Our Story

1953 | Just A Desk & A Phone

On November 1, 1953, John J. (Jack) Keller opened a business account at the First National Bank in Neenah, Wisconsin. The World War II veteran and his wife, Ethel, invested $1,600, including a $1,200 bonus from Jack's former employer and $400 in cash. Jack rented an office on the second floor of a downtown building.

1958 | Publishing Begins

By 1965, J. J. Keller had 15 associates. The company was getting multiple requests from motor carriers for the same information. Jack Keller realized the company could make regulatory guidance more affordable to more customers through publishing.

1970s | 2nd Generation & 2nd Location

Jack and Ethel Keller's sons, Bob and Jim, had started working in the family business at age 12. By the early 1970s, they had graduated from college and were actively involved in the company.

1980s | Adding Workplace Safety & Human Resources

The OSHA Act of 1970 brought a proliferation of regulations to keep American workers safe. J. J. Keller saw a natural extension from helping motor carriers to helping employers remove the risks of noncompliance. Workplace safety and EH&S; (environmental health and safety) became an added focus for J. J. Keller.

1990s | Growth & Philanthropy

J. J. Keller grew rapidly. In 1991, the company left its original downtown location entirely and built a new corporate headquarters near its printing facility. Ethel Keller, who was known for doing good deeds for the community, turned 70 that year. Jack Keller gave her a most treasured gift — the creation of the J. J. Keller Foundation.

Early 2000s | A New Era

The internet changed the world for publishers, including J. J. Keller. In 2000, we launched our website: JJKeller.com. Innovation propelled us into digital commerce, online publishing and online services — all setting the stage for our online, mobile and cloud-based solutions today.

Today | A Most Trusted Name

So much has changed since Jack Keller walked into the local bank for a business account in 1953. He might not have imagined his small consulting firm for motor carriers would someday also deliver safety and compliance solutions for all employers via mobile, online and the cloud.