Herb Kohl, American businessman and politician

Herbert H. Kohl, born Herbert Harris Kohl on February 7, 1935, is a distinguished American figure renowned for his multifaceted career as a prominent businessman, influential politician, and dedicated sports owner. His journey exemplifies a deep commitment to both commerce and public service, leaving an indelible mark on the retail landscape, the political arena, and professional basketball.

The Kohl Family Business Legacy: From Groceries to Department Stores

The entrepreneurial spirit of the Kohl family began with Herbert's father, Max Kohl, who established a humble grocery store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1927. This foundation evolved into Kohl's Food Stores, a successful regional chain. Herbert H. Kohl, working alongside his brother and father, played a pivotal role in expanding the family's enterprise beyond food retail. In a significant strategic move, the first Kohl's department store was launched in 1962, marking a major diversification into general merchandise. Herbert Kohl served as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) during this transformative period, guiding the nascent department store chain through its initial growth phases and establishing its foundational principles of value and quality. The family ultimately sold their majority stake in Kohl's in 1972 to BATUS Inc., a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, which allowed the department store chain to continue its expansion under new ownership, while cementing the Kohl family's significant legacy in American retail history.

A Distinguished Career in the United States Senate

Transitioning from a highly successful business career, Herbert Kohl embarked on a distinguished path in public service. As a steadfast member of the Democratic Party, he successfully ran for the United States Senate, representing his home state of Wisconsin, in 1988. He took office in January 1989 and served four consecutive terms, dedicating 24 years of his life to the Senate until January 2013. During his tenure, Senator Kohl earned a reputation for being a fiscal conservative and a tireless advocate for consumers, small businesses, and agricultural interests. He was particularly known for his commitment to direct engagement with his constituents, frequently holding "Milwaukee-style" town halls across Wisconsin to hear directly from the people he served. In May 2011, Senator Kohl announced his decision not to seek re-election in 2012, citing a desire to retire and allow for new leadership to emerge. Upon his retirement, he was succeeded by fellow Democrat Tammy Baldwin, who made history as both the first openly gay U.S. Senator and the first female Senator from Wisconsin.

Stewardship of the Milwaukee Bucks: A Commitment to Community

Beyond his significant contributions in business and politics, Herbert Kohl also left an enduring mark on the world of professional sports. In 1985, demonstrating a profound commitment to his home state and its community, he purchased the Milwaukee Bucks, a cherished National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise. His primary motivation for this acquisition was not personal profit, but rather to ensure the team remained firmly rooted in Milwaukee, preventing any potential relocation. As the owner, Kohl prioritized stability, community engagement, and responsible management. He maintained ownership for nearly three decades, becoming one of the league's longest-serving and most respected owners. In 2014, in a move that further underscored his dedication to Milwaukee, he sold the Milwaukee Bucks to a new ownership group led by Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens for an estimated $550 million. A key condition of this sale, championed by Kohl, was the buyers' binding commitment to keep the team in Wisconsin and to contribute a substantial sum of $100 million towards the construction of a state-of-the-art new arena for the team, solidifying the franchise's future in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions about Herbert H. Kohl

What is Herbert H. Kohl primarily known for?
Herbert H. Kohl is widely recognized for his success as a businessman, particularly his role in the growth of the Kohl's department store chain, his long and impactful career as a United States Senator from Wisconsin, and his nearly three-decade ownership of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.
How was the Kohl's department store chain founded?
The Kohl's department store chain originated from a grocery store business started by Herbert's father, Max Kohl, in 1927. Herbert H. Kohl, along with his brother, expanded the family enterprise into department stores, launching the first Kohl's department store in 1962. He served as president and CEO before the family sold their majority stake in 1972.
When did Herbert Kohl serve as a U.S. Senator for Wisconsin?
Herbert Kohl served as a United States Senator representing Wisconsin for four terms, from January 1989 to January 2013.
Why did Herbert Kohl sell the Milwaukee Bucks?
Herbert Kohl sold the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014 to ensure the team's long-term future in Milwaukee, emphasizing the need for new ownership to invest in a new arena and keep the franchise firmly rooted in Wisconsin, a condition he built into the sale agreement.
Who succeeded Herbert Kohl in the Senate after his retirement?
Upon his retirement in 2013, Herbert Kohl was succeeded in the U.S. Senate by fellow Democrat Tammy Baldwin, who became the first openly gay U.S. Senator and the first female Senator from Wisconsin.