Friends of Build Magazine

Building A Generational Brand with David Kohler of Kohler Co. | Friends of Build Magazine #95

Episode Summary

Ted speaks with David Kohler, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Kohler Industries. By innovating new products, forging creative partnerships, and focusing on culture, David Kohler has helped lead this generation of Kohler Industries into the future.

Episode Notes

Ted speaks with David Kohler, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Kohler Industries. They discuss the company's success, the American dream, and the importance of failure. David emphasizes the need for a strong culture, hard work, and a balance between discipline and creativity, while also sharing his insights on inspiring the younger generation and testing and innovating new products. From home fixtures to golf destinations, David and Ted uncover the Kohler journey and where they’re headed next.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 1:05 Introduction and the Green Bay Packers
• 05:55 The American Dream and the Kohler Legacy
• 08:15 Culture and Leadership
• 11:45 Inspiring the Younger Generation
• 14:33 Balancing Risk and Discipline
• 18:40 Testing and Innovating New Products
• 20:15 Collaborating with Designers and creatives
• 23:20 The American Dream and Global Mentality
• 28:00 Removing Politics from Immigration
• 29:30 The Importance of Political Discourse
• 30:25 Training the younger generation
• 33:20 Building a Golf Destination
• 42:30 The Importance of Gratitude, Humility, and Will
• 43:25 Courage and Inspiration from Athletes
• 48:30 Character Determines Destiny

CONNECT WITH GUEST

David Kohler

• Website
• LinkedIn

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• I think our team members really buy in to the company, to the culture, to the values, to the traditions and bring their passion and energy and that's really what's built the company over the years. 
• Because some of our strongest leaders in the company are leaders that started in a plant 25 years ago or on the front lines in sales 30 years ago and they've really grown up like I have in the industry.
• And I talk to, you know, US CEOs all the time. And I can tell you that creative spirit, the focus on innovation, the dynamism is still alive.