In September of 1986 we purchased our sawmill/dry kiln property on US Hwy 41 between Slinger and Allenton Wisconsin. The buildings had been built in 1955 and had always served the wholesale market with native hardwoods from this area. It had been idle for 5 years. Our plan was to resume the previous type of operation.
  We had a steady stream of visitors going by on the highway who would see the sawmill and stop and ask to buy hardwood lumber. This convinced us that a retail market existed for our product and we established a store to accommodate the demand. We came up with the name "Kettle Moraine Hardwoods" which was perfectly logical to  us and everyone else in southeastern Wisconsin because we are in the middle of the Kettle Moraine. We did not reckon with the fact that almost no one else in the country had ever heard of it. After spelling it out a few million times we are not going to change now. If you are interested in kames, eskers, kettles, moraines and that sort of thing, click on www.kmoraine.com/interest.htm but be sure to come back when you are through.
  Our work force is composed of brothers Bob and Jim Wesp with a little help from their almost retired father Wally who only does things that are fun (as he defines fun, which happens to include this web site) . Along with them are a dozen or so dedicated knowledgeable employees who are a pleasure to deal with. Some of them started with us while in high school.

Bob

Jim

  Jim is in charge of the office, store, trade shows, insurance, etc. and Bob covers the sawmill, kiln and machinery end. In 1996 Jim saw a need for another store on the south side (Racine County) to serve Racine, Kenosha and northern Illinois. That store was also located in view of a highway (Interstate 94) and has been very well received.

  Our purpose is to present a large and varied inventory which will meet the needs of our customers. If you don't see what you want- ask us. Our relatively small sawmill crew which is knowledgeable and interested will often find real prizes which in a larger operation would be lost. When you visit our stores be prepared to spend some time because we prefer that you pick your own wood from the bins with planing, ripping and sanding done while you wait. You will never be rushed in wood selection (unless we are 5 minutes or so from closing time) . Small volumes are OK- one board or one thousand. Clear short boards (less than 4 ft at #1 common price) are also on display and often fit an individual's need. Customer satisfaction is our main goal.