A Horsepower Life

The remarkable true story of a humble Wisconsin leader whose influence reached far beyond Briggs & Stratton.

Horsepower Life reveals the remarkable life of Frederick P. Stratton Jr. and the influence he had on Wisconsin business and civic life. More than the CEO of Briggs & Stratton, Stratton lent his leadership and insight to some of the state’s most recognized organizations and institutions, including Summerfest, Midwest Express Airlines, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, downtown Milwaukee Redevelopment Corporation, and the former Allen-Bradley Corporation.

In this engaging biography, readers go behind the scenes of a life spent working alongside hundreds of people with competing interests, personalities, and agendas. Whether navigating corporate challenges, civic initiatives, or difficult decisions, Stratton remained steady—guided by a strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and the values that shaped his life.

Frederick P. Stratton’s story is more than a record of achievement. It is a testament to persistence, clarity of purpose, love of family, and the quiet discipline required to lead well. His life offers an inspiring reminder that lasting impact is built not only through what we accomplish, but through the choices we make and the way we treat people along the way.

Jon Helminiak is the author of ten other published books in the biography, history, and nonfiction genres. He is also an award-winning film documentary producer who presently divides his time between far northern Wisconsin, and southern Arizona.

His other books include:

Nothing Routine: A Quest for Discovery in Remote and Strange Places

Inverted Climb: The Remarkable Life of Terry J. Kohler

Unlimited: An American Fighter Pilot’s Gamble with Life

The Quiet Icon: The Inspirational Life of Robert E. Chesebro, Jr.

This Token of Freedom: A Remarkable Wartime Journey

Land O’ Lakes: The History

Course Set for Manito-wish: The History of the Camp Manito-wish YMCA

Where the Tall Pines Grow: 100 Years of the Camp Manito-wish YMCA

Walk East in the Morning: Colorful People, Unique Places, and Astonishing History. The Magazine and Newspaper Articles of Raymond Helminiak

Influence!: The Wisdom of Elmer F. Ott

His website is www.jonhelminiak.com