Joel Carver

Joel Carver is a recognized leader, innovator, and entrepreneur with more than four decades of success in sales, marketing, and hospitality management. As the Founder and Chief Executive of The Carver Companies, Joel has built a family of brands dedicated to transforming the way organizations attract, retain, and grow top talent, while also helping businesses maximize revenue and market presence.

Prior to establishing The Carver Companies, Joel served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CSM Corporation in Minneapolis, MN. In this role, he oversaw the company’s full portfolio of corporate and property-level marketing initiatives, sales strategy, revenue management, eCommerce development, and public relations. His leadership was instrumental in positioning CSM as a competitive force in the hospitality industry, including the implementation of a share-shifting program designed to optimize sales efforts and improve RevPAR index across the company.

Over the course of his career, Joel has held leadership roles with some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, including Westin, Hilton, Omni, Wyndham Hotel Group, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Leading Hotels of the World. His ability to blend innovative thinking with a deep understanding of customer needs has earned him a reputation as both a strategic visionary and a practical operator.

Joel’s entrepreneurial and professional accomplishments have been widely recognized. Among his many honors:

• Named one of the “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing”
   
• Served on the HSMAI Americas Board of Directors (2012–2015)
   
• Honored as a Twin Cities Business Journal Diversity in Business Award Recipient
   
• 2013 – Founded Carver Hotel Group
   
• 2015 – Recognized as one of the Top Startups in Georgia
   
• 2016 – Acquired Olson Hospitality Services
   
• 2016 – Expanded Carver Brands with the creation of Carver World Temps

• 2017 - Established the Harold P. and Bertha S. Endowment at Pearl River Community College
   
• 2018 – Earned the Atlanta Pacesetter Award for Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies
   
• Named to the INC 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Privately Held Corporations in America
   
• 2022 – Selected as one of the TITAN 100 Top CEOs in Georgia
   
• 2023 – Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Pearl River Community College
   
• 2024 – Honored as Backpack Buddies Top Supporter
   
• 2024 – Awarded the Shepherd’s Cross by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta
   
• 2025 – Received the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2025 - Launched CarverGIGS.com
   

Known for his dynamic and engaging presentation style, Joel is a sought-after speaker for conferences, conventions, and corporate gatherings. His keynote speeches and training programs cover topics ranging from leadership and sales growth to human resources strategy and organizational culture.

Recent speaking engagements include:

• AAHOA Annual Convention – Washington, D.C.
   
• Wyndham Hotel Group – Las Vegas, NV
   
• InterContinental Hotels Group – Los Angeles, CA
   

Beyond speaking, Joel has actively contributed to advancing the hospitality industry through service on a variety of boards and associations. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association, held the role of President of the Northern Virginia Chapter, and acted as Co-Chair of the Association Marketing Committee. Additionally, he has built lasting relationships with the National Business Travel Association, the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), and serves as an honorary board member for the Association of Starwood Franchisees and Owners – North America.

Joel’s influence extends beyond the boardroom and stage. He is the co-author of two books: Marketing for the Year 2000, TODAY! and Marketing for the Next Millennium. His upcoming works, The People Effect: Find, Grow and Retain the Best of the Best and Peace Is About to Cease and All Hell’s Gonna Break Loose, are scheduled for publication in 2025. These works reflect Joel’s deep expertise in organizational growth and his personal journey of leadership, resilience, and change.

While Joel’s professional career has been marked by innovation and achievement, he is equally committed to values of service, inclusion, and giving back. Throughout his journey, he has remained deeply rooted in the belief that leadership is not just about driving results, but about building people and communities.

Philanthropy plays a central role in Joel’s life. His support for initiatives such as Backpack Buddies and his service recognition by the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta reflect a lifelong dedication to helping others, particularly children and families in need. These commitments underscore his belief that true success is measured not only by business accomplishments but by the positive impact made on the lives of others.

Away from the boardroom and stage, Joel values time spent with husband Van (Dr. Millin - a teaching physician) and rescue dogs Beau and Pippa.  His own story—growing up, facing challenges, and learning the power of resilience—has shaped both his leadership philosophy and his personal mission: to inspire others to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.

From his early days in hospitality to building a nationally recognized group of companies, Joel Carver’s career is defined by vision, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Whether leading high-performing sales teams, driving entrepreneurial ventures, mentoring future leaders, or giving back to his community, Joel’s work continues to shape the future of both business and people.