On September 24, father-son real estate duo of Larry Klairmont, founder and CEO of Imperial Realty Company in Chicago, and his eldest son, Alfred (Al) Klairmont, president of Imperial Realty, will be inducted into the Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR) Hall of Fame during CAR’s 132nd Inaugural Gala in the Hilton Chicago.
The Klairmonts have acquired and redeveloped 150 commercial properties, and currently manage more than 3,000 tenants in more than 10 million square feet of office, industrial, retail and residential space.
According to CAR, in their impressive 38 years together at the helm of Imperial Realty Company, Larry and Al Klairmont have made an indelible impact on the Chicagoland community and the real estate industry at large.
“Through the Klairmonts’ numerous contributions to the real estate industry, they have carefully crafted a legacy of exceptional achievement, integrity, pride, dedication and hands-on care. They are truly inspirational and a model to follow for the next generation of REALTORS®,” Hugh Rider, president at CAR, said.
Larry Klairmont began his real estate career in 1956 when he purchased two industrial buildings during his first venture as a successful business owner of Imperial Cleaners, a 100-store dry cleaning chain, the largest in Chicago at the time (1952-1962). As Larry Klairmont continued to acquire a mix of warehouses and office buildings, his 10-year-old son Al became interested in his father’s real estate dealings. “I only invest in bricks and mortar,” Larry has said, and his passion for real estate clearly found its equal in his son Al.
Al joined his father at Imperial Realty one day after graduating from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 1978. Al Klairmont continues to direct all company activities with the same hands-on approach he learned from his father. He’s active in the real estate and greater Chicago community. In addition, he holds board memberships and has served in various leadership roles on 16 different civic and professional boards and committees.
Larry Klairmont still maintains an influential presence at the Imperial Realty Company offices. He also enjoys collecting classic and antique automobiles to further enhance his 400-car, Klairmont Kollection. The Klairmont Kollection, stored and exhibited at an industrial building in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood, is opened to charities for events and private tours.
