Brian Jolin, owner of Jolin Promo in Fort Worth, TX, passed away this week after a lengthy fight against cancer. He was 51.

Brian Jolin, Jolin Promo

Born in Bremerton, WA, to James Jolin and Claire Wildgen, Jolin attended Central Kitsap High School and the University of Puget Sound. He lived in Texas for the past 29 years.

Jolin had 25 years of experience in the promotional products industry, first establishing Jolin & Associates in Fort Worth and later Jolin Promo. He joined AIM Smarter, a network of more than 2,200 distributors, in January 2018. In late December 2020, Jolin became a founding member of the network’s Diversity Council, which went on to organize the Philadelphia-based company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Educational Event Series.

In his spare time, Jolin coached youth sports; served in youth ministry, Sunday School and on a variety of boards at his church, First United Methodist in Fort Worth; and volunteered as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for fostered youth. He also enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus at Christmas.

“Brian was the epitome of a people person,” said the family in a statement. “His outgoing and caring spirit touched everyone he met. His amazing positivity, transparency and sense of humor affected every part of his life, including his journey with cancer. He was very passionate about social justice issues and sought to be a good ally.”

Jolin is survived by his mother Claire; wife Jennifer (née Taylor), whom he married in 1996; son Thomas; sister Rebecca Johnson; stepbrother David Woodruff; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father James.

“It’s a rare privilege to work alongside someone who is not only a business associate, but also a friend,” said Jamie Coggeshall, president of AIM. “Brian was one of the most genuine people, with an amazing sense of humor and an eternally positive outlook. My sincere condolences go out to his family, especially. Brian will be sorely missed.”

Immediately upon the news of Jolin’s passing, members of the promo industry took to social media to share their fond memories of working with him. “I had the joy and good fortune to call Brian a friend,” wrote Mandi Rudd, owner of Brand Energy Marketing (asi/145223). “We discussed our views and opinions on the state of the world, politics, candy corn, the promo industry and our love for our respective families. … We solved a lot of the world’s problems and laughed a lot. … He was a bear of a guy with the heart of a cub. He let everyone know his stance on things, but he radiated positivity even in the darkest of times. He was at peace in the days and weeks leading up to today. I’m sad for those who loved him and who will miss his daily presence.”

Jessica L. Gibbons Rauch, a partner at Trendependent, also shared her memories of Jolin on Facebook. “Brian was an amazing friend who would give anything to help anyone,” she wrote. “I had the privilege of stepping in when he took time off and his trust helped restore my faith in people. … I am better because I knew [him]. All my love, friend.”

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 5, at 3:00 p.m. CT at First United Methodist Church, at 800 W. 5^th St., in Fort Worth. In lieu of flowers, in accordance with Jolin’s wishes, the family asks that everyone recognize the importance of colonoscopies; strive to be an ally for marginalized communities; and consider making donations to three worthy Texas-based organizations in Jolin’s memory: First Street Methodist Mission, which distributes food and clothing to those in need; The Welman Project, a team that donates surplus items, like art materials, books and furniture, to student classrooms; and the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, a suicide and depression awareness group.