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Steve Schlecht
Chairman, Duluth Holdings Inc.
Steve Schlecht is the founder and Executive Chairman of Duluth Holdings Inc., the parent company of Duluth Trading Company. Here are some key details about his background and role:
Career at Duluth Holdings
Steve Schlecht founded Duluth Holdings Inc. in October 1986 and has been with the company for over 38 years.1 His roles at the company include:
- Founder (October 1986 - Present)
- Executive Chairman (February 2015 - Present)
- CEO of Duluth Trading Company (January 2001 - January 2015)
Other Business Experience
Prior to Duluth Holdings, Schlecht was the founder and CEO of GEMPLER'S, Inc. from December 1986 to April 2003, when he sold the business to W.W. Grainger, Inc.1
Education
Schlecht holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and an MBA from Northwestern University, which he attended from 1965 to 1970.1
Leadership and Vision
As the founder, Schlecht has been instrumental in shaping Duluth Holdings' strategic direction:
- He has over 49 years of experience in the direct marketing and retail industries.2
- Under his leadership, Duluth Trading grew from a $6 million catalog company to a much larger brand with projected sales over 100 times that figure by 2019.4
- He guided the company through significant milestones, including introducing Duluth-branded apparel, adding e-commerce, and expanding into retail stores.4
Current Role and Influence
As Executive Chairman, Schlecht continues to play a key role in the company:
- He serves on the Board of Directors, a position he has held since founding the company in 1986.3
- His extensive experience and strategic vision are valued assets to the company's leadership.2
Personal
Steve Schlecht is 72 years old as of 2024.2 Along with his wife Marianne, he established the Schlecht Family Foundation, which focuses on supporting initiatives that add meaning to people's lives, education, and connecting with nature.4
