WAUKESHA, Wis., Nov. 9, 2022
/PRNewswire/ -- Generac Power Systems, Inc., (NYSE:
GNRC) a leading global designer and manufacturer of energy
technology solutions and other power products, today announced the
passing of Generac founder Robert D. Kern
at the age of 96. Kern passed away on November
8th.
In 1959, Kern started Generac with just five employees in a
garage in Wales, Wisconsin. An
engineer by training, he spent the next several decades growing
Generac into an industry leader through the development of new
products and the creation of new markets for the Company's
innovative generator and engine technologies. Generac was the first
company to commercialize portable, engine-driven generator sets and
the use of these technologies was expanded to other markets
including permanently installed, emergency backup generators used
to protect critical infrastructure, homes, and businesses around
the globe.
After nearly five decades of incredible growth and leadership,
Kern sold his company in 2006 to focus on philanthropy. Generac
subsequently became a public company in 2010 and today is one of
the world's leading companies focused on energy technology-related
products and solutions.
"Bob's passing is a tremendous loss for the Generac family and
the larger community," said Aaron
Jagdfeld, president and chief executive officer. "His
forward-thinking vision laid the solid foundation for what Generac
is today. I had the distinct honor of working with Bob for nearly
15 years, and he continued to serve as a mentor to me and to others
well into his retirement. He was a true entrepreneur in every sense
of the word as his work ethic, tenacity, and innovative spirit are
the embodiment and the defining characteristics that live on in our
Company today."
In addition to providing opportunities for thousands of
employees and their families through his leadership at Generac,
Kern was also a strong believer in giving back and making a
difference in the community. He and his late wife, Patricia,
established the Kern Family Foundation in 1998 with a mission
dedicated to enhancing lives by promoting the value of work,
developing the formation of good character, increasing educational
achievement, and instilling an entrepreneurial mindset. The Kern
Family Foundation has donated generously to numerous local
organizations in the Milwaukee
area, including transformational gifts to the Milwaukee School of Engineering, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Marquette University's College of Engineering. In
addition to local area giving, the Foundation has been active in
supporting many nationwide programs, causes, and organizations
focused on initiatives that have long-term, systemic impact. These
include generous gifts to create the Mayo Clinic Robert D. and
Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery to
help improve patient's health care experiences, as well as the
creation of the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network and
important education-related funding for programs such as Project
Lead the Way.
Kern is survived by his three daughters, as well as many
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
About Generac
Generac Power Systems, Inc.
(NYSE: GNRC) is a leading energy technology company
that provides advanced power grid software solutions, backup and
prime power systems for home and industrial applications, solar +
battery storage solutions, virtual power plant platforms and
engine- and battery-powered tools and equipment. Founded in
1959, Generac introduced the first affordable backup
generator and later created the category of automatic home standby
generator - a market in which nearly eight of ten generators sold
is a Generac. The company is committed to sustainable,
cleaner energy products poised to revolutionize the 21st century
electrical grid.
Media Contact:
Tami
Kou
Tami.Kou@Generac.com
Phone: 262.544.4811 Ext. 3950
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SOURCE Generac Power Systems, Inc.