Editors Note – We transcribed the audio from the show, but if you wish to listen to it directly, we included that as well.
The golf and industrial world lost a Giant over the weekend in the passing of Herb Kohler.
The Austrian-born billionaire died on Saturday at the age of 83.
Looking back in the WOMT archives, Tim Strews came across a Sports Talk show that aired in 2012.
The show was broadcast from Kohler’s Black Wolf Run during the US Women’s Golf Open.
Kohler agreed to join co-hosts, Tim & Brian Norton, for a Q-&-A.
Kohler was asked how proud he must be to have the Open return to Black Wolf Run.
Audio Player(Transcription – Kohler – “Obviously we are honored the USGA thought enough of us the first time around and we literally energized a generation of young people. That’s a remarkable occurrence. And when you look at the LPGA today and the influence that one tournament had on what the LPGA is today, to have it come back and do it again, that’s a great honor.”)
Kohler also told them that he credits former Manitowoc resident and confectionary business owner, Tom Beerntsen, for giving him the idea and inspiration of making his own chocolates.
Audio Player(Transcription Kohler – “Tom was the inspiration actually for my chocolate business. We call them Terrapins. Some people call them turtles, I call them Terrapins.”
Strews – “Tom called the turtles.”
Kohler – “It’s like, you know the Maryland Terrapins?”
Strews – “Yeah.”
Kohler – “Well they don’t call themselves turtles, they call themselves the Terrapins.”
Strews – “Where can I buy these chocolates?”
Kohler – “At Woodlake Market. There’s a little shop there by the creamery. It’s just a terrific chocolate shop. These guys make marvelous chocolates that have been invested by the chefs at the American Club.”)
Although his grandfather, John Michael Kohler II, founded the plumbing fixtures manufacturing company in 1873 and Herbert Senior was CEO for 28 years, Herbert Jr. recalled initially in interviews that he had not wanted to be part of the family company.
However, after graduating from Yale in 1965, he began working at Kohler, later becoming chairman and CEO for 43 years.
Wisconsin Golf writer Gary D’Amato said Herb Kohler Junior “transformed golf in our state” with the construction of Black Wolf Run and later Whistling Straits.
Private funeral services will be held, but the company will have a tribute to him at a later date for associates.
