Kenneth Carpenter is trying to make his hometown, Moorhead, better every day.
"I don't have a limit on how far I will go politically,” Carpenter told The Enterprise-Tocsin recently. “My current focus is to make Moorhead a safer and better place to live."
Nothing is ordinary about this young man. At first glance, he appears to be average.
Once you speak with him, you will quickly acknowledge that he is business-minded with intelligent goals and purpose and a vision for his community.
Carpenter has a diminutive stature but big dreams, a dare-to-give-up attitude, a word of encouragement for the young and aged, and a sincere desire to serve others, especially his family and community, all while remaining quiet until called on or asked to give ideas about the future success of his community.
Carpenter shares a deep passion for his hometown, regardless of the size, resources, and limitations the town may offer.
Not by luck but by divine plans
Carpenter is a native of Moorhead. Born February 9, 1992, to Ora and John Carpenter. He says that just because he is the baby of the family, by no means was he spoiled by his parents. He said his parents challenged him to live up to his siblings' standards of hard work and discipline.
Carpenter said, "From childhood, I had many dreams of making my life and those around me great. Not only did I want to be successful, but I wanted others to make it with me."
When Carpenter speaks, he does so with great conviction and passion when he speaks about Moorhead.
"I must add that I am often misunderstood, with my assertive tone and probing questions. Nevertheless, I want to make Moorhead richer, stronger,
and abundant in resources,” he said.
"I am a dreamer, a risk-taker, a real estate agent, a licensed appraiser, a real estate investor, husband, and father. I am honest and occasionally aggressive. If someone has done it, then I can too. I always try to do the right thing," expounded Carpenter.
Living in Moorhead has brought real peace and opportunities.
"Most people like to move away from their hometown. I want to stay. I felt I could do a lot of good. I know I can help Moorhead become a better place," admitted Carpenter.
Carpenter is the father of four children – London, Kristin, Kenneth Jr. and Morgan.
Education and training
Carpenter graduated from Gentry High School in 2011. He is a Mississippi Delta Community College graduate who completed an associate degree in automotive technology in 2013.
"I worked at SuperValu for seven years as a selector, road crew, trainer, lead, and supervisor," explained Carpenter. "While working, I enrolled and completed my degree at MDCC. As planned, I left Supervalu in June 2020 because I had reached my real estate and investing goals."
He completed real estate courses in 2019 in Jackson and received his appraiser license in May 2022.
Carpenter boasts that he flips houses. He is an experienced real estate investor with over 15 years under his belt.
How he got into real estate
Approximately two years after Carpenter's father (John Carpenter, former mayor of Moorhead for eight years) left employment at Modern Line Products Co. in Indianola, he noticed that his family's lifestyle remained the same. Additionally, the teen observed that real estate gave his parents a good and stable foundation.
"I can remember since I was 13, I saw others struggle. But nothing in my house changed. My dad worked daily on houses, cutting and trimming trees, and running his own business. This inspired me to do the same," added Carpenter.
Carpenter described his daily routine, from early rise to late evening – his day starts with house inspections, appraisals, banking, and buyers – all while balancing family and church.
Greatest influencer
Carpenter is a lifetime student. He spends his time listening to audiobooks.
"I spend most of my time listening to "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kilsagie," stated Carpenter. "He breaks down what you work for, money, and workforce. I have learned that I am not an office person. I see myself as an entrepreneur. If you have a dream – then do it."
Carpenter added, "Never accept something that will mess up your name. Never attach yourself to something that will mess up your name. A lack of money is not a reason to do wrong."
He shared that his parents taught him never to compare himself to others – doing this adds pressure and stress.
"I never saw a need to compare myself with others," stated Carpenter. "My father is why I don't put myself above others. He taught me to be honest and fair in business. I remember seeing my father work hard. I also saw him investing in real estate, which I admired most. I saw him caring for his family and not doing a 9-to-5 job but doing family – with flexibility and freedom. Again, I want this for my family and children.
"It was never about the money. It was about being available to give my time and attention to the people I care about," explained Carpenter. "Real estate work will provide more flexibility as I build up the community I care about. It takes a lot of work to do this."
Faith
"Kenneth Carpenter has been a member of St. Luke Church of God in Christ in Moorhead since he was a small child. He is a good example of what it means to be a good servant," stated Ezra Howard, pastor of St. Luke COGIC.
Howard added, "Kenneth is committed to his family, church and community. He is married to Sis. Brittany Manuel Carpenter. She is also a longtime member of St. Luke. They are determined to raise their children according to God's word. Whenever I talk with Kenneth, I sense his passion for improving the Moorhead community."
Carpenter said his faith guides him in how he conducts his life with family and in business.
"Sometimes, you need more than one solution to solve the problem," stated Carpenter. "I am a man of God. I seek God all day long. I know that I can't fix anything, but God can. With his guidance, I will make sound and wise decisions."
Carpenter continued, "I think I am a vessel that God uses to help make this world better while I am here. Everything good in my life is because of God. The bad parts are my fault. My life includes attending church every Sunday and taking online Bible classes while balancing marriage, family, work, and community projects. My faith in God keeps and sustains me.”
Goals
Carpenter is ambitious, looking to grow in business, and he hopes that will help him to grow Moorhead.
"My goals for Moorhead are simple. I have heard about the dreams and plans of other citizens. I want to help the citizens achieve their dreams and goals of making Moorhead the best place to live for all people,” Carpenter said. "I want whatever I touch to be better than I found it.”
His efforts have not gone unnoticed within the community.
"He is a young man with an entrepreneurial spirit. He is always trying to figure out how to advance. He appears to be an honest man. If he sets out at something, he sees it to completion. He is not lazy. He's a family man," shared Joe Howard, Delta Bus Lines' executive director.
Carpenter said the work is not nearly done in the small town.
"I would love to see Moorhead as a safe and clean place. I plan to open my real estate brokerage here," said Carpenter.
Family and siblings
Carpenter said he and his siblings received a good foundation when they were raised, and they are trying to be productive, no matter what they do.
“I am proud of my family. Each of them is working and caring for themselves and their own family. My mom and I are mirror images. We share the same outlook on life. She told me to help when I can, make everywhere I go better, and speak up for myself. She keeps her word," shared Carpenter. "This is what I live by every day."
Carpenter maintains that life is like remodeling a house. Things often change from the original plan.
"I have learned to be true to myself. The truth guides me. I look at the solution and not just the problem. There is always one solution to a situation. I live by this same concept," said Carpenter.
Political aspirations
According to Carpenter, God has perfect timing and will open political doors and opportunities when it's His time and season.
"I desire to work in the community and promote unity while strengthening my leadership skills and forming better relationships with citizens of all ages," announced Carpenter. "I believe God will order my steps and lead me in the path I need to take. I ask the community to work with me as I empower, inspire, share vision, and lead."
Carpenter affirmed, "I don't have a limit on how far I will go politically. My current focus is to make Moorhead a safer and better place to live."
