THE BALLOON MAN

From circus life to ad sales

George Carl
By Marc Chase marc.chase@nwi.com, nwitimes.comSunday, May 1, 2011
Upon retirement, some people joke that they plan to "join the circus" in their future endeavors, but George Carl has been there and done that.
Carl, who spent nearly a quarter of a century selling ads for The Times of Northwest Indiana, retired at the end of April.
Before he sold ads to region car dealers as part of The Times automotive team, Carl lived a life in show business.
In the early 1950s, Carl -- together with his sister and parents -- traveled as an acrobat performing in the Kelly Miller Circus. Later, his boyhood family also toured throughout the south and delivered several performances in Puerto Rico.
Carl learned at the feet of his father, also named George. The elder Carl was a silent comic and regular guest of Johnny Carson on the "Tonight Show" who also performed for the queen of England in London and acted in several films.
Carl's childhood in show business -- showering out of canteens and sleeping in an old converted school bus -- ultimately convinced him to seek more stability in his own adult life.
"I remember one year as a kid when we were moving around so much, I went to 13 different schools that year," Carl said.
Carl, an avid oil painter, earned an art degree from the American Academy of Art in Chicago, but ultimately pursued a career in advertising.
But his show business roots continue to show their influence. Carl performs in the Harbor Lights a capella group at various Calumet Region venues -- a passion he plans to continue into retirement.
A biographical section on the group's website indicates Carl became "hooked" on musical performance as he moved around the country as a child, listening to R & B groups.
Carl's colleagues at The Times said they will miss his personality and dogged professionalism in sales.
"George is an incredible man of talent. He has contributed greatly to The Times growth and success over the years," said coworker Donna Riley. "His insight, wisdom, dedication and true passion for business is outstanding...
"He is the glue to the Auto Team which will be greatly missed by the staff and his clients."