Zatrun.com has delved into the remarkable journey of Herbert Kohler Jr., an American billionaire businessman, and his multifaceted contributions to both the corporate world and environmental sustainability. Herbert Kohler Jr., born on February 20, 1939, and passing away on September 3, 2022, was a prominent figure in the Kohler family of Wisconsin and served as the executive chairman of the Kohler Company. This Wisconsin-based company, renowned for its plumbing products, golf courses, and resorts, achieved remarkable success under his leadership. At the time of his passing, Forbes estimated his family’s net worth at a staggering US$8.8 billion.

Herbert Kohler Jr.: Early Life and Educational Journey

Herbert Kohler Jr.’s early life was deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Kohler family. He was born to Ruth Miriam DeYoung Kohler and Herbert Vollrath Kohler Sr., who played a pivotal role in running the Kohler Company from 1937 until his passing. Herbert Kohler Jr. belonged to a lineage of former company presidents, including Walter J. Kohler Sr. and Walter J. Kohler Jr.

Kohler’s educational journey began at The Choate School, now known as Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut, where he graduated in 1957. His commitment to education later led him to serve as the chairman of the board of trustees at Choate Rosemary Hall from 2005 to 2010. In 1965, Kohler earned a degree in Industrial Administration from Yale University, a milestone that marked the beginning of his career at the Kohler Company.

A Visionary Business Career

Herbert Kohler Jr.’s career at the Kohler Company commenced with a unique perspective gained during his teenage years. He worked as a laborer and technician in various divisions of Kohler Co., gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing plumbing products. His dedication to learning led him to graduate from Yale University in 1965 with a degree in industrial administration. After completing his education, Kohler fully immersed himself in the family business, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to its success. In a remarkable turn of events in June 1972, Kohler was elected as the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Kohler Company, assuming these pivotal roles at the young age of 33.

Throughout his career, Herbert Kohler Jr. received numerous accolades and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to various fields. In 1989, he was honored with induction into the National Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame, followed by his induction into the National Housing Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2006, Junior Achievement inducted him into its U.S. Business Hall of Fame. Kohler’s extraordinary achievements also earned him the prestigious “Legend in Leadership Award” from the Chief Executive Leadership Institute of the Yale School of Management. As of 2021, his net worth was estimated at $9.8 billion.

In April 2015, Herbert Kohler Jr. announced a significant transition within the company. He stepped down from the position of CEO, passing the title to his son, David Kohler, while retaining the role of executive chairman, ensuring a seamless continuation of the Kohler legacy.

A Passion for Golf and Hospitality

Beyond his accomplishments in the business world, Herbert Kohler Jr. had a profound love for golf and hospitality. The Kohler Company owns and operates four renowned golf courses designed by the legendary architect Pete Dye. The journey began with the construction of the first course at Blackwolf Run, Wisconsin, in 1988. Subsequently, a second 18-hole course was added in 1990, which went on to host the 1998 U.S. Women’s Open.

In 1998, Kohler expanded his golf ventures with the addition of 36 holes at Whistling Straits, also located in Wisconsin. This picturesque venue hosted prestigious events such as the PGA Championship in 2004, 2010, and 2015, the U.S. Senior Open in 2007, and the Ryder Cup in 2021.

Kohler’s commitment to golf extended internationally, as he purchased Hamilton Hall, now known as the Hamilton Grand, in 2009. This historic building, situated in St Andrews, Scotland, comprises 26 luxury apartments and stands as a testament to his passion for the sport. Kohler’s involvement in the golf industry was not limited to course ownership; he also served as the Chairman of the South African PGA Tour and Chairman of the South African Golf Development Board.

Championing Environmental Sustainability

Herbert Kohler Jr.’s dedication to environmental sustainability was epitomized by the inauguration of the Kohler Environmental Center (KEC) at Choate Rosemary Hall in 2012. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning 32,000 square feet, was made possible through Kohler’s generous donation of $20 million.

The KEC was meticulously designed to have a minimal environmental impact, incorporating features such as solar panels, composting systems, and a greenhouse heated using recycled cooking oil. Situated on a 266-acre plot of forest and wetlands, the KEC provides an ideal setting for environmental education and research, aligning with Kohler’s commitment to the environment.

Personal Life and Legacy

In his personal life, Herbert Kohler Jr. experienced the joys of family and close relationships. In 1961, he married Linda Karger, with whom he had three children. Following their divorce in the early 1980s, Linda married Roger Anderson, a retired chairman and CEO of Continental Illinois. Kohler’s daughter, Rachel Kohler, is married to Mark Hoplamazian, the CEO of Hyatt since 2006.

In 1985, Herbert Kohler Jr. married Natalie Black, who initially joined the Kohler Company as a lawyer and later rose to the positions of general counsel and senior vice president of communications. Natalie now serves as the head of the Kohler Foundation.

Kohler was not only a visionary businessman but also a film enthusiast. He made a memorable appearance in the film “Open Range” (2003), which starred and was directed by his close friend Kevin Costner.

Throughout his life, Kohler remained deeply involved in various philanthropic endeavors, particularly his passion for breeding Morgan horses. He owned a breeding facility and was the proud owner of the Morgan horse Noble Flaire from 1984 until the horse’s passing in 2006.

On September 3, 2022, Herbert Kohler Jr. passed away in Kohler, Wisconsin, at the age of 83. His legacy continues to shine brightly through the Kohler Company’s success, his contributions to golf, his commitment to environmental sustainability, and his impact on the world of business and philanthropy. Herbert Kohler Jr. leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will inspire generations to come.