Is Kohler still family owned?

Yes, Kohler is still family owned and is one of the largest and oldest family-owned private companies in the United States. The company was founded in 1873 by John Michael Kohler, an Austrian immigrant, and has remained under family control for over 150 years through four generations. The family still lives in Kohler, Wisconsin, the village that bears its name. As of 2026, Kohler Co. is led by David Kohler, great-grandson of the founder, who serves as Chair and CEO. His father, Herbert Kohler Jr., who led the company from 1972 until his death in 2022, was famous for building Kohler into a global brand and for its golf and hospitality division. The Kohler family owns the vast majority of shares, and the company is not publicly traded, unlike competitors such as Masco which owns Delta and American Standard owner Lixil. Being private allows Kohler to make long-term investments without Wall Street pressure. While Kohler has sold minority stakes in some divisions, such as bringing in Platinum Equity as majority owner of Kohler Energy in 2024, the core Kohler Co. plumbing and hospitality business remains privately held by the family. The family is known for maintaining strong control over design and quality and for its philanthropy in Wisconsin.