Philip Howard Karsh, who co-founded a Denver advertising agency and helped grow the firm into a multi-million dollar venture, died Nov. 11 at his Lakewood home. Karsh was 81.
In 1977, Karsh, along with longtime business partner Tom Hagan, founded Karsh & Hagan Advertising, launching the startup out of a four-door Chevrolet Impala where they toiled for several months before securing more traditional office space.
The pair grew the agency, over the course of two decades, into a Denver-based powerhouse with annual multi-million dollar billings. Notable accounts included: The Colorado Lottery, McDonalds, Colorado Tourism, Visit Denver and Children’s Hospital.
Karsh retired from the firm effective Dec. 31, 1997.
“It’s time. Forty years (in advertising) is enough,” Karsh told The Denver Post when he retired. “I’m 62 and I’m old. I’m hiring kids that are younger than my kids.”
At that time, Karsh & Hagan had grown to 55 employees with $35 million in annual billings.
“Phil was truly a big inspiration to me personally,” said Jackie Brown-Griggs, a former employee who worked at the agency for six years. “Phil was a true gentleman in a very cutthroat industry. I don’t know a soul who didn’t respect and love him.”
Karsh was born on Sept. 19, 1935, in Salt Lake City. He graduated from the University of Colorado in 1957 and put down roots in the state.
Karsh worked at Frye-Sills Advertising, along with Hagan, in Denver in the early ’70s. They left Frye-Sills and founded their namesake agency. Karsh & Hagan recently celebrated its 40th year anniversary, an event which both men attended. The ad company remains among the region’s strongest with about $55 million in annual billings.
Karsh served as chairman and president of several civic, non-profit and educational organizations including: Visit Denver, 1997; Donor Awareness Council, 1998-2001; Visit Denver Foundation, 2002-2005; and History Colorado, 2003-2006.
In 1980, Karsh was honored as Outstanding Graduate in Journalism by CU faculty. He was the Denver Advertising Federation’s 1991 Silver Medal Award winner and was elected to the Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame in 2004 for his service to Visit Denver.
“Phil had three passions: His family, advertising, and community service,” said Kathy Hagan, co-CEO of Karsh Hagan.
Prior to his death, Karsh battled leukemia for two years.
Karsh is survived by his wife, Linda Love; a daughter, Jill Karsh; and two grandsons.
Memorial contributions may be made to National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, 80206, or to the Karsh/Hagan Scholarship Fund, 685 S. Broadway, Denver, 80209.
A private celebration of Karsh’s life will be held in December.
