Carolyn was responsible for all forms of communications between customers, employees, vendors and government officials. She directed advertising, promotions, trade shows, employee and customer events, public relations, surveys, newsletters and more. When Arcata was purchased by Quebecor, Carolyn’s department was eliminated, and she decided to strike out on her own and open Absolute.Originally housed in Carolyn’s home, the firm has grown substantially since its inception. Today the company employs professional writers, designers and account executives who have expertise in marketing, advertising, public relations and design. The firm's clients are very diverse and include both large and small companies.

Absolute has earned a number of awards and recognitions throughout the years. In 1999, the firm was named Business of the Year by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. Absolute was also named Business of the Year in the Greater Tri-Cities Business Awards in 2001. In 2008 Absolute designed a brochure that won international acclaim.  The 2008 Northeast Tennessee Visitor’s Guide, designed by Absolute Communications, won second place from a field of over 19,000 brochures from around the world and was honored by the International Association of Professional Brochure Distributors.