Manufacturing
Chairman, president and CEO
A.O. Smith Corp. | Milwaukee
Since joining A.O. Smith Corp. in 1994 as a regional sales manager, Kevin Wheeler has risen through its ranks to now serve as chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Milwaukee-based water heater and boiler manufacturer. With over 12,000 employees across its global operations and 125 located at its Milwaukee headquarters, A.O. Smith is among the largest employers in the state. It also continues to grow, having completed five acquisitions since 2016 to expand its North American water treatment business.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Nevada, Reno; Advanced Management Program at Harvard University
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
"Bank management trainee. I met my future wife."
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
"Lake Tahoe and anywhere in Italy."
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
"'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' (by Stephen Covey). Achieving success starts with the fundamentals and helps build that foundation that everyone needs."
What’s your hobby/passion?
"Golf, cycling, reading and live sports."
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
"Eddie Martini’s, a thick filet with a great glass of cabernet."
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
"Ford Pinto. Much, much longer than I wanted (8 years)."
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
"The COVID-19 pandemic transcended all traditional business challenges. Our entire company had to take collaboration, problem-solving and business agility to a new level."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Start as broad as possible, and don’t narrow your job focus too early. Embrace each opportunity and strive for excellence no matter what the task."
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
"The roads."
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
"Taking a 5-year ex-pat assignment and moving my family to Europe."
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“Cage diving with great white sharks in Australia.”
