Mr. Congeniality

If you’re lucky enough to know Diego Solis, you know the energy he brings to a room—an outgoing, friendly, laid back, up-for-anything vibe. And although he didn’t know it when he applied, he would be the perfect addition to our human resources team.

“Honestly, I wasn’t really expecting to work for Kohler. I started school in a nursing program, though quickly realized it was not for me,” explained Diego.  “I’d always heard amazing things about the people that work at Kohler, so I took a leap and applied.” 

It was meant to be. He seamlessly joined our team as an Associate Experience Representative, where he was a sort of concierge for our associates—assisting with benefits, updating personal information and staying up-to-date on our huge variety of programs. Keeping track of this mountain of information, providing a gracious experience to our associates—and doing it all with a smile—is why he was, and continues to be, such a crucial part of our human resources team. And, did we mention he’s bilingual and has been invaluable in assisting our Spanish-speaking associates?

“What started as a ‘just for fun’ job became my passion. I enjoyed every second of it,” said Diego. “So much so, that I decided to go back to school to finish my degree in HR management and international business.” 

Balancing the demands of full-time work and full-time school was not easy—but he made it look effortless, graduating with honors in May 2022. Maybe it’s his can-do attitude? His ability to see the best in every situation? Or the fact that he grew up with five siblings, helping him manage the chaos and go with the flow?

But we know better. Because behind his laid-back attitude, Diego is fiercely hardworking and tirelessly ambitious. And he has a great team behind him.

“When I walked into Kohler HR for the first time, I felt so welcomed—I felt home,” he said. “I had a great support system with flexibility to manage work and school, and assistance through Kohler’s tuition reimbursement program. Everyone was so genuine and so helpful, and that feeling has continued to this day.”

“Being able to be 100% myself while helping and bringing smiles to others has been an amazing opportunity.” 

It’s also what landed him a promotion to his current role of Human Resources Analyst, where he connects with HR business partners to support initiatives including Kohler’s co-op/intern program and new-hire training.

“HR is constantly changing; each day is so different, which makes the work exciting and provides so much room for growth and development,” Diego added. “I am grateful to work for such a diverse company that helps me to become a better version of myself professionally and even personally.”

We can’t wait to see what he does next.