People – Walter Jodok Kohler
A Creative Visionary
Walter J. Kohler (1875-1940) A passion for lifelong learning led Walter to be a corporate icon, Governor of Wisconsin, champion of Kohler associates, and creative visionary of the Village of Kohler. As the second-generation company leader, his priorities and philosophies were of great significance in the growth and success of Kohler Co.
“Many values, not capable of being reduced to dollars and cents, are values nonetheless – are indeed priceless. So-called “free goods” such as sunshine and fresh air may be of more real worth than most economic goods; but where they are to a great extent denied to multitudes of human beings, it seems almost mockery to call them “free.” A more spacious environment and contact with living nature – these of themselves can make life better at any economic level.”
Although he was only formally educated through eighth grade, learning and creativity were hallmarks of Walter J. Kohler’s life and legacy. He was a true renaissance man of the time. After quitting school at age 15, he joined his father’s business where he worked in the Kohler Foundry, becoming a foreman at 18 years old.
A voracious reader all his life, Walter, in effect, educated himself. Art and creativity were part of that learning. Although he espoused hard work, integrity, and “sincere effort,” he intensely believed artistry should be one of the generational ideas to guide Kohler, then and in the future. That conviction inspired future programs such as the Arts/Industry program in partnership with the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the company’s focus on design leadership, as well as the beauty of the Kohler campus and surrounding village.
The Village of Kohler, with The American Club at its center, was a planned residential and parkland masterpiece. Never wanting to see a company town develop around him, Walter aspired to cultivate a garden village that would coexist with its responsible corporate partner. A long-term plan, envisioned by Walter and developed by the Olmsted Brothers, guided the creation of a rather unique setting that still thrives more than a century later.
Walter genuinely wanted to improve the lives of Kohler employees, quality of life beyond the company workday was important. He sponsored cultural pursuits through the Kohler chorus, band, drama, and civic clubs. He also created the Kohler Recreation Club and often participated with employees in the bowling league and spring baseball season.
Walter founded the Kohler airport after purchasing the sister plane of Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis for business trips. He was the first business executive in Wisconsin to travel routinely by airplane, “Regarding the airplane as a time-saver, he commented
“It’s just the thing for a busy man. A good part of the time when I am in the air I am working just as hard as I would be in the office. I write a good deal in the plane——one can write with pen and ink just as well as at a desk. Campaigning is likely to be sleepless work, but the plane is just the thing for a good sound nap during an hour or two of transit. The gentle motion and the drone of the motor help to put one to sleep.”
Much has been said and written about Walter J. Kohler’s contributions to Kohler Co., the State of Wisconsin, and the country, but this experience relayed by Ralph Brotz, son of Walter’s lead production manager, Frank Brotz, is a fitting tribute. “I only saw my father weep once, and that was when Walter Kohler died. There was one thing about Walter – you couldn’t work for him very long unless you had high ethics and high purpose. If you had anything good in you, he found a way to get it out.”
