If you’ve ever driven through downtown Cincinnati and looked up at the 41-story Great American Tower, you’ve seen the physical footprint of the Lindner family. But honestly, most people outside of Ohio only know the name Carl H. Lindner III from the bottom of an FC Cincinnati press release or a corporate SEC filing. He's a bit of an enigma.
In a world where CEOs spend half their time posting "thought leadership" on LinkedIn, Lindner stays remarkably quiet. He doesn't do the flashy podcast circuit. He doesn't tweet. Yet, he is essentially the co-pilot of a multibillion-dollar insurance empire and the guy who single-handedly brought Major League Soccer to a "baseball town."
Who exactly is Carl H. Lindner III?
Basically, he’s the eldest son of the legendary Carl Lindner Jr., the man who built United Dairy Farmers and Chiquita Brands International. Growing up in that shadow couldn't have been easy. But Lindner III didn't just coast on his dad's reputation.
He started at American Financial Group (AFG) back in 1975. Think about that for a second. That’s over 50 years in the same building. Since 2005, he has shared the Co-CEO title with his brother, S. Craig Lindner. While Craig tends to handle the investment side of things, Carl has been the architect of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance operations.
It's not "sexy" business. It’s insurance. But under his watch, AFG has become a specialized powerhouse. They don't just insure cars; they insure "specialty" stuff—think everything from trucking fleets to environmental liabilities. It's a high-stakes game of math and risk management.
The Faith Factor
You can't talk about the guy without mentioning his faith. He’s a devout Christian. He’s been on record saying he spends the first 30 minutes of every single day in prayer. For some corporate types, that’s just PR fluff. For Lindner, it seems to be the literal blueprint for how he runs his life.
It also explains why he and his wife, Martha, have poured millions into things like the Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. He views wealth as a "stewardship" thing. Sorta like he's just holding onto the money for a higher purpose.
Why FC Cincinnati Was a Massive Gamble
A few years ago, if you told a Cincinnatian that a soccer team would outdraw the Reds in excitement, they’d have laughed you out of the room. But in 2015, Lindner III decided he wanted to bring pro soccer to the Queen City.
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He didn't just buy a team; he built a culture. He teamed up with Jeff Berding and launched FC Cincinnati in the USL. The growth was insane. They were breaking attendance records in a league that usually plays in front of a few thousand people. Lindner’s deep pockets and business acumen were the fuel. He essentially forced the MLS to pay attention.
The move to the MLS wasn't cheap. The expansion fee alone was $150 million. Then there was the TQL Stadium—a $250 million jewel in the West End.
The Controversy You Won't Find in the Brochure
It wasn't all sunshine and scarves, though. The stadium deal was messy. Real messy.
Building a massive stadium in the historic West End meant displacement and gentrification concerns. Critics argued that the Lindner family was using their massive influence to bulldoze through local opposition. You’ll still find people in Cincinnati who are salty about how the land deals went down.
Then there’s the political side. Lindner III is a heavy-hitter in Republican donor circles. This has made him a target for activists who feel his business interests and political leanings are at odds with the "inclusive" image of modern soccer. But love him or hate him, the guy gets projects finished.
Personal Tragedy and the Public Eye
In November 2025, the Lindner family faced a tragedy that no amount of money could fix. Carl's son, Christopher Lindner, was killed in a confrontation with police in Manchester, Ohio.
It was a jarring moment for a family that usually keeps its private life under a heavy lock and key. Christopher was 51. The details were heartbreaking—a police pursuit that ended in a fatal shooting. It served as a grim reminder that even the most powerful families aren't immune to the "real world" and the complexities of mental health or personal struggles.
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The family has largely remained silent in the aftermath, leaning into their faith and private grieving process. It’s a stark contrast to the way most high-profile families handle crises today with "official statements" and PR damage control.
The Business Legacy of American Financial Group
So, how does AFG actually make money?
Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, Carl H. Lindner III steered the company toward "specialty insurance." This means they cover things most big insurers won't touch.
- Risk Selection: They are picky. They’d rather walk away from a deal than take a bad risk.
- Decentralization: Lindner allows his various business units to run themselves like small companies. It prevents that "big corporate" sludge from slowing things down.
- Dividend King: AFG is famous for its "special dividends." When they have extra cash, they give it back to shareholders. It’s an old-school way of doing business that investors love.
As of early 2026, the company is still a juggernaut. Even with the volatility in the global markets, the P&C insurance segment—Carl’s baby—remains the engine of the firm.
What Most People Get Wrong About Him
People think he’s just a "nepotism baby." Sure, he inherited a seat at the table, but he’s been at that table for half a century. You don't keep a multibillion-dollar company profitable for 20 years as CEO just because of your last name.
He’s also not the "corporate raider" his father was. Carl Jr. was known for aggressive acquisitions and high-stakes maneuvering. Carl III is much more of a "steady hand." He’s about sustainability and legacy.
The "Hidden" Philanthropy
While the big gifts to the University of Cincinnati get the headlines, there’s a lot of "quiet" giving. The Lindners are huge supporters of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and various international orphanages.
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Honestly, he seems more interested in being a "community pillar" than a "global tycoon."
Actionable Insights: What We Can Learn from Lindner’s Playbook
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just someone trying to navigate your career, there are some pretty clear takeaways from how Lindner III operates.
1. Stay in Your Lane (But Master It)
Lindner didn't try to make AFG a tech company or a crypto firm. He stuck to insurance but became the best at the "weird" parts of insurance. Specialization is a superpower.
2. Faith and Values Aren't Liabilities
In the corporate world, people often hide their personal convictions. Lindner does the opposite. He uses his faith as a filter for risk. It gives him a "north star" that doesn't change when the stock market dips.
3. Long-Term Over Short-Term
FC Cincinnati was a money pit for years. Most investors would have bailed. Lindner looked at the 20-year horizon, not the next quarter. If you believe in the "product" (the city and the sport), you have to be willing to bleed a little at the start.
4. The Value of Silence
You don't need to be the loudest person in the room to be the most powerful. Lindner proves that you can run a city and a massive company without ever seeking the spotlight.
As we look toward the future of Cincinnati and the insurance industry, it’s clear that the Lindner name isn't going anywhere. But it’s also clear that Carl III has carved out a legacy that is distinctly his own—one built on a mix of old-school insurance math, deep religious conviction, and a surprising love for the "beautiful game."
Next time you see those orange and blue jerseys at TQL Stadium, just remember: it all started with a guy who spends his mornings in prayer and his afternoons calculating the risk of a semi-truck fleet. It's a weird combination, but in Cincinnati, it works.