Carl H. Lindner

             Carl H. Lindner was regarded as one of the most successful individuals in the world. Many people haven’t heard of Mr. Lindner, as he shied away from the public media, but many of his successful companies were amongst the most successful and well-known companies in American History that include: United Dairy Farmers, Great American Insurance, Chiquita, Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati Reds.  Not only was Carl H. Lindner a business man he was also community engaging. His impact around the Cincinnati area has been nothing less than inspirational. This blog will cover the success and amazing life story of Carl H. Lindner touching on his generous support of the community and continue excellence in business.

            Mr. Lindner first started his career after dropping out of school at the age of 14 to help run the family business, known today as United Dairy Farmers. He started working for his father delivery milk to neighbors around town. When WWII was amongst the United States his brothers’ were sent off to war, with his father suffering from sickness, young Carl had no choice to take over the family business fulltime. Within 15 years he had grown the business to 100 store locations and since then the business has more than doubled today with stores within the Tri-State area. Years later Mr. Lindner was the founder and chairmen of the board of the $25 billion American Financial Group, Inc., “a diversified financial holding company principally engaged in property and casualty insurance and the sale of retirement annuities and supplemental insurance”, known today as Great American Insurance Company.(http://business.uc.edu/about-us/lindner.html#sthash.NYcMCCCr.dpuf). As his success grew so did his interest in acquiring new businesses. Shortly after succeeding in the financial industry he acquired notable companies such as Chiquita Brands, Cincinnati Enquirer, Fisher Foods, Cincinnati Reds and other small businesses within the Cincinnati area. While he expanded these organizations he added wealth and jobs to the Cincinnati community lowering unemployment. Over a lifetime of business Carl H. Lindner created over 70,000 jobs within the Cincinnati and Tri State community.       

            Carl H. Lindner has always had the community in his heart and has put the thoughts of others before his own. In 1997 the UC College of Business announced the naming of its new honors program the Carl H. Lindner Honors-PLUS program, which is funded by an endowment from Mr. Lindner. On June 21, 2011 the University of Cincinnati’s Board of Trustees voted to name the University of Cincinnati’s College of Business after the Carl H. Lindner College of Business in honor of Mr. Lindner’s extraordinary support of the university and his legacy of entrepreneurship and excellence in business.

One of the largest donations in UC’s History came from the Lindner family which totaled $30 million dollars to create Craig and Frances Lindner Center of HOPE (Helping Other People Excel). ”This center is an innovative, free-standing mental health facility that provides state-of-the-science in- and out-patient care, utilizing the most advanced treatment options and diagnostic capabilities. The facility is jointly operated by UC Health and the Lindner Foundation and staffed by UC Health physicians.” (http://business.uc.edu/aboutus/lindner.html#sthash.NYcMCCCr.dpuf)

            In 1989, the Lindner Family with the help of other families in Cincinnati founded the Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. This academy was founded to give kids the education need to succeed in life.  Two criteria that the Academy was founded on was, the school had to be Christ-centered extension of their homes and that the curriculum offered be such that students would have the training necessary to enter the country’s finest institutions of higher education. This school would be a place where students would be encouraged, through a growing faith and knowledge, to learn and serve. Carl H. Lindner wanted to give kids the opportunity to get an education that he wasn’t able to receive. There are 2 locations around the Cincinnati.

            On October 17, 2011 at night, Carl H. Lindner passed away at the age of 92. Even though his time on Earth has passed, the legacy of Carl H. Lindner still stands as strong as it did when he was alive. At the time of his passing many of his friends spoke highly of Carl H. Lindner life and contribution to the Cincinnati Community. Former Speaker of the Ohio House William G Batchelder said, “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of my dear friend, Carl Lindner. He was a successful entrepreneur and selfless philanthropist who dedicated his life to giving back to the community. He has certainly left his mark on the great city of Cincinnati, as his legacy of creating jobs and devoting his life to serving others through his charitable contributions will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Carl was a man of incredible integrity who devoted his time, energy, and livelihood to serving others so that they could live the American dream, just as he did. I know he will be sorely missed by his family and friends, as well as all in the city of Cincinnati – the city he cherished and called his home.”

            At the time of his death the Lindner family made a statement to the City of Cincinnati. “While our father's business and community pursuits were unequaled, the real measure of a person is his family. More than anything else, Dad was a loving husband and devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He struck a successful balance between his family and his career that we all hope to achieve.” He was recognized not by his own achievements but recognized as a person who pushed others to their own. He was generous, humble and one of his sayings he often gave others simply expressed his gratitude for his success, “Only in America, Gee, am I lucky.” We are lucky to have been part of his life.