Mike Minter
The Leader's Equation, The Power To Perform

Mike Minter has been a pillar of the Carolina Panther defense since joining the team in 1997. An all pro-safety and team captain, Minter has lived the highs of playing in the Super Bowl and the lows of a team that won only one game in 16.

However, his new-found success as businessman and philanthropist will soon rival his fame on the field. As a motivational speaker, Minter’s insights are unique, his delivery is impeccable and his credentials are unparalleled. He makes his listeners laugh and think while encouraging them to find their true purpose in life.

The Athlete
At a time when free agency reigns and swapping teams for higher salaries is expected, Minter’s loyalty to one team is rare. A second round draft pick, the All-pro safety officially retired on August 7, 2007 but not before becoming the Carolina Panther’s all-time leader in forced fumbles and was ranked among the team’s leading tacklers almost every season.

But for Minter, there is life after football.

The Businessman
Minter earned his degree in engineering from the University of Nebraska (where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame), and is now building many successful businesses as principal or partner.

Minter began his entrepreneurial debut in real estate and earned a reputation as a savvy developer. His first development, a gated community in Kannapolis called Pine Creek, sold out in record time without a model or even a brochure. Pine has appeared on the covers of many regional and national publications. This community, ranging from 1.2 million to 4 million, is the epitome of luxury and was soon followed by the Vineyards at Pine Creek and the Villas at Winecoff.

Ruckus House Learning Center provides faith-based childcare, skill development and learning for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years and currently serves hundreds of children from two locations just north of Charlotte, NC. Founded by Minter and NFL partners – Mike Rucker, Muhsin Muhammad and Stephen Davis, Ruckus House Learning Centers boasts its own curriculum and will provide quality care and education to even more children through additional locations throughout the US.

Minter’s newest and most ambitious projects to date include a publishing company and Minter Consulting - a consulting firm that offers services in finance, business management, marketing and motivation to entrepreneurs and corporations ready to take their business to the next level.

The Man As an aspiring pastor, Mike Minter gives all credit for his accomplishments to God.

“You know that you are doing everything for His glory, and not yours,” Minter stated. This man with a reputation for unprecedented integrity takes his faith with him wherever he goes--the football field, the altar and the boardroom.

Minter’s ability to share his testimony with others has recently led him to the First Assembly Christian School in Concord. In fall 2008, Minter will step into the role of Head of Football Operations and Head Football Coach, overseeing all middle and high school football teams. “It’s about more than developing skills,” said Minter. “This is an opportunity to coach these young people in football and life. I want to help them become the best people they can be.”

The Philanthropist
A professional athlete and multi-faceted business leader, Minter still makes time to give back to others. His dedication to improving the lives of others has led him to serve as a board member for Coltrain L.I.F.E. Center, the Charlotte Chamber, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, The Cabarrus County Education Foundation and as a board advisor to Classroom Central and the Touchdown Club.

It was through the YMCA that Minter visited West Africa in 2007. As the YMCA’s Ambassador to Africa, Minter and his sons joined a small group sent to assess ongoing efforts. Minter also works closely with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, is the state spokesperson for the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program, is a regional spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation and serves as an Honorary Chair for the American Diabetes Association.

The Ruckus Foundation is another aspect of the Minter’s vision shared with his Ruckus House partners. The Ruckus House Foundation awards multiple renewable scholarships to students attending accredited North Carolina colleges to pursue degrees in education.