We had the good fortune of connecting with Carter Pope Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Carter, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’m in recovery myself, so launching this business was a passion project for me. After I left treatment, sober living seemed like a good option as a next step in my journey. I had specific criteria, including a location close enough to family in Buckhead, a tailored approach to my program that would allow me to work on my professional life, personal life and my recovery, and a living situation that provided privacy and space. There wasn’t anything out there that fit my needs so I decided not to go. I was lucky enough to have an incredibly supportive cast that helped me in early sobriety.
Many of my friends didn’t go to sober living for the same reason but unfortunately didn’t have a strong support system at home — and ultimately relapsed. I started Creekside Recovery Residences to fill a void in the Atlanta marketplace by providing luxury sober living homes in Buckhead with individualized, tailored recovery plans for residents. Through our Adaptive Sober Living program, we’ve now grown to offer care to persons living in their own homes, as well as consulting for families and individuals considering beginning the journey of recovery.
Getting through the pandemic presented a new set of challenges. But now, nearly two years in, the Creekside team is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our clients. Nothing makes me happier than when someone graduates our program and successfully reintegrates into their family. We help our community build the skills and tools to go back out on their own.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Creekside Recovery Residences is redefining sober living in Atlanta. Our mission is to provide premier, community-living residences for those seeking to continue their journey of recovery, empowering each resident to seek and maintain mind, body and spiritual growth through self-management and personal accountability. We are set apart by our focus on:
Luxury Residences: Creekside currently operates three upscale sober living homes in a highly desirable area of Atlanta (Buckhead). Homes are recently renovated and professionally designed, each resident has his/her own bedroom, and en suite bathrooms are available in most of the bedrooms. Additional amenities include outdoor areas to gather and relax, a smart TV in every bedroom, high-speed internet, and bi-monthly housekeeping. All three houses are within a 1-mile radius of the Triangle Club.
Technology: Creekside is technology-driven, providing residents with state-of-the-art recovery tools from some of the leading recovery software providers, including One Step. Residents are empowered to own and manage their recoveries through sober-living apps that assist in managing daily schedules, tracking sober days, tracking meetings attended and monitoring progress. We use Soberlink for daily alcohol screenings, all houses are equipped with Ring video monitoring and Life360 allows us to track resident movements. Our online tools simplify the new-resident process and allow residents to pay monthly fees quickly and securely.
Community Connection and Family Integration: At Creekside, we’re proud of the strong sense of community and alumni participation we’ve built into the program. We organize three community events every week as well as a bi-monthly excursion with residents and alumni. Additionally, the geographical concentration of our residences — all in the same neighborhood — fosters a sense of community and peer support. Families are intricately involved in our clients’ treatment and hands-on aftercare planning by our master’s-level case manager, and we offer a 2-hour family group meeting once a month featuring a guest speaker and process group. Examples of recent community events include a potluck picnic, wildlife nonprofit visit, a birthday party to celebrate the 1-year sober birthday of three of our residents, and a low country boil.
Our testimonials speak for themselves, and we are proud of that. It brings our team so much joy to receive positive feedback from our clients and their families about the positive change they’ve seen after working with Creekside.
As far as lessons I’ve learned along the way, I’d say 1) don’t take yourself too seriously, 2) don’t ever be embarrassed about being passionate about something, and 3) self-worth, happiness and peace come from within. I’m still learning new lessons every day.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As someone born and raised in Atlanta, I believe we’re lucky to live in the greatest city in the world. If the mayor ever asks, I’m here and willing to do a tourism commercial (for free!). Since we’ve been vaccinated, we’re looking forward to hosting friends and family again so this is a timely question.
For breakfast, I love Corner Cafe in Buckhead. I grew up right nearby and it’s such a familiar, warm and casual spot. When I was young, my dad and I would get breakfast there on the regular. Looking back, it was truly special father-son time.
When I moved back to Atlanta in 2016 — after three years working in Manhattan and two years spent in Chapel Hill receiving my MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School — we lived on Piedmont and 10th St,, right near Piedmont Park. Our adopted dog Indy loved his frequent walks, and the nearby dog park was great for people (and canine) watching. And the Sunday farmer’s market at Piedmont Park is not messing around. My wife would always come back with fresh flowers, Emerald City bagels and coffee by Blue Donkey.
After a year in our apartment, Indy needed a yard, so we made the move over to Peachtree Hills. Nearby Treehouse Restaurant became our go-to for lunch and the salmon sandwich is one of my favorite meals. Plus, the porch is dog-friendly! You’re bound to run into someone you know from the neighborhood.
For dinner, Hal’s has a special place in my heart and would definitely be on the itinerary. It was always a special occasion restaurant as a kid. As an adult, I can appreciate its relaxed charm, and I’m a sucker for a good steak. My wife loves pasta, so St. Cecilia is also high on our list (especially now that we live in Brookhaven and it’s so close). It was our special date spot two weeks after our second COVID-19 vaccinations. Our 9-month-old son Brax has cystic fibrosis, an inherited genetic disease, so we took isolation very seriously for over a year. It was incredible to sit down somewhere and have a hot meal! We definitely won’t take that for granted again…
I’ve always been a huge golfer, so I’d definitely take a friend visiting town to Bobby Jones — it’s so conveniently located and the new amenities are great — or another nearby course. And if it’s baseball season, it’s not a trip to Atlanta without a Braves game. Walking on the Beltline and exploring Ponce City Market is another fun way to spend a weekend with guests.
Atlanta is amazing. I can’t wait to start exploring the city through our pandemic baby’s eyes as he grows up. I have a feeling we’ll become regulars at the zoo and aquarium, and I can’t wait.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and especially my wife, Jess. Her support got me into treatment, and her understanding and continued support after treatment was invaluable. She had faith in my idea to launch Creekside Recovery Residences and has always believed in its potential and success.
Website: https://www.creeksiderr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creeksiderecoveryresidences
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creekside-recovery-residences/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeAreCreekside
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creeksiderecoveryresidences
Other: Bio: Carter is a successful real estate and private equity investor who recognized the need for sober living residences in Atlanta created specifically for professionals and family members of professionals. Prior to founding Creekside Recovery Residences, Carter worked in insurance brokerage in New York City and as a real estate private equity acquisitions specialist in Atlanta. He completed his undergraduate degree at Washington & Lee University and has an MBA from the UNC Keenan-Flagler Business School. Carter lives with his wife in Atlanta where he grew up. He enjoys golf and living a healthy lifestyle through his continued journey of recovery.