Eli comes from a long line of brick makers in Arbor in fact he worked in the brick factory that his father owned until his 12th birthday and is the 3rd generation to own the factories that produce bricks for the city, in total he controls 4 factories and has a stranglehold on the supply of clay in Arbor to boot. Eli has worked hard to bringing improvements from steam power into the brickmaking business to not only expand but create a monopoly on the brick fabrication process in Arbor. Eli makes his profits from the sale of brick and some amount of his cash flows are from the selling clay directly to a few artisans. Eli wants to be seen as a member of high society though his countenance and that of his family are assuredly not and even though he wishes it were otherwise he is still seen as working class by those of means despite earning far more than some of them.
I"f there is a building in Arbor it's made of one of two things wood or brick, and given the cost of wood most folks choose brick and it's old Eli that supplies it" -Eli Hall (Foreman for the BrickMakers Factory)
Appearance
Eli is a handsome man in his late 30s, with a well-groomed beard and long, curly hair that he keeps styled in a unique and eccentric way. He dresses in a Victorian-inspired style, with a suit jacket and waistcoat, a pocket watch chain, and a pair of polished boots. He carries himself with confidence and a sense of pride, and is known for his sharp wit and clever business sense. Eli's clothes are always a few degrees out from the latest fashion trends though he likes to try and keep up though frequently he ends up dirtying his clothes by performing some bit of manual labour.
Personality
Eli is a dedicated hard working individual always looking for ways to improve his factories and make more money, he believes that at a certain point that he will make enough money for the other Factory Bosses and High Society in general to start accepting him. This has lead him to be a bit more cruel and less concerned with the safety of his workers only pushing them to work harder and faster to produce ever increasing profits. He is a man driven by a goal that seems unattainable and he will do everything he can to make sure he gets what he wants.
Background
Eli was born and raised in Arbor. His family has been in the business for generations, and Eli grew up working in his father's brick factory there are even jokes or perhaps rumors that he was born on the factory floor. Despite his working class background, Eli was a bright and ambitious child who was determined to make a name for himself and prove that he was more than just a brick maker. He excelled in school and spent his free time reading and learning as much as he could about business industry and the new technology Steam.
After finishing high school, Eli went to
Silver Leaf Academy to study business and management. He worked hard to learn as much as he could about the industry and to gain the skills and knowledge he would need to succeed. He interned at several companies including
The Gilded though not becoming
Gilded himself, gaining valuable experience and making connections that would later prove useful.
After college, Eli returned to his father's factory and took over the family business. He quickly made a name for himself as a savvy and innovative business owner, modernizing the factories and introducing new techniques and technologies that increased efficiency and reduced costs. With his strong business acumen, Eli was able to expand the business and eventually came to control four factories, making him the largest brick producer in the city.
In Arbor, factory bosses are often seen as ruthless and exploitative, and Eli was no exception. He was known for his strict and demanding management style, and was not afraid to push his employees to their limits in order to increase production. He was driven by profit and was willing to cut corners and take risks in order to make more money. This of course has resulted in injuries and in some cases deaths though with his connections he has smoothed over or quieted any problems that might arise from uppity employees.
Despite his success, Eli struggled to be accepted into high society in Arbor. He longed to be seen as more than just a brick maker and to be recognized for his business acumen and financial success. He worked hard to improve his social standing, attending events and trying to associate with the right people, but he often felt like an outsider. Despite his efforts, he was still seen as working class by those of means, and it was a source of frustration for him.
However, his ruthless business practices and his lack of concern for the welfare of his employees often caused him to be viewed with suspicion and mistrust by those in the community.
Relationships
Eli sees relationships as another way of breaking into the world of high society, so has actively tried to court several people in various places of power and prestige. So far though he has not had much success in this regard as most ladies have spurned and rejected him with one exception.
Miyo the Serene has taken somewhat of a fancy to Eli though he finds her alarming.
Allegiance
Due to his internship with the Gilded Company Eli maintains a tight allegiance with the purchasing steam engines and components for use in the factories whenever possible, in fact he has begun to think about how to bring in more clay from the rivers and lakes using the steam technology that is being provided to him.
Abilities
Eli is exceptionally bright and capable of thinking far outside the norms of his competitors, which is partially why he no longer has any. In addition to a great mind for business Eli is a dab hand with a blade having taken fencing during his time at College.
Equipment
Eli carries with him a device of his own invention that he created while under the tutelage of the Gilded. An electric blade, inside the hilt is a small Levin Stone which can be replaced when needed by charges the weapon with several thousand volts of electricity making it a truly terrfying weapon to behold.
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