A thriving community relies on members to work together to create a brighter tomorrow. Luckily for Gregory, SD, giving back to his hometown is woven into Elmer Karl’s DNA. His family name has become a household name in South Dakota through his business, Karl’s TV Audio, Appliance, and Furniture. Elmer has appeared in commercials promoting the business for more than 50 years, so many South Dakotans are familiar with his smiling face and classic slogan: “Your servicing dealer since 1956.” From a single store in Gregory, “Karl’s” has grown into the region’s largest independent electronics and appliance dealer, operating 19 stores in the Midwest.
Elmer recently sat down with Jeff Veltkamp, Director of Development for the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), to discuss his story and dedication to giving back to Gregory.
In this episode, you will hear:
Elmer Karl’s story
Why investing in your community is vital
How a donor advised fund offers flexibility in giving back
“It can be a battle for small towns to survive, but it looks like Gregory will, and the town has been good to us. We’ve enjoyed living here,” said Elmer Karl.
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