Carter Weinstein – 20 Under 40

Attend LLC
19 | Education: Georgetown University

At 19, Carter Weinstein has co-founded his first business and written his first book.

“While working through my own anxiety journey, I was given many resources penned by an adult/professional though I had hoped to find something written by a peer,” he said. “When I could not find something, I decided to write my own book.”

Conquering Fear: One Teen’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety is endorsed by Mark Cuban. Weinstein interned at Shark Tank and Mark Cuban Companies, helping research startups seeking investments.

Weinstein’s company, Attend LLC, offers software designed to track classroom attendance.

A Preston Hollow resident since moving from New York City when he was 15 months old, Weinstein enjoys giving back to his community.

As a high school freshman, he founded a teen board for Heroes for Children, a nonprofit that supports families battling childhood cancer.

“​​The board amassed students from both public and private schools in the area and today continues to support families who have a child being treated at Children’s Medical Center and Medical City Children’s,” Weinstein said.

Weinstein, the great-grandson of an Auschwitz survivor, also sat on the executive committee for the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum’s teen board when the museum opened in the new building in the city’s West End in 2019.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

My first job was at the Jewish Community Center as a summer camp counselor. The camp’s director, Laura Seymour, had been at The J for many years and it was immediately apparent that she loved her job. Her passion and leadership were truly inspiring. From the first day of orientation, Laura made it clear that while the campers were there to have a great experience, she wanted the very same for the counselors. She said that as soon as we put on our camp t-shirts, we were part of a team – we were part of something bigger than we knew – something special. In fact, Laura gave each counselor a tiny star to keep with us during camp to remind us of the positive impact we could have on a single child. The leadership responsibility Laura imparted on us that summer was significant. It was a message she wove throughout our regular staff meetings and thus the gravity of our impact became easy to recognize it in our daily interactions with the kids. As leaders of their “teams” they looked to us – depended upon us – for direction, knowledge, organization, and care. Understanding the importance of good leadership – even in the microcosm of summer camp – is something I will take with me for years to come.

Fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?

Not many people know that I am super musical. I love to listen to music across many genres and can also sit down at the piano at any point – no matter how long it’s been since I was there last – and crank out some fun stuff. Also, the spontaneous acapella harmonizing that happens amongst my good friends gets rave reviews (by the dogs in the neighborhood).

Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?

In ten years, I hope to have launched the first of a series of successful start-ups and to be well on my way to having a positive, lasting impact on the community.

Which leadership skills were the most challenging for you to develop and why?

I am a perfectionist and like things done a certain way. With this, it is very difficult for me to delegate responsibilities. I honestly don’t mind working hard and taking on many tasks, however, I also understand how important it is to have feedback from and utilize the talents of team members.

What is your favorite local store?

Southpaws in Preston Center. It is just good, honest food. Natural ingredients – everything on the menu super healthy and easy.

Toughest business/personal challenge?

When I do things – whether it is school work, interning or even just working out, I want to do them really well. I have amazing friends and a family who keep things in check for me. They constantly remind me that finding balance and enjoying the little things in life is super important –

How do you motivate others?

I find that the best way to motivate others is to share my sincere passion for something. As with my book – it is not easy/comfortable for teens to talk about struggles – particularly in this time with social media (mis) informing us about the need to be perfect. By sharing my story – for a teen, by a teen – I am hoping to inspire others to make a plan and address their own anxiety.

Similarly with Heroes for Children.. I felt strongly that there was something teens in our community could do to support other kids who had been diagnosed with cancer. I started by sharing my story about friends and family who had been diagnosed – and how I wanted to do something. Just by sharing my story – others felt comfortable stepping forward. At one point, we had over 100 teens on the board.

What’s on your bucket list?

I love to travel. I am excited to study abroad and hope one day to travel to Dubai and Manaco. I hope one day to sky dive and I’d love to act in a movie.

What are you most excited about for the future?

As an entrepreneur, philanthropist and dreamer, I am extremely excited to be part of a generation of forward thinkers who will no doubt optimize and continue to develop technology that will better the lives of so many.