Kohner Materials

Early in 1959, Nick Myers sold S.N. Kohner stock in Winona Sand and Gravel where he also worked. S.N. Kohner was the first-generation member who began this family journey and this was his entry into the industry. In May 1, 1959 the State of Minnesota issued a Certificate of Incorporation to Wabasha Sand and Gravel Company. The initial officers of the corporation were Henry Scharmer, Arvilla Scharmer, S.N. Kohner and Margaret Kohner. The primary purpose of this perpetual corporation was to produce, sell and deal in sand and gravel, construct public highways; to acquire by purchase or lease or otherwise, lands and interest in lands and to own, hold, improve, develop and the management any real estate so acquired … With stock in Winona Sand and Gravel, and now Wabasha Sand and Gravel Company, S.N. Kohner worked to make a mark in the industry.

Since 1959, the company has grown into a diversified Group. No longer a mere aggregate company, the Group now own two sand and gravel companies, nine ready mix plants, an equipment leasing company, one pumping company, one terminal warehousing facility, and three real estate companies. With 70 trucks, 80 employees and over 250 customers in the Southeast Mississippi River Valley / Southwest Wisconsin area, the company services a radius of about 150 miles. The growth of the Group was not through acquisitions. Additional facilities were built from the ground up.

Our Success

With over 60 years of hands-on experience, second-generation brothers Bob Kohner and Steve Kohner learned from their father, have built a solid group of companies, and have prepared the third generation to carry on. Six of the nine Kohner family third generation members are currently involved in the Group covering jobs from sales, human resources, operations, to accounting and finance. The Kohner brothers have also infused the Group with key non-family members. The Group’s success is partly attributed to their conservative management, providing day-to-day leadership, and their ability to retain quality employees. Average tenure is about 10 years. One of the concrete plants is managed by a second generation non-family plant manager.

Our Future Outlook

With a seasoned team, nine concrete plants, two aggregate companies, seventy trucks, and a long history of service to contractors (some of which have been with us for over 25 years), the company is well-positioned for the future. The continuation of the Group, with the eager and energetic third generation at the helm, along with its company diversity, loyal customers, and employees, the group is poised for a bright future.