History

The Albert Trostel & Sons story began with the arrival of Albert Gottlieb Trostel when the 18 year-old emigrated from Germany to Milwaukee in 1852.

In 1858, Trostel formed a partnership and leased a leather tannery with his friend August Gallun. Soon after Trostel and Gallun joined forces, the Civil war broke out, creating an enormous demand for leather to fabricate boots and countless items for horse-drawn transportation. Trostel and Gallun were well on their way to distinguishing their tannery.

Leather was only the beginning of the Albert Trostel & Sons story. The executives who have guided the company throughout the past century and a half have flourished in the promise of the American dream. Their perseverance, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit in the face of an ever-changing industry have guided the company’s direction from the start. The baton has been passed through three generations of Trostels before Albert O. Trostel, Jr. handed it to his good friend and collegue, Everett G. Smith. These traditional men, intrigued by innovation, set the tone for current and future generations of employees.

Though change has been a tradition at Albert Trostel & Sons for many generations, its enduring commitment to its customers, employees, and the quality of its diverse products has produced a truly legendary company.