Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem (asi/98264) is known for making bold statements and taking even bolder actions. His mix of decisive action, frank perspective on thriving in uncertain times and business successes combined to earn him the title of 2026 Counselor Person of the Year.

Much of his leadership style and risk-taking prowess are a reaction to his family business almost going under while he was in college. “When you’re growing up and you live a certain way, and you kind of lose everything, that fear stays with you,” Carr says. “It really honestly hasn’t left. A lot of decisions I make are still either fear-based or opportunity-based.”

In this episode of Promo Insiders, Counselor Executive Editor Theresa Hegel talks with Carr about those early days as well as how the company coped during more recent crises, like the pandemic and tariff-related volatility. Plus, Carr talks about the opportunity artificial intelligence brings to the promo industry, and how World Emblem is using the technology to grow and evolve.