World’s 20 Influential Leaders Transforming the Future
Company: LC 4-FOODS LLC
Designation: Owner operator
Country: United States
Larry Joe Carter, Founder of LC 4-FOODS LLC, is a trailblazing figure in the U.S. animal processing sector, bringing over four decades of experience in transforming food production systems through ethical practices, efficiency, and innovation. Beginning his career in 1979 as an hourly worker at Bryant Foods in Mississippi, Carter’s journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and industry foresight. His entrepreneurial vision led to the establishment of LC 4-FOODS, a diversified operation that includes Carter’s Organic Farm and Carter's International Consultant Worldwide (CICWW). These initiatives serve as a platform for sustainable pork production, advanced food safety measures, and meaningful community empowerment.
Carter’s patented CC35DW (Carcass Chill 35" Water) technology reflects his forward-thinking approach to food safety and shelf-life extension, providing a scalable solution for the meat industry. His collaboration with Davison further exemplifies his strategic acumen, where he entered into a professional agreement to refine his innovations, paving the way for market-ready products. This business-minded approach to invention has allowed him to scale ideas into impactful industry assets.
His leadership portfolio includes critical roles with organizations such as Seaboard Foods, JBS, Carlton Farms, and Cherkizovo Group in Russia. At Cherkizovo, from 2019 to 2020, Carter was instrumental in modernizing operations in Penza and Dankov. Internationally, he has consulted across Southeast Asia, advising on plant remodels, compliance strategies, export readiness, and efficiency improvements. His hands-on insights have helped start-up and established companies alike, including Blue Creek Marble Meats in Montana, Vallia Foods in Wisconsin, and Carlton Farms in Oregon.
Throughout his expansive career, Carter has worked with industry leaders such as Tyson Foods, Jackson Foods, Indiana Packers, Farmland/Smithfield Foods, and Bryan Foods. His deep operational insight comes from direct experience at companies like Pico Chicken, Prestige Farms, Ashley Furniture, and Cooper Tire, where he studied workflow and labor dynamics to better understand employee well-being and operational structure. His resilience through economic fluctuations and evolving industry demands has allowed him to shape businesses that are not only competitive but built for long-term impact.
In 2020, Carter formally established LC 4-FOODS LLC, with active operations in Iuka, Aberdeen, and Burnsville, Mississippi. After a brief pause, he resumed leadership in 2023 with renewed vigor and long-term plans for global expansion. He envisions LC 4-FOODS growing into an international brand while also launching on-site education programs to mentor the next generation of agricultural professionals. His approach blends commercial success with social impact, ensuring fair pay, dignity, and professional development for all employees.
Educated at Golden Triangle Vo-Technical Center and Mary Holmes Junior College, Carter also pursued studies at Arizona State University and has completed leadership training programs from Dale Carnegie Tyson and Zinger Miller. These formative experiences have shaped his values of integrity, trust, and purpose-driven leadership. Carter leads with the principle of example, firmly believing that a strong organization is built by uplifting people.
Family remains central to Carter’s life. As a proud father to 11 children, grandfather to 18, and great-grandfather to one, his personal values reflect his unwavering commitment to service and legacy. His faith continues to guide both his professional and personal journey, ensuring that his work uplifts communities and leaves a lasting, positive impact.
Larry Joe Carter is not just a leader in food innovation, he is a voice of transformation in agriculture and sustainability. As one of the Top 10 Purpose-Driven Leaders in 2025, his mission is crystal clear: to reshape the global food industry through responsible practices, education, and empowerment, guided by vision, experience, and an unwavering dedication to people.