Wisconsin Logos

Famous Logos from Wisconsin

Since Wisconsin has given us everything that we need for an NFL Sunday Funday – the Packers, cheese, and beer – it’s no surprise that companies have set up their headquarters in this state. Despite the frigid winters and northern proximity, businesses continue to set up their roots here.

While we’d love to believe these companies have only established roots here because of these three things, it seems there is more that is drawing these companies to this state. If we had to guess, we’d say it’s the sense of community this state provides. Being further remote from other cities, and from other parts of the country, has brought this state together.

This sense of togetherness is not only prevalent with its state name “The Badger State,” (as badgers are a symbol of friendliness), but it’s also prevalent in the fact that these businesses that have made Wisconsin home haven’t left to go elsewhere. 

Kohl’s

With department stores, there are so many different stores you can choose to be loyal to. One of those options is Kohl’s. Kohl’s is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, not far from where it was started in Brookfield in 1962. Most of us have experienced a Kohl’s store – there are 1,165 of them (with Hawaii being the only state that doesn’t have one).

This department store has grown to become the largest department store chain, with a loyal following, and in 2021 generated $19.43 billion. The fact that Kohl’s was still able to generate such great revenue in a year affected by a global pandemic means they are doing something right, and one of those things may be the logo that Kohl’s has.

Kohl’s logo is simple, and straightforward, with no frills. It’s a plain wordmark depicting the company name in maroon coloring. The name is written boldly, standing out for you to see far away. Kohl’s brand is its brand name. Everyone refers to Kohl’s as “Kohl’s” so it was important for the designers to not add too many conflicting colors or features that would distract from this. 60 years later, this simple Kohl’s logo still resonates with us.

Harley-Davidson

When you think of Harley-Davidson, you likely think of a pact of motorcyclists riding together. One thing you might not think of is how this company came to be. Harley-Davidson started to provide transportation during the Great Depression in 1903. Since then, Harley-Davidson has grown to be the top American motorcycle manufacturer. Since 1903, the company has set up its roots in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Harley-Davidson’s logo design depicts a shield representing the power that is believed to come with owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This emblem was first released in 1910 and some version of this Harley-Davidson badge of honor has been used since. The colors, black, orange, and white have become the colors of the brand.

Often if you don’t even read the lettering that spells out the brand’s name, you can still recognize this logo as being tied to the brand.

Northwestern Mutual

One of the premier financial planning, life insurance, and investment services firms that offer services to both individuals and businesses is Northwest Mutual. Founded in 1857, this firm is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Clients seek out Northwestern Mutual’s help for questions related to wealth and asset protection, retirement planning, financial planning, education planning, estate planning, and so much more.

Northwestern Mutual has offices all around the country, employing more than 6,700 employees, and the company is ranked 90 on Fortune 500’s list of the largest corporations in the United States when looking at revenue.

Financial services organizations usually have a professional and corporate aesthetic to their logos, and Northwestern Mutual is no different. This logo features the Northwestern Mutual wordmark written boldly in classic lettering. This typography is a font that has been around for a while, showcasing that the company is one you can trust. To the right of the wordmark is a symbol depicting a water fountain, likely representing the variety of services Northwestern Mutual provides.

This namesake logo has stayed with the company, to some degree since its inception back in 1857.