2004
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.
Advertising
2001
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 life-long and lasting contributions to the outdoor advertising industry.
1997
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 in 2002.
1995
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.
1992
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 nationwide company in 25 large markets across the country.
1966
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 time advertising A-1 Beer) and an iconic sign of Phoenix, the Goodyear Tire time and temp sign.
1962
Eller Offices
The original offices and paint studios of Eller Outdoor Advertising were on 2601 W. Cypress in Phoenix, Arizona.
1962
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 5 million dollars in ninety days. He did it! In March of that year, Eller Outdoor Advertising was born.
1960s
Eller Imprint
During the sixties and seventies, the Eller imprint was recognized throughout the state as it adorned each billboard of the Eller Outdoor inventory.
1959
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 witch campaign, run during a Halloween season, is a great example.
1959
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.