Celebrating 65 Years of Keller: A Legacy Built on Hard Work, Dedication, and Employee Ownership
As we step into 2025, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey that has been Keller’s 65 years in business. It’s more than just a milestone; it’s a celebration of the people, the hard work, and the unwavering dedication that have shaped us into the company we are today. We are proud of our history, humbled by our growth, and excited about the future that lies ahead.
Our story begins with Walter Keller’s father and brothers, who, during the Great Depression, owned an implement shop that provided much-needed John Deere equipment to farmers. Walter, a visionary even then, saw that farmers needed more than just equipment—they needed buildings to store their equipment and feed. Driven by this insight and a passion for helping the community, Walter founded Keller Structures in 1960 with the goal of providing farmers with the buildings they needed to succeed.
In those early days, the company was just nine people strong, and none of them had experience in construction. But Walter’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit set the stage for Keller’s future. The company’s very first project, completed in 1960, was a milestone. And by the end of that same year, Keller had built its first office in Kaukauna, WI—an office that still stands today as L & L Sales. Little did they know that this was just the beginning of a legacy that would span over six decades.
Throughout the 1970s, Keller began expanding into the commercial and industrial sectors, all while continuing to serve the agricultural community. This growth led to the construction of a new office and a unique approach to building—a one-stop shop that offered buildings, silos, and equipment, all bundled together for the convenience of customers. It was an innovative model, and it worked.
The 1980s were an exciting time for Keller. We saw our commercial business take off, attracting well-known clients like J.J. Keller, Inc. But no matter how much we grew, our roots in agriculture remained strong. In 1986, Walter made a monumental decision to sell the company to its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), fostering a culture of pride, ownership, and commitment to the company’s success. This decision shaped the future of Keller, ensuring that every team member would have a personal stake in our journey.
By 1988, Keller had officially embraced the design-build model, offering both design and construction services under one roof. This was a game changer, and by 1998, Keller had become the largest employee-owned design-build firm in Wisconsin, with 185 employee-owners. We were no longer just a small, local company—we were a leader in the industry. In 2003, to better reflect our evolving services, we rebranded from Keller Structures to Keller, Inc.
As the new millennium arrived, Keller continued to grow and innovate. We opened satellite offices in Milwaukee, Wausau, and Madison, and expanded our services with the creation of an Interior Design department and Construction Management division. 2010 was a major milestone for us as we celebrated our 50th anniversary, a half-century of building trust, quality, and lasting relationships.
Now, as we celebrate 65 years in business, we can proudly say that Keller remains an industry leader in design-build construction. With over 275 employee-owners, we are more committed than ever to following the principles that Walter set forth all those years ago—treating employees, subcontractors, and customers with the utmost integrity and building every project as if it were our own.
But more than just numbers and milestones, what really matters is the people who make Keller what it is. It’s the men and women who come to work every day with a sense of pride, a strong work ethic, and a shared commitment to our customers. It’s the generations of employee-owners who have carried Walter’s vision forward, creating a culture that’s built on trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the future. The construction industry is constantly evolving, but one thing will always remain the same: our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and innovative solutions for our customers. Keller’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and employee ownership. It’s about more than just building structures; it’s about building relationships, earning trust, and making a lasting impact on the communities we serve.
Here’s to the next 65 years. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story—we couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to continuing this journey together, staying true to the values that have guided us from the very beginning.
