Episode 11: Kohler Hospitality on How We’re Playing the Notes (and quickly!) But Not Yet Making Music With AI 

In the midst of HITEC week in Indianapolis, I was joined by Stephen Beaumont, President of Kohler Hospitality, for an illuminating deep-dive into the brand and a fascinating discussion on the current state of AI, and where he hopes it will soon go in the future. 

Some may say the word “unique” is overused, but Stephen thinks it appropriately describes Kohler Hospitality. Privately-owned and family-owned and operated, the family itself is still very much involved in the business, with a broad portfolio that includes several lodging options within the Village of Kohler, Lodge Kohler located near Lambeau Field and Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland. The key feature that ties the properties together is a sense of community and a love for golf, with a synergistic connection between two of the most famous golf courses in the world (Whistling Straits in Wisconsin and Old Course in Scotland). Admittedly, Stephen is not much of a golfer himself but still appreciates the appeal of the game. He always says that if you want the authentic Scottish experience, you’ve got to play the Old Course in the mist, rain and wind. 

Like many who find their way into the hospitality industry, it was something that Stephen sort of fell into. There were two things that always really fascinated him about it – travel and an interest in wine. His first job was sorting bottles in the cellar of a local hotel and he was intrigued by the chefs, who began teaching him the culinary side of things, learning how to turn a mushroom and slice an onion. After that first taste of the industry, he never looked back. His interest in wine – stemming from family vacations in Champagne and Bordeaux – led to training with the Savoy Hotel Company for six years, followed by a position at a local hotel in Cambridge as the food and beverage manager. The colleges within University of Oxford and Cambridge have some of the largest wine collections in the world, and Stephen was fortunate enough to attend many wine tastings that expanded his viticultural knowledge. As a go-to wine, he recommended an Alsace Riesling. 

The story of how Kohler got into the hospitality industry is one of necessity. The company began in 1918 manufacturing plumbing products and built the American Club, which was essentially a hostel, for the Northern European immigrants who worked in the factory. The club offered a sense of community, along with a restaurant, bar and bowling alley, and continued until its reimagining in 1981 when Herb Kohler, the great nephew of Walter Kohler reconceptualized it into a luxury resort. 

Today, The American Club has expanded to include golf, restaurants, shops and more, and is considered the hub of the Village of Kohler. The typical demographic of guests include folks interested in golf-centered retreats; however, they are also seeing an increased interest in wellness and spa. At just a two hour drive from downtown Chicago, the property has become a desirable destination for long weekends and extended stays. 

Seasonally, the summertime is a boon with travelers seeking out golf and leisure. Their property in St. Andrews has a similar kind of situation, with people most interested in travel during good weather months. Experience-led travel has been a key focus for Kohler, with an emphasis on designing unforgettable experiences that are innovative, and incorporate as many new elements as possible to target specific audiences in those particular markets. One such experience that Stephen thinks is a standout State-side? A tour of the art and design center of Kohler itself. In St. Andrews? A walk on the old course followed by a picnic with views of the North Sea. 

Art and design are key ingredients in the success of Kohler Hospitality, and it’s a natural fit that their properties showcase the stunning plumbing fixtures that made the Kohler name so unanimous with high-end finishes. Recently, they partnered with New York-based artists, Daniel Arsham, who created unique products that were incorporated into the properties. Examples of his sculptures within The Village are displayed for visitors.