Smart Ideas: Revisited

Elevator Magnate: Karl Reeves

Elevator Magnate: Karl Reeves has garnered extensive business experience, starting from his childhood within Consolidated Elevator, the family business. This early exposure provided him with invaluable insights into all facets of running a small business and the elevator trade.

His academic pursuits led him to obtain a BS in Electrical Engineering and a BA in Psychology.

To carve out his own path separate from family obligations, Karl Reeves entered the financial sector in 1993.

Starting as a registered Series 7 representative, Karl Reeves rapidly progressed to attaining the status of a Registered Principal (RP) by 1996.

During his tenure at Taglich Brothers, he distinguished himself as a top producer in private placements while also contributing his expertise to research endeavors, quantitative and technical.

Karl Reeves legal in 1998, Karl embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, founding his own Office of Separate Jurisdiction within Emmet A Larkin Financial. Here, he served as the RP and compliance officer, led a team of brokers, and managed his own book of business.

In 2004, Karl Reeves formed a strategic alliance with two longstanding associates to create Principal Advisors, Inc., a full-service Broker Dealer clearing through Sterne Agee, one of the oldest and largest privately-owned financial services firms in the nation.

Throughout his professional journey, Karl remained closely connected to his origins in the Elevator Industry, seeking ongoing advice from his father.

In 2007, Karl demonstrated his diverse skill set by introducing an innovative enterprise solution software package to streamline operations at Consolidated Elevator.

This marked the start of his increased involvement in the family business, where he gradually took on a more hands-on role, actively participating in crucial decision-making and overseeing personnel.

His leadership culminated in orchestrating the successful acquisition of Colonial Elevator in 2012.

In 2015, Karl made a crucial decision to commit himself entirely to leading Consolidated Elevator, saying goodbye to a distinguished 22-year career in the financial sector, marked by an impeccable U4 record.

In the following seven years, Karl expertly steered Consolidated through evolving market dynamics.

In a groundbreaking development completed in May 2023, Karl orchestrated the sale of Consolidated Elevator to American Elevator Group, the largest independent elevator company in North America. This strategic move positioned the combined entity for continued success in a dynamic industry environment.

The transformation of Karl Reeves from a financial expert to a prominent figure in the elevator industry is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. His journey, rooted in family business, led him through academia and into finance before ultimately returning him to the elevator trade. Through strategic alliances, innovative solutions, and a deep connection to his roots, Karl Reeves has solidified his legacy as an elevator magnate, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

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