Kohler Co. executive chairman Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. passed away Sept. 3, in Kohler, Wisconsin, at the age of 83.
His ideas, including THE BOLD LOOK OF KOHLER, and hands-on leadership transformed the plumbing products manufacturer founded by his grandfather into a global and diverse family of businesses.
“His zest for life, adventure, and impact inspires all of us,” says his family in a company press release. “We traveled together, celebrated together, and worked together. He was all in, all the time, leaving an indelible mark on how we live our lives today and carry on his legacy.”
Kohler was born in Chicago on Feb. 20, 1939. His father Herbert V. Kohler Sr., son of Kohler Co. founder John Michael Kohler, served as board chairman and CEO of Kohler Co. from 1940 until his death in 1968. His mother Ruth De Young Kohler was a historian and former women’s editor of the Chicago Tribune.
As a young man, Kohler spent many summers as a laborer on local farms and in most of the manufacturing divisions of Kohler Co. After serving with the U.S. Army Reserve, studying at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, and launching a brief acting career at Knox College in Illinois, he completed his education at Yale University, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in industrial administration in 1965.
He rejoined Kohler Co. full-time as an R&D technician shortly after graduation. He became a director of the company in 1967, and, when his father died a year later, he became vice president of operations. He was named executive vice president in 1971, was elected chairman of the board and CEO in 1972, and president of the company in 1974—at the age of 35. In 2015, he became the company’s executive chairman, with son David taking the helm as president and CEO. He served Kohler Co. for 61 years.
During his 43-year span as CEO, he transformed his family-owned company into a world leader, with more than 40,000 associates and dozens of manufacturing facilities on six continents.
He took the company into new businesses with more than 48 acquisitions over his tenure, including Sterling Faucet Co., Jacob Delafon, and Mira. He formed the Kohler Interiors Group, acquiring Baker Furniture, McGuire Furniture Co., Ann Sacks Tile and Stone, Kallista plumbing, and Robern mirrored cabinets. He also invested beyond plumbing products to strengthen the company’s other core business—power—and expanded the portfolio with a series of acquisitions including Italian diesel engine manufacturer Lombardini in 2007 and France-based generator company SDMO in 2005.
Kohler's accomplishments didn't go unnoticed. He was inducted into the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Kitchen & Bath Hall of Fame in its founding year of 1989, followed by the National Housing Hall of Fame in 1993. Ernst & Young named him National Entrepreneur of the Year in manufacturing in 2002, and Junior Achievement inducted him into its U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 2006.
The dynamic leader worked diligently to be a positive influence in his community and was a supporter of the arts, the environment, and historic preservation. To name a few, he established trusts, programs, and clubs, served on boards, volunteered his time, and funded scholarships.
“Herb’s support for those less fortunate is evident by his over 25-year continued support as a founder of the Hearthstone Builder Humanitarian Award,” says Mark Porath, CEO of Hearthstone. “He was a prominent leader and philanthropist who touched the lives of many. On behalf of Hearthstone, we offer our sincerest condolences to the entire Kohler family. He will be greatly missed.”
Kohler is survived by his wife, Natalie; two daughters, Laura Kohler (Steve Proudman) and Rachel Kohler (Mark Hoplamazian); and one son, David Kohler (Nina). He is further survived by 10 grandchildren, Lily, Hannah, and Rachel Proudman; Mara, Lena, and Leo Hoplamazian; Ashley, Samuel, Jack, and Tait Kohler; and three great-grandchildren, Ophelia, Herbert, and Uma Cartwright.
The family plans to host a private service. At a date to be determined, Kohler Co. will host a tribute for past and present associates, and a tribute website will allow the public to learn more about Kohler’s contributions, life, business impact, and accolades. Information regarding ways to honor his memory will be detailed on the website.