Background
Karlson, Ben Emil was born on August 27, 1934 in Hedemora, Sweden. Arrived in United States, 1954, naturalized, 1960. Son of Emil W.J. and Ester Linnea (Hellman) Karlsson.
kitchen design company executive
Karlson, Ben Emil was born on August 27, 1934 in Hedemora, Sweden. Arrived in United States, 1954, naturalized, 1960. Son of Emil W.J. and Ester Linnea (Hellman) Karlsson.
Student in Business Marketing, Alexander Hamilton Institute, New York City, 1967. Student, American Institute Kitchen Designers, 1972.
Salesman Edward Hines Lumber Company, Chicago, 1954—1963. Vice president, general manager Lake Forest Lumber Company, 1963—1967. President Karlson Home Center, Inc., Evanston, 1967—1989, Poggenpohl-Midwest, United States of America, Inc., Evanston, Atag United States of America Corporation, Evanston, Bank Lane Investors, Lake Forest, 1971—1972.
Director training United States Poggenpohl, Herford, Germany, 1981—1986. Founder chairman Evanston Home Show, 1973—1974. Judge National Design Contest, 1974.
Showroom design consultant Illinois, Poggenpohl Kitchens Germany. Speaker in field; lecturer kitchen business & design at universities & conventions.
Member steering committee Covenant Methodist Church, Evanston, 1968—1969. Board directors Evanston Family Counseling Service, 1973—1975, Evanston United Community Services, 1974—1975, Mid-American Chapter Northern Region American Red Cross, 1974. Chairman business division Evanston United Fund, 1974, general campaign chairman, 1974, 1974, 1975.
Member of Mid-American Swedish Trade Association, National Federal Indiana Business, Evanston Chamber of Commerce (director 1973-1974, vice president 1975, president 1976), Society Certified Kitchen Designers (board governors, secretary 1987-1990), American Institute Kitchen Designers (president 1975-1976), Evanston Inventure (board directors 1987-1990, executive committee member 1988-1990), National Kitchen & Bath Association (board directors 1987-1990), Rotary (president 1984-1985), Westmoreland Country Club.
Children: David, Kristine, Thomas.