Karl Eller
Longtime Phoenix businessman, entrepreneur, sports fan, and civic leader.
A pictorial celebration of a life that touched so many for 85 years.
Arizona Council on Economic Education
In October of 2016, Karl was called 'A Champion for Education' by the Arizona Council on Economic Education and was presented with their 'Leadership Award.' The award honors Karl's outstanding contributions and commitments to education in Arizona.
Arizona Heritage Award
In March 2016, Karl was honored by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce with the 'Arizona Heritage Award'. The award celebrates Karl's enterprising and philanthropy commitment that have enriched the people of Arizona.
Barrow
In 2013, Karl & Stevie gave a major gift to Barrow Neurological Foundation to enhance the Goldman Auditorium with 3D technology. The Ellers have made many contributions to Barrow over the years including funding for research and patient care.
Arizona Sports Hall of Fame
In 2013 Karl, (at ceremony with friend Jason Watts), was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. Karl was acknowledged for his involvement with U of A Football, Fiesta Bowl Founders and as original owner of the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona Centennial
In February 2012, Karl and his wife Stevie, chaired the fundraising effort for the Arizona Centennial for the entire state.
Advertising Hall of Fame
In 2004, Karl was inducted into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame and was presented his award that year in New York City.
Stevie Eller Dance Theater
In 2003 the University of Arizona's dance program was blessed by the completion of the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre. Karl and Stevie donated a major portion toward the building of the 29,000 square foot complex.
OAAA Lifetime Achievement
In September 2001, the Outdoor Advertising Association presented Karl with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This very prestigious award is presented at the discretion of the OAAA Board of Directors and honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry.
Arizona Historymakers
In 2001, Karl and Stevie were honored as 'Arizona Historymakers' by the Historical League of Arizona. The program honors outstanding Arizonans who have distinguished themselves with noted achievements in diverse areas as well as community service.
Eller Media to Clear Channel
In 1997 Karl sold Eller Media Company to Clear Channel Communications of San Antonio. The name stays the same until 2001 when it officially changes to Clear Channel Outdoor. Karl remains President/CEO until he retires.
Eller Media Company
In 1995 Patrick Media was acquired by Eller Media and Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners. The name changes to Eller Media Company. Karl is Chairman/CEO and continues to build an outdoor advertising giant.
Eller Media
In 1992 Karl started back in the outdoor advertising business by purchasing 300 outdoor bulletins from Gannett Outdoor in the Phoenix market. Eller Media was started and from here he went on to build a major outdoor advertising company.
Cardinals
In 1988, The St. Louis Cardinals professional football team, began play in Tempe at Sun Devil Stadium. Now known as The Arizona Cardinals, Karl and a group of Phoenix businessmen were responsible for putting together the deal that brought the team to Arizona.
Circle K Shootout
As a Phoenix Thunderbird (lifetime member) Karl presents a check to the 1986 winner from The Circle K Shootout.
Eller College of Management
In 1983, Karl established and funded the Karl Eller Center for the Study of the Free Enterprise Economy at The University of Arizona (UA). In mid-1987, The University of Arizona named its MBA School for Karl — the Eller College of Management.
Circle K
In 1983 Karl became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Circle K Corporation and resigned those positions in 1990. During that time, he built Circle K into the second largest convenience store chain in the United States.
Swensen's
In the early 1980's, Karl was chairman and chief shareholder of Swensen's Ice Cream which had various locations through out the valley.
PAC 10
In 1978 Karl was instrumental in getting the Pac 8 Conference to accept Arizona State University and University of Arizona from the Western Athletic Conference into theirs. Re-named the PAC 10, it has since evolved into the PAC 12.
Fiesta Bowl Founders
Karl (middle, front) was one of the original Fiesta Bowl Founders. This group of men were the driving force to bring the game to Phoenix in 1971 and begin a new college football tradition.
Reagan Fiesta Bowl
As an original Fiesta Bowl Founder, Karl presents Fiesta Bowl game tickets to President Ronald Reagan.
Public Service
Karl has been very involved in the community over the years and would use his companies' powers to get a strong message out. This early '70s billboard is a good example of how he would use his outdoor advertising to serve the public.
Combined Communications
In 1968 Karl orchestrated a deal that merged Eller Outdoor Advertising with KTAR Radio and Television stations (local NBC affiliate, Channel 12). The name of the new company would become Combined Communications. Mr. Eller served as President and CEO.
Phoenix Suns
A 1968 newspaper article announcing that three investors, one being Karl (middle) landed an NBA franchise that would begin play in Phoenix Arizona. This was the beginning of 'The Phoenix Suns'.
Phoenix Roadrunners
In the late sixties, Karl was the lead investor in a group from Phoenix that brought the original Phoenix Roadrunners hockey team to Phoenix.
New Offices
In 1966 construction began on new offices and paint studios for Eller Outdoor Advertising. The new location was 2502 N. Black Canyon Freeway, just south of Thomas Road. They sat between a billboard (at this location) and the freeway.
Eller Offices
The original offices and paint studios of Eller Outdoor Advertising were on 2601 W. Cypress in Phoenix, Arizona.
Eller Outdoor Advertising
In 1962, Karl was given the opportunity to buy the Foster & Kleiser billboards in two states. Phoenix and Tucson Arizona markets as well as Fresno and Bakersfield California markets. The only drawback was he had to raise the money himself — and he did.
Eller Imprint
During the sixties and seventies, the Eller imprint was recognized through out the state as it adorned each billboard of the Eller Outdoor inventory.
Mars Candy Account
Karl always loved working with the creative side of the Needham, Louis, & Brorby Agency and would share ideas and concepts with the Creative Department that would lead to great billboards and ads. This Mars, Milky Way candy bar ad is a great example.
Needham, Louis & Brorby
From 1959 to 1962 Karl was an account supervisor for the Needham, Louis, & Brorby Advertising Agency in Chicago. Karl worked on the accounts of Morton Salt, Milky Way Candies and Renault Automobiles.
U of A Program
Karl played college football at The University of Arizona. In 1951 he graced the cover of the program for the Utah game. Notice how 'Wilbur' the mascot has changed over the years.
Tucson High Number 67
In 1945, Karl played on the Tucson High School Badgers football team. Under the leadership of coach Rollin Gridley, this team was undefeated and went on to win the state championship. Karl is number 67.
Arizona Council on Economic Education
In October of 2016, Karl was called 'A Champion for Education' by the Arizona Council on Economic Education and was presented with their 'Leadership Award.' The award honors Karl's outstanding contributions and commitments to education in Arizona.
Arizona Heritage Award
In March 2016, Karl was honored by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce with the 'Arizona Heritage Award'. The award celebrates Karl's enterprising and philanthropy commitment that have enriched the people of Arizona.
Barrow
In 2013, Karl & Stevie gave a major gift to Barrow Neurological Foundation to enhance the Goldman Auditorium with 3D technology. The Ellers have made many contributions to Barrow over the years including funding for research and patient care.
Arizona Sports Hall of Fame
In 2013 Karl, (at ceremony with friend Jason Watts), was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. Karl was acknowledged for his involvement with U of A Football, Fiesta Bowl Founders and as original owner of the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona Centennial
In February 2012, Karl and his wife Stevie, chaired the fundraising effort for the Arizona Centennial for the entire state.
Advertising Hall of Fame
In 2004, Karl was inducted into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame and was presented his award that year in New York City.
Stevie Eller Dance Theater
In 2003 the University of Arizona's dance program was blessed by the completion of the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre. Karl and Stevie donated a major portion toward the building of the 29,000 square foot complex.
OAAA Lifetime Achievement
In September 2001, the Outdoor Advertising Association presented Karl with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This very prestigious award is presented at the discretion of the OAAA Board of Directors and honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry.
Arizona Historymakers
In 2001, Karl and Stevie were honored as 'Arizona Historymakers' by the Historical League of Arizona. The program honors outstanding Arizonans who have distinguished themselves with noted achievements in diverse areas as well as community service.
Eller Media to Clear Channel
In 1997 Karl sold Eller Media Company to Clear Channel Communications of San Antonio. The name stays the same until 2001 when it officially changes to Clear Channel Outdoor. Karl remains President/CEO until he retires.
Eller Media Company
In 1995 Patrick Media was acquired by Eller Media and Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners. The name changes to Eller Media Company. Karl is Chairman/CEO and continues to build an outdoor advertising giant.
Eller Media
In 1992 Karl started back in the outdoor advertising business by purchasing 300 outdoor bulletins from Gannett Outdoor in the Phoenix market. Eller Media was started and from here he went on to build a major outdoor advertising company.
Cardinals
In 1988, The St. Louis Cardinals professional football team, began play in Tempe at Sun Devil Stadium. Now known as The Arizona Cardinals, Karl and a group of Phoenix businessmen were responsible for putting together the deal that brought the team to Arizona.
Circle K Shootout
As a Phoenix Thunderbird (lifetime member) Karl presents a check to the 1986 winner from The Circle K Shootout.
Eller College of Management
In 1983, Karl established and funded the Karl Eller Center for the Study of the Free Enterprise Economy at The University of Arizona (UA). In mid-1987, The University of Arizona named its MBA School for Karl — the Eller College of Management.
Circle K
In 1983 Karl became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Circle K Corporation and resigned those positions in 1990. During that time, he built Circle K into the second largest convenience store chain in the United States.
Swensen's
In the early 1980's, Karl was chairman and chief shareholder of Swensen's Ice Cream which had various locations through out the valley.
PAC 10
In 1978 Karl was instrumental in getting the Pac 8 Conference to accept Arizona State University and University of Arizona from the Western Athletic Conference into theirs. Re-named the PAC 10, it has since evolved into the PAC 12.
Fiesta Bowl Founders
Karl (middle, front) was one of the original Fiesta Bowl Founders. This group of men were the driving force to bring the game to Phoenix in 1971 and begin a new college football tradition.
Reagan Fiesta Bowl
As an original Fiesta Bowl Founder, Karl presents Fiesta Bowl game tickets to President Ronald Reagan.
Public Service
Karl has been very involved in the community over the years and would use his companies' powers to get a strong message out. This early '70s billboard is a good example of how he would use his outdoor advertising to serve the public.
Combined Communications
In 1968 Karl orchestrated a deal that merged Eller Outdoor Advertising with KTAR Radio and Television stations (local NBC affiliate, Channel 12). The name of the new company would become Combined Communications. Mr. Eller served as President and CEO.
Phoenix Suns
A 1968 newspaper article announcing that three investors, one being Karl (middle) landed an NBA franchise that would begin play in Phoenix Arizona. This was the beginning of 'The Phoenix Suns'.
Phoenix Roadrunners
In the late sixties, Karl was the lead investor in a group from Phoenix that brought the original Phoenix Roadrunners hockey team to Phoenix.
New Offices
In 1966 construction began on new offices and paint studios for Eller Outdoor Advertising. The new location was 2502 N. Black Canyon Freeway, just south of Thomas Road. They sat between a billboard (at this location) and the freeway.
Eller Offices
The original offices and paint studios of Eller Outdoor Advertising were on 2601 W. Cypress in Phoenix, Arizona.
Eller Outdoor Advertising
In 1962, Karl was given the opportunity to buy the Foster & Kleiser billboards in two states. Phoenix and Tucson Arizona markets as well as Fresno and Bakersfield California markets. The only drawback was he had to raise the money himself — and he did.
Eller Imprint
During the sixties and seventies, the Eller imprint was recognized through out the state as it adorned each billboard of the Eller Outdoor inventory.
Mars Candy Account
Karl always loved working with the creative side of the Needham, Louis, & Brorby Agency and would share ideas and concepts with the Creative Department that would lead to great billboards and ads. This Mars, Milky Way candy bar ad is a great example.
Needham, Louis & Brorby
From 1959 to 1962 Karl was an account supervisor for the Needham, Louis, & Brorby Advertising Agency in Chicago. Karl worked on the accounts of Morton Salt, Milky Way Candies and Renault Automobiles.
U of A Program
Karl played college football at The University of Arizona. In 1951 he graced the cover of the program for the Utah game. Notice how 'Wilbur' the mascot has changed over the years.
Tucson High Number 67
In 1945, Karl played on the Tucson High School Badgers football team. Under the leadership of coach Rollin Gridley, this team was undefeated and went on to win the state championship. Karl is number 67.