Tom Carroll, a 35+ year veteran of the promotional products industry, passed away on Sept. 17 after a battle with cancer. He was 61 years old.

Graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in German and marketing, Carroll entered the industry by packing pencils in Shelbyville, TN. He quickly climbed the ladder, working in various sales, marketing and executive roles for a variety of firms, including Tulsa, OK-based Selco (asi/86230) and Atchison, KS-based Atchison Products.

“Tom’s untimely passing leaves a hole in our hearts,” said Scott Nussinow, executive vice president at Columbia, MD-based Artwork Services USA (asi/820124), one of Carroll’s long-time industry friends. “He was intelligent, articulate, creative and personable. Above all, he was an incredibly kind and decent human. Sadly, the last time we were together was in July at ASI Show Chicago, while celebrating the life of our late friend Jim Paschal,” [of Warwick Publishing asi/95280)].

Carroll also founded PromoGigs.com, the first industry-exclusive job board. Most recently, he was a strategic adviser at Denver-based DinoMar, a consulting firm with more than 30 years of advising in the promo industry.

“Tom always brought new perspectives and detailed analysis to projects or opportunities,” said Mary Kilburn, principal consultant at DinoMar. “And he always kept us on track with best practices and the latest technologies.”

“That twinkle in his eye was a signal that he had something exciting to share,” Kilburn added, “and he used his wry humor to cajole rather than correct any missteps we may have been taking. Even through his struggles in these past few months, his drive kept the rest of us on our game. We will truly miss our long-distance cocktails, think tanks and most importantly, the love and care of a true friend.”

Carroll is survived by his daughter Delaney; parents Bennie J. and Monika Margarethe; and brother Chris.

Donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Northeast Indiana by clicking here.

A Celebration of Life will be shared at a later date. You can visit the online guestbook.