Kohler: The Brand Legacy, Leaders and Pillars

Companies that prosper over time show a clear sense of purpose and core values. They translate them into action and ensure that they are reflected consistently throughout the organization in everything they do.

With the mission stressing on "to improve the level of gracious living in the lives of all who are touched by our products and services" Kohler has registered remarkable success and has proved to be a boon for more than 31,000 Kohler associates around the world. Kohler has contributed tremendously to the gracious lifestyle of people and today its products are found in their valued and precious abodes and spaces. The brand has delivered perfection along with pleasure to all it has served.

Something that has been a key factor in Kohler's progress is its clear sense of purpose i.e., having clarity on what to do, what to make and what to deliver. The next step is just bringing them into action with carefully processed goods and having management and organization at its level best.

Something that has been a key factor in Kohler's progress is its clear sense of purpose i.e., having clarity on what to do, what to make and what to deliver. The next step is just bringing them into action with carefully processed goods and having management and organization at its level best.

Its consistent and continued success is reflected as it aims to promote:

• Living on the leading edge, amalgamating art with rapidly advancing technology, and creating new markets and new niches within existing markets with a wide ranging variety of products.
• Ensuring and delivering premium quality in the products and services and maintaining the senses and sensibility of end users completely.
• Not having any interest in profit making and continually reinvesting the majority of our earnings in operational excellence. These principles have been powerful in driving the long-term success and character of the Kohler organization.

Yet, a company cannot be explained in terms of mission or principles alone. Human energy is required to give life and direction to a mission. And our leaders have done that time and again making it sure that the only constant that stays along is – Success and the only priority that stays is Public Interest.

Leaders: Taking the Long-Term Perspective

As it is said that things in the short run demolish while things in the long run flourish. The success that Kohler has ensured in its journey has been accredited to its leaders who have envisioned the processes in the long run minimizing repercussions and planting only and only benefits. Kohler's leaders have been strong, self-reliant, never wanting for original ideas, and possessing the courage to expand, diversify, and take necessary risks to achieve their objectives. That courage is evident in such unconventional decisions as:

• Moving the Kohler factory to the Wisconsin countryside in 1899 to provide an improved quality of life for employees
• Branching out into the generator business in the 1920s
• Rolling out a host of products in bold new colours and shapes, beginning in the 1960s, that forever changed the face of the American bath.
• Developing a second 50-year plan for the controlled growth of the Village of Kohler in the 1970s.

Hence, the legacy which has continued over a long successful past will be maintained and Kohler, would continue to serve with the same aim, same goals, same mission and striving to improve the same processes.