THE AUTHOR

Joel Carver is a nationally recognized leader, entrepreneur, and thought partner with more than four decades of success across sales, marketing, and hospitality. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Carver Companies, he has built a portfolio of brands focused on helping organizations attract, retain, and grow top talent while maximizing revenue, culture, and long-term performance.

Prior to founding The Carver Companies, Joel served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CSM Corporation, where he led enterprise-wide sales strategy, revenue management, marketing, eCommerce, and public relations. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, including Westin, Hilton, Omni, Wyndham, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Leading Hotels of the World—earning a reputation as both a strategic visionary and disciplined operator.

Joel’s professional accomplishments have been widely recognized, including honors such as Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing, INC 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies, TITAN 100 Top CEO in Georgia, and numerous industry and academic lifetime achievement awards. In 2025, he received the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing both professional excellence and sustained service to others.

Philanthropy and inclusion are central to Joel’s leadership philosophy. His long-standing support of organizations such as Backpack Buddies, recognition from the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, and the establishment of an educational endowment reflect his belief that true success is measured not only by results, but by impact.

A sought-after speaker, Joel delivers keynotes and executive training on leadership, sales growth, human capital strategy, and organizational culture. He is also a published author, with prior works in marketing and forthcoming books focused on leadership, resilience, and the human side of business.

Away from work, Joel values time with his husband, Van (Dr. Millin, a teaching physician), and their rescue dogs, Beau and Pippa. His personal journey—marked by resilience, challenge, and growth—continues to shape his mission: to inspire leaders to build people, strengthen communities, and lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.