difficult to give back. But to make a difference, you first have to understand your passion in terms of philanthropy. Understanding what you’re giving will help you give more. Find a reputable organization with the same passion so you can go after your dream.

LASTING LEGACY:My greatest inspiration has been and continues to be my faith in God. He is the source of my strength and gives me the ability to do the things I do. My desire is to have a legacy of giving a hand up. I try to put a fingerprint impression of my life on everything I do — and everyone knows a fingerprint is forever.

Restaurant Stats

Name: V&J Holding Co., Inc.
Location: Milwaukee, Wis.
Restaurants: 137
Employees: 3,800

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