By Shane Reeves, Chief Executive Officer
TwelveStone Health Partners has been ranked on the Inc. 5000 list for five years running, having an impressive 121% three-year revenue growth. However, the strength of the company doesn’t just lie in its innovative services or patient-centered care—it’s rooted in the people behind the scenes.
Leading this charge is CRO Dave Carter, whose vision and leadership have shaped TwelveStone into a powerhouse in the infusion therapy industry. His military and corporate sales background allowed him to apply many fresh ideas to healthcare—a sector often resistant to change. But what truly sets this company apart is Carter’s approach to team-building, talent acquisition, and development.
Hire for Will, Not Skill
Dave Carter believes that while skills can be taught, attitude and passion are invaluable. His hiring philosophy—“hire for will, not skill”—has shaped TwelveStone into a high-performing organization where talent and dedication shine through.
Many top performers also come from clinical backgrounds and understand patient care on a deeper level. This allows the sales team to engage with providers meaningfully, building trust and long-lasting relationships. The blend of clinical insight and business acumen ensures each team member contributes to TwelveStone’s mission: improving lives through exceptional care.
Talent that Drives Growth
The sales team‘s diverse clinical experience is directly related to growth. Swantice Johnson, Territory Sales Manager for Georgia, transitioned from a background in pulmonary medicine to her current role. Her efforts have driven TwelveStone to generate an incredible $1M in monthly sales in under a year.
Kellyn Eason, another Territory Sales Manager, also brought in $1M in monthly revenue in less than a year. She leveraged her previous experience as a Cardiology Service Manager to build a network of referring physicians. She focused on the cardiologists she had worked with before and then expanded into other specialties, helping to establish a strong foothold in a new territory.
Data-Driven, People-Centered
What makes Dave Carter’s vision so impactful is his commitment to making data-driven decisions without losing the human element. Metrics like cancellation rates and referral patterns aren’t just numbers—they’re tools that allow the team to improve patient care. This ensures the team remains agile, responsive, and, most importantly, focused on patient outcomes.
But TwelveStone’s emphasis on data isn’t confined to its external operations. Internally, Carter uses performance metrics to guide team development and recognize top performers. This blend of data and compassion keeps the team motivated and aligned with the company’s mission.
A Culture of Growth and Development
Carter’s leadership isn’t just about hitting sales targets—it’s about growing people. His focus on talent development ensures that all team members receive mentorship, training, and opportunities to advance their careers and develop, both professionally and personally.
Amy Zellers, TwelveStone’s Sales Director, is an excellent example. Starting her career mixing medications twenty-six years ago at Reeves Sain, Amy Zellers is now TwelveStone’s Sales Director, responsible for managing the high-performing sales team. This showcases the company’s commitment to nurturing talent.
In fact, Dave Carter’s leadership stands out the most in his ability to build people. Dave is great at creating a model and developing people—that’s been the key to his success.