{"id":15743,"date":"2025-03-13T18:02:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T19:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wifamily.news\/?p=15743"},"modified":"2025-03-13T20:03:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T20:03:11","slug":"icymi-stoughton-trailers-founder-don-wahlin-shares-secrets-to-success-at-manufacturing-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wifamily.news\/?p=15743","title":{"rendered":"ICYMI: Stoughton Trailers Founder Don Wahlin Shares Secrets to Success at Manufacturing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"

This post originally appeared at https:\/\/www.wmc.org\/press-releases\/icymi-stoughton-trailers-founder-don-wahlin-shares-secrets-to-success-at-manufacturing-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Wahlin Named as 80th Inductee, Praises Manufacturing<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

MADISON<\/strong> \u2013 Don Wahlin, founder of Stoughton Trailers, was formally inducted into the Wisconsin Manufacturing Hall of Fame at the Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) Awards ceremony last month.<\/p>\n

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) \u2013 the combined state chamber and manufacturers\u2019 association \u2013 reestablished the Manufacturing Hall of Fame last year by naming Ashley Furniture\u2019s Ron Wanek as the first inductee since the 1970s. Wahlin joins Wanek and 78 other industry titans including Jerome Case, Patrick Cudahy, Kurtis Froedtert, Samuel Curtis Johnson, John Kimberly, Walter Kohler, Oscar Mayer, Frederick Miller, Gustave Pabst, F.J. Sensenbrenner, Arthur O. Smith, and more.<\/p>\n

WMC\u2019s predecessor organization, Wisconsin Manufacturers\u2019 Association, started the Hall of Fame program in the 1950s to honor individuals who made significant contributions to the state\u2019s industrial history. Last year, WMC, in partnership with First Business Bank, made the decision to reconstitute it to showcase Wisconsin\u2019s continuing manufacturing legacy and future opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a business bank, we work with many manufacturing clients every day,\u201d said First Business Bank CEO Corey Chambas. \u201cSo, we know very well\u00a0manufacturing is the life blood of many of our communities, and our state in general. That\u2019s why we are committed to being involved in helping shine a spotlight on the manufacturing industry in Wisconsin and its visionary, determined entrepreneurial leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n

Born in Waupaca and raised in Madison, Don Wahlin founded Stoughton Trailers after purchasing the remaining assets of a small, bankrupt business in 1961. Over the next four decades, Wahlin built the company into one of North America\u2019s largest trailer manufacturers. Eventually, Stoughton Trailers grew to become the largest manufacturer in Dane County.<\/p>\n

During the induction ceremony<\/a><\/span>, Wahlin shared the secrets to his success: hiring more good people than bad people and managing debt to better survive unexpected market conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always been about more than just trailers,\u201d Wahlin said. \u201cIt\u2019s about the vision and collective effort of everyone who has contributed to this remarkable story and that starts with my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many of Wahlin\u2019s eight children are now active leaders within the company, furthering his legacy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat excites me most is the future,\u201d Wahlin continued. \u201cThe legacy we started is in good hands and will continue for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe reestablished the Manufacturing Hall of Fame because of the importance of honoring the leaders who have brought significant value to industry, our economy, local communities, their families, and more,\u201d WMC President & CEO Kurt Bauer said. \u201cDon Wahlin is a perfect example of entrepreneurialism, legacy leadership and generosity. We are proud to honor his contributions to our state\u2019s rich manufacturing heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to his impressive career, Don Wahlin served in the Air National Guard for over two decades. Even beyond this, he and his wife Carol founded the Wahlin Foundation to invest in local communities. The foundation has contributed to projects such as the Stoughton Youth Center, the VFW Memorial Park, the Evansville Aquatic Center, the Stoughton Hospital, the Stoughton Library, and much more.<\/p>\n

In recognition of the honor, Speaker Robin Vos provided a citation. WMC also produced a video overview<\/a><\/span> of Wahlin\u2019s life and achievements.<\/p>\n

Please see the links below for more information about the Wisconsin Manufacturing Hall of Fame:<\/p>\n