Ask any non-resident what Wisconsin is best known for and they will likely toss out beer, cheese, brats and Harley-Davidson. Sure, these Wisconsin favorites put us on the map, but did you know the Badger state is also home to well-regarded brands like Culver’s, Carmex, Penzeys Spices and Epic Systems?

Anyone who grew up during the 1990s or early 2000s will admit they are familiar with American Girl. Every birthday and holiday, it seemed as if a doll or its accessories were at the top of every girl’s wish list.

In a state that’s seemingly overflowing with beer, it’s no surprise the earliest breweries in Wisconsin predate our statehood, dating back to the 1830s. Thanks to the state’s industrious German settlers, there were over 300 breweries operating in Wisconsin by 1890, including Pabst Brewing, Schlitz Brewing Co. and MillerCoors LLC.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has long printed a weekly publication called The Union, and it was this name that would inspire the satirical newspaper, The Onion.

America’s dairyland is globally renowned for its rich cheese-making history and commitment to culinary artisanal excellence. From developing originals to perfecting traditional recipes, Wisconsin’s cheese legacy is time-honored and unending.

Like so many tech companies of its era, Epic Systems was founded in a basement in 1979. Today, the electronic health records company, headquartered in Verona, boasts 10,000 employees with a focus on developing software to help people get well, help people stay well and help future generations live healthier lives.

Wisconsin’s most celebrated story of industrial innovation started in 1873 and is alive and well today in Kohler.

A tiny tin jar with a yellow and red logo makes up the simple, iconic packaging for one of the most popular lip balms on the market, Carmex. Since 1937, Carmex has offered lips comfort and care when troubled by the effects of sun, wind or cold.

In 1924, Milwaukee Tool created the first portable, one-handed 1/4-inch capacity drill. Since then, they’ve become a world-leading equipment manufacturer through inventiveness and technical enhancement. If you’re using a power tool, they probably invented it.

Headquartered in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Lands’ End is known for its comfortable, practical outerwear. But most are unaware of the company’s ongoing commitment to the environment.

Life is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re going to get — unless, that is, you visit Indulgence Chocolatiers. Guests are greeted with a variety of handcrafted, delicious and beautiful chocolate confections.

It’s hard to imagine a family gathering or football potluck without them. In 1932, a man by the name of Baptiste established a family-owned and operated corner bakery on Milwaukee’s south side.