Herbert Kohler, Jr. – Billionaire
Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. (born February 20, 1939) is a member of the Kohler family of Wisconsin, and is the chairman of the Kohler Company, a manufacturing company in Kohler, Wisconsin, best known for its plumbing products.
Early life and education
Kohler was born February 20, 1939 to Ruth Miriam DeYoung Kohler (1906–1953) and Herbert Vollrath Kohler Sr. (1891–1968), who ran the Kohler Company from 1937 until his death. He is related to other former company presidents, including Walter J. Kohler Sr. and Walter J. Kohler Jr. He was educated at The Choate School (now Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut), of which he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2005-10. He graduated in 1965 from Yale University with a degree in Industrial Administration and went to work for the company. In June 1972, he was elected chairman of the board and chief executive officer at the age of 33.
Business career
After graduating in 1965 from Yale University, Kohler went to work for the Kohler Company which long has been a manufacturer of bathtubs, toilets and other plumbing fixtures. He worked as a laborer or technician in every division of the company. In June 1972, he was elected chairman of the board and chief executive officer at the age of 33. Under his leadership, the company more than doubled the size of its engine and generator business and it launched an interiors group that now encompasses five furnishings lines.
The National Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame inducted Kohler in its founding year of 1989, followed by the National Housing Hall of Fame in 1993. Junior Achievement inducted him into its U.S. Business Hall of Fame in April 2006. Kohler received the “Legend in Leadership Award” from the Chief Executive Leadership Institute of the Yale School of Management later that year.
In 2007, Kohler’s net worth was estimated at $4.0 billion. In 2009, his net worth was estimated at $1.3 billion and as of June 2016, Forbes has estimated Kohler’s net worth at $9.1 billion.
In April 2015, the company announced Kohler was stepping down as CEO and relinquishing the title to his son, David Kohler.
Source:wikipedia