Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Kolbe Windows & Doors remains family-owned and rooted in Wisconsin even as it has grown into a national manufacturer of premium windows and doors. Exemplifying Kolbe's collaborative culture, “80 Acts of Kindness” guides Kolbe’s year-long anniversary activities, promoting good deeds of all shapes and sizes.
“Our 80-year history, growth and success are because of our people. We value craftsmanship, integrity, solving problems and taking care of people. These values continue to drive every decision we make today,” says Jeff De Lonay, president of Kolbe Windows & Doors. “Each day, our team members carry on the family-oriented, customer-focused culture instilled by the founders of this organization.”
Honoring heritage and growth
Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Company was founded in 1946 by brothers Herb and Ervin Kolbe who started repairing and building wood storm windows for local builders out of the washhouse on their Wisconsin family dairy farm.
From this modest beginning, the business thrived and expanded. Today, the company employs approximately 950 people and operates three locations, with nearly 1 million square feet of manufacturing and production space across Wisconsin and Arizona. Its made-to-order windows and doors appear in distinctive homes, multifamily communities, commercial buildings and historic campuses across North America.
Craftsmanship, innovation and collaboration
Kolbe continues to blend traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology, investing in equipment while preserving the handmade elements that define its products. Each window and door is built to order for specific project needs.
Kolbe’s Innovation Greenhouse team cultivates new ideas and products as seeded by input from architects, builders, contractors and homeowners. Collaborative industry relationships foster additional development, such as Kolbe’s recent partnerships with LuxWall for vacuum insulating glazing technology and Doma Intelligent Doors for secure automation solutions.
Environmental stewardship is integral to Kolbe’s operations, from solar-powered production and responsible material sourcing to energy-efficient product designs. Reinforcing its promise of dependability, the company also has its own dedicated trucking fleet, KK-Way, which includes more than 150 trailers.
“Our future depends on staying curious, staying collaborative and finding better ways to serve customers,” says De Lonay. “We innovate with purpose because every window and door we build frames someone’s dream.”
Community-driven culture
Kolbe continues to invest in resources that strengthen work-life balance and employee wellbeing. An onsite health clinic provides convenient care, and the company partners with a local daycare to reserve spots for employees, helping working families access childcare. This year, Kolbe will open an apartment complex to offer affordable housing options for manufacturing professionals across the region, not just its own team.
The company is also shaped by employee longevity. More than 300 Kolbe team members have worked with the company for more than 25 years or more, and 50% of its workforce has been there for more than a decade. There are 65 U.S. military service members on staff. Women represent 33.5% of Kolbe’s manufacturing team members and 35% of manufacturing leaders.
De Lonay, who began his 42-year career working with the Kolbe brothers, credits their approach for shaping the company’s culture. “Herb believed in nurturing people as much as advancing innovation,” he says. “That combination is what made Kolbe special then and still makes us special now.”
To honor its anniversary, the company is launching “80 Acts of Kindness,” a yearlong initiative encouraging employees across all locations to support their communities through meaningful acts, large and small.
Looking forward
As it celebrates this milestone, Kolbe remains focused on purposeful innovation, quality craftsmanship and strengthening customer partnerships. The company aims to continue shaping living and working spaces with products that balance design, performance and personalization.
“Our future is built on the foundation of our past,” says De Lonay. “We will continue to invest in our people, listen to our customers and push what’s possible in window and door design. If the next 80 years look anything like the last, we’re in very good hands.”
