A feature story in this week’s Crain’s Chicago Business profiles Richard Edelman, CEO of the world’s largest public relations firm Edelman. You can (and should) read the story by Lisa Bertagnoli here.

In the meantime, here are some highlights about Richard Edelman and his firm:

He worked as a junior brand-marketer before Edelman. Richard Edelman succeeded his father, Daniel, who founded the company in 1952. But shortly before joining his father in the family business, Richard took a job with Playtex Marketing in Stamford, Conn., according to Crain’s.

He is hesitant to say his daughter is the heir apparent. According to the story, company insiders say his 24-year-old daughter Margot is the heir apparent. To which Edelman said, “I don't want to put that burden on her.”

He takes the subway to work. And he rides in a cab, not a private car, to the airport.

He sees major growth in Asian markets. Referring to the economic trouble gripping Europe, Edelman told Crain’s he’s “not wildly optimistic about next year.” He said the company will be “fine” in the U.S. Meanwhile, the highest-growth markets percentage-wise are China, India, Singapore and Abu Dhabi.

He (probably) makes great popcorn. Orville Redenbacher taught him how to make popcorn, a result of his father’s trade, according to Crain’s.

Read the full story at Crain’s Chicago Business.

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