A Life Interwoven with Philanthropy : Elmer Karl

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 7 different states.

Elmer recently sat down with Jeff Veltkamp, Director of Development for South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), to discuss his story and dedication to giving back to Gregory.

Elmer was raised on a farm near Gregory and attended a one-room school during his younger years before graduating from Gregory High School. Elmer gave the family career a try and farmed for about two years, but it wouldn’t last. “The farm was too small for my brother and I, and I had a dream to go to California,” he said.

Before Elmer could follow his dream, he was drafted into the Army and trained in electronics, spending thirteen months in Korea. Following his Army service, he attended DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago and was subsequently employed by Marshall Fields as a TV technician.

Elmer had a desire to return to his hometown of Gregory, and since returning home, he has never looked back. In fact, the headquarters for Karl’s TV Audio, Appliance, and Furniture is still in Gregory to this day. Elmer not only returned to his hometown, but he invested in it.

When asked why Elmer gives back, he shared: “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.”

Elmer partnered with SDCF to establish a donor advised fund. He is thankful for the flexibility available with a donor advise, and the ability to choose where every dollar is donated. “Small businesses need that support to keep going,” he says.

Elmer partnered with SDCF to establish a donor advised fund. He is thankful for the flexibility available with a donor advise, and the ability to choose where every dollar is donated. “Small businesses need that support to keep going,” he says.

Elmer has invested financially in Gregory in unique ways and continues to be an inspiration. He was a founder of the Gregory Coin Laundry, Mats Inc., and the Homesteader Restaurant. In more recent years, he purchased the local movie theater and formed a nonprofit community group to run it. He also purchased the local locker plant so Gregory could keep the business—he then leased it to the new operators. Elmer was also instrumental in convincing a Canadian company to build a farm product manufacturing plant in Gregory.

When asked if any of these contributions stand out to him Elmer replied, “I don’t really have a favorite because they are all a need, but the movie theater worked out.”

Gregory as a whole has worked out, thanks in large part to the philanthropy of Elmer Karl.