Karl exemplifies At Civility, the pillar that focuses on respect for others. Karl serves as the President of Haddonfield Fire Company No. 1, the nation’s second oldest volunteer fire department, while being the Managing Director of his family’s wealth management firm. Below are excerpts from our interview with Karl, an At Earth’s End Pillar of Civility:
What do you enjoy about living in a town like beautiful Haddonfield?
Growing up as a military brat and moving around every few years, I was lucky enough to live in several amazing places, from big cities, like midtown Manhattan and Houston, to tiny places like the tundra of up, Upstate New York. We were drawn to Haddonfield for its charm, walkable downtown, and convenience to the city. We found a great network of neighbors and friends here. People in the community support each other and the local businesses.
What is it like being a part of At Earth’s End?
I was lucky enough to be one of the founding members of At Earth’s End. It’s a place in which I’ve enjoyed hours of great conversations which is what I value most. There are no strangers here. It’s easy to forget where you are in the world when you are in here – it truly is an escape.
What are some of your favorite pastimes?
Since childhood, I’ve enjoyed sailing and boating. I started racing sailboats and did that competitively into my 30s. I played rugby in college. Most recently I’ve been doing JuJitsu. I also enjoy exploring the surrounding area on my motorcycles.
When did you become part of the Fire Department and what do you love about your work with the Fire Company?
I’ve been a member for almost 10 years. My great grandfather and his father were both firefighters in Philadelphia. It is amazing to be part of the second oldest volunteer fire department in the country, 1764, and that legacy. It has also given me some of my closest friends. Very few people are lucky enough to know one person they trust their life with; I am lucky enough to know a station full and am honored to be a part of the brother/sisterhood of firefighting.
How did you get onto the wealth management career path?
I graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. After 10 years in the field I was considering a career change when I joined the wealth management firm my father started after he retired from the Coast Guard. Wealth management can be like firefighting; in that you are helping people in a time of need – helping put out the proverbial “fires” in their lives and helping protect their sense of security.