Two iconic American brands join forces as legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus expands the reach of his lifestyle brand around the world.
Jack Nicklaus and the Nicklaus Companies have selected Sub-Zero and Wolf to be their exclusive partners for home appliances, including indoor and outdoor kitchens for Nicklaus developments and Nicklaus-branded residential real estate. Sub-Zero and Wolf have long been known for manufacturing premium home appliances in every category from refrigeration and wine storage to ranges, built-in ovens, cooktops and ventilation.
“We have enjoyed great success in golf over the years; however, our strategy is to expand the Nicklaus brand into broader lifestyle categories so we can increase both our relevance to the consumer and our impact,” Jack Nicklaus said. “Sub-Zero and Wolf are recognized as the top appliance brands worldwide, so this is a natural fit for our organization and for me. In fact, my wife, Barbara, and I have long been using Sub-Zero and Wolf products in our own home, so we are confident Sub-Zero and Wolf products are the standard for real estate or homes branded with my name. Their impeccable design and laser focus on lasting quality and performance make it the only choice for us.
“As I expand my real estate and development business into branded real-estate offerings, Sub-Zero and Wolf are the ideal partners and business alignment. I have always strived for excellence; I know that this company shares that same passion for over 65 years.”
Sub-Zero and Wolf have created a collection of its top products, and tastefully incorporated the Golden Bear logo to be used in Nicklaus projects around the world.
Sub-Zero was founded in 1945 by Westye F. Bakke and his grandson, James Bakke, is currently President and CEO. “Our organization has striking similarities with the Jack Nicklaus Companies from our humble beginnings, to our values and a dedication to excellence for many decades”, said James Bakke. “These attributes have helped set our respective brands and companies apart from others in the marketplace. We are very excited about this new partnership and are confident that we’ll help one another in our respective businesses around the globe.”
Nicklaus Design has created over 370 golf courses in 35 countries and is considered the industry leader in golf course design. Capitalizing on its position as the global leader, the Nicklaus Companies has expanded its business to leverage its brand for high-end residential real estate developments. The first two developments are already under construction and will open next year.
In July, Jack was on location working on the Nicklaus Club-Beijing, the capital city’s premier private golf club, featuring a limited collection of estate homes being branded with the Nicklaus trademark. Nicklaus-Club Beijing is the first international golf development involving the Nicklaus Companies’ turnkey services, such as design, construction management, membership sales and marketing.
The second project, also in China, is the Nicklaus Tower in Shenzhen. The 23-story building offers luxury residences in a community that, interestingly, includes no golf component. The final floor of the tower has been completed, and Jack and Barbara recently finished their interior design plans for four Nicklaus models, with themes ranging from Traditional to Contemporary, all featuring design elements and accents of the Golden Bear’s career. The residences in Shenzhen’s Nicklaus Tower will be offered for sale beginning in the fall.
Both Nicklaus Club-Beijing and the Nicklaus Tower in Shenzhen will incorporate custom Sub-Zero/Wolf home appliances in their residences.
About Nicklaus
Nicklaus-branded products have been marketed worldwide since 1962. The Jack Nicklaus- and Golden Bear-branded lifestyle collection of products includes: beverages by Arizona; wine; home appliances; flooring; cabinets; apparel; footwear; golf equipment; and pet products. For more than 40 years, the mission of the Nicklaus Companies has been to enhance the golf experience, and to bring to the national and international consumer golf-related businesses and services that mirror the high standards established in the career and life of Jack Nicklaus. These services include golf-course design, the development of golf and real estate communities, and the marketing and licensing of golf products and services. Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world leader in golf course design, has been involved with over 370 courses open for play in 35 countries and 39 states.
No single person has changed the face of the sport of golf more than Jack Nicklaus—the champion, the designer, the philanthropist, and the good-will ambassador. Jack’s competitive career spanned six decades, and his legend has been built “with 120 professional tournament victories worldwide and a record 18 professional major-championship titles. Not only was Nicklaus recognized by every national and international media outlets as “Golfer of the Century” or “Golfer of the Millennium,” he was named Individual Male Athlete of the Century by Sports Illustrated, one of the 10 Greatest Athletes of the Century by ESPN, and in 2005 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to any U.S. civilian.
About Sub-Zero and Wolf
Sub-Zero, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of American-made luxury refrigeration, freezers and wine storage products. Wolf Appliance, Inc. was acquired in 2000 and its full line of premier ranges, ovens, cooktops and other cooking appliances has made the two brands corporate companions and kitchen soul mates, featured in the best kitchens around the world. Sub-Zero was founded in 1945 by Westye F. Bakke. The Sub-Zero and Wolf brands are part of the privately held company in its third generation of family ownership under the leadership of James Bakke, grandson of the founder.
Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, Sub-Zero and Wolf operates manufacturing facilities in Goodyear, Arizona and Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Both brands received the J.D Powers and Associates top ranking in 2011 for achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction in refrigeration and cooking.
For more information about Sub-Zero and Wolf, please visit www.subzero-wolf.com, or call 800-222-7820.