Born in 1928, Karl McMillen, Jr. grew up alongside a rapidly changing Southern California. From a young age, he embodied grit and curiosity, taking on odd jobs, learning everything he could, and chasing opportunity with quiet determination.

Karl got his start plumbing tract homes as a partner in Alert Plumbing, later founding Todd Pipe & Supply. Under his leadership, the company expanded to nine locations across Southern California and Las Vegas, employing over 400 people. Todd Pipe became a model of success, built on Karl’s hard work, integrity, and deep respect for both his employees and customers.

But Karl’s remarkable business achievements were shadowed by profound personal loss. He lost his first wife to cancer, and both of his sons to the long, heartbreaking grip of addiction. Karl also faced his own struggles with alcoholism, proudly carrying his sobriety chip as a symbol of the strength it took to heal, a commitment he honored for many years until his passing.

His journey through the early days of addiction treatment, trying desperately to help his sons, sparked a new purpose. In 2007, Karl and his wife Carol founded The McMillen Family Foundation, a powerful force for good that has donated tens of millions to organizations supporting addiction recovery and prevention.

Karl used the wealth he built to fight for others, to spare families the pain he knew too well. That mission, born of tragedy but fueled by love and determination, became his most enduring legacy. Though he is no longer with us, his vision lives on through the foundation and Karl’s House, carrying forward his promise to make life better for others.