Meet Joel Cary, President of Can Do Promotions in Stark County

Cary, 65, has worked in aviation and now leads his family's promotional products business.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:47am

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Joel Cary serves as president of Can Do Promotions, a company his grandfather opened in 1958. The Jackson Township company offers custom promotional items. Cary, 65, has also worked as a flight instructor and in other aviation roles. He lives in Plain Township with his wife Lisa and they have three children.

Why it matters

Can Do Promotions has been a family-owned business in Stark County for over 60 years, highlighting the resilience of small, community-focused companies in the region. Cary's background in aviation also provides an interesting perspective on his transition to leading the family business.

The details

Cary took over Can Do Promotions, which his grandfather founded in 1958. The company offers a wide range of custom promotional products, from clothing to drinkware to awards. In addition to running the family business, Cary has worked as a flight instructor, copilot, sales manager, and company pilot in the aviation industry.

  • Can Do Promotions was founded by Cary's grandfather in 1958.
  • Cary has been part of the Stark County community since 1971.

The players

Joel Cary

The 65-year-old president of Can Do Promotions, a family-owned promotional products company in Stark County, Ohio.

Can Do Promotions

A company that offers custom promotional items, founded by Cary's grandfather in 1958 and now led by Cary as president.

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What they’re saying

“I take great pride in Can Do's history, creativity and quality of service. I have been a part of this community since 1971. Can Do has come from humble beginnings to one of the premier branded merchandise/sales promotion companies in Northeast Ohio.”

— Joel Cary, President, Can Do Promotions

“The loyalty and pride that local businesses here have in serving the community and giving back makes this area somewhere you want to stay, thrive and raise a family.”

— Joel Cary, President, Can Do Promotions

The takeaway

Can Do Promotions' longevity as a family-owned business in Stark County reflects the resilience of small, community-focused companies in the region, even as larger industries have faced challenges. Cary's background in aviation provides an interesting perspective on his transition to leading the family promotional products business.