Our History

Thomas and John began their careers working for their father, Leo Krenz, who owned a respected international freight forwarding and customs brokerage firm. Around the same time, Chris Hannan was honing his skills in the industry while working for a friendly competitor. Leo’s passing away in 1997 marked a turning point for all three. Their paths continued to cross, and over time, they realized they shared a deep passion for logistics and a strong entrepreneurial drive.

Thomas, Chris, and John combined their expertise—Thomas as a licensed Customs Broker since 1991, Chris as a specialist in air freight, and John as the qualifying party for their Federal Maritime Commission forwarding license—to establish their own company.

Krenz & Hannan, Inc. (KHI) officially opened its doors in May, operating out of John’s basement rec room in Milwaukee and a small office in Elk Grove Village, IL, where Chris worked. Despite its modest beginnings, the company was built on a strong foundation as an international freight forwarder, indirect air carrier, and customhouse broker under Thomas’s permit. Many of our first clients remain active customers today!

Later that year, KHI’s Milwaukee office moved into its first permanent location on College Avenue. The first year was lean, but the company turned a profit through determination and hard work. That holiday season, the three founders took only a modest bonus—every other dollar was reinvested to ensure their clients’ freight kept moving.

The company began to expand, hiring its first employees: Gloria and Patti in Milwaukee and Shawn in Elk Grove Village.

A significant challenge arose when KHI’s largest import client declared bankruptcy on a Friday. Despite the financial strain, the company stood firm. With the trust and support of vendors, KHI weathered the storm and honored every financial commitment—a testament to the integrity and resilience of the team.

The company suffered a great loss with the passing of co-founder Chris Hannan. At the request of Chris’s mother, Mrs. Anita Hannan, the company name remained unchanged—an enduring tribute to his contributions.

While the logo received a refresh, the company’s commitment to exceptional customer service remained the same.

After years of continuous growth, the company outgrew its space. After searching for a new location, it moved to the current headquarters in Greendale, WI.

Sustainability became a priority with the installation of rooftop solar panels, demonstrating KHI’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

KHI expanded its compliance initiatives and deepened its expertise by adding a new licensed US Customs Broker to the team. This strengthened its commitment to regulatory excellence and broadened its knowledge base.

Krenz & Hannan achieved a significant milestone, receiving its Corporate Customhouse Broker License, further solidifying its industry standing.

Embracing the future, KHI invested heavily in technology and became a licensed NVOCC with the Federal Maritime Commission, expanding its capabilities and service offerings.

Krenz & Hannan continues to build on its integrity, expertise, and customer-focused service legacy. Committed to innovation and operational excellence, the company remains a trusted partner in international logistics.