Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., a grandson of the founder, is Chairman of the Board and President of Kohler Co., headquartered in the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin.

  Kohler Co. is a world leader in products for the kitchen and bath. It markets those products under the brand names of Kohler plumbing, Sterling plumbing, Lallista, Ann Sacks Tile and Stone, Robern mirrored cabinets, Canac kitchen cabinets and, in Europe, under the band names of Jacob Delafon and Neomediam in plumbing products, and Sanijura in bath cabinetry.

  A diversified manufacturer, Kohler Co. is also a leading manufacturer of Power Systems—engines up to 25 HP, generators up to 2,000 kilowatts, and electrical systems under the brand name of Kohler. The Kohler Interiors Group includes the premier brand names of baker and McGuire furniture. As its fourth major business, the company has developed a successful Hospitality and Real Estate Group around "Destination Kohler" flagship properties including The American Club, the only AAA Five Diamond resort hotel in the Midwest, Blackwolf Run golf courses, "the finest 36-hole public access complex in the nation" according to Golf magazine, and the Kohler Design Center—a striking display of the company’s products and Austrian heritage visited annually by 130,000 people.

  Mr. Kohler graduated from Yale University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Administration. Prior to that time, he spent summers working as a laborer or technician in most of the manufacturing divisions of the company. He became a Director of the corporation in March 1967, Vice President of Operations in August 1968, and Executive Vice President in January 1971. He was elected Chairman of the Board in 1972, and President of the company in April 1974.

  The National Association of Home Builders elected mr. Kohler to its National Housing Hall of Fame in 1993 to honor his lifelong achievements in housing. He was also inducted into the National Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame in its founding year of 1989, and into the Morgan Horse Hall of Fame in 1996. During his career he has received over 200 design and utility patents.

  In addition to his executive responsibilities with Kohler Co., Mr. Kohler is Chairman of Kohler Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports educational, cultural and preservation projects in Wisconsin. One of its purposes was to construct a replica of the family home in Austria, called the Waelderhaus, which operates today as a meeting place in the Saal for women’s Clubs, Girl Scouts, and is open to visitors year ‘round exemplifying the Austrian spirit and heritage.

  Mr. Kohler is a trustee of Lawrence University, Appleton, WI; a Director (retired after 25 years) of the Harnischfeger Corporation, the National Association of Manufacturers, National Outward Bound, Inc., and Friendship House, a group home for delinquent boys in Sheboygan, WI.

  Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 by John Michael Kohler, who was born in the Begenzerwald of Austria. The company today is one of the oldest and largest privately-held companies in the United States. In turn, Kohler Co. has given birth to a sizable number of projects with an eye toward improving the quality of life for those living in or visiting the state of Wisconsin; among them the John Michael Kohler Arts Center with its own national recognition, and the John Michael Kohler State Park, which now stand as a tribute to the founder’s heritage and his vision. All contents of pages and images Copyright © 2003,
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