PIER & WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS

As 2020 comes to an end, we’d like to summarize the history of Pier & Waterfront Solutions.

Dave Kalista and Jerry Englebert started in 2015. Like all new business owners, they were willing to put their futures on the line. 

The first “office” consisted of a tiny room that was so small you literally had to walk sideways to get past the table. It was more like a closet.

 

In the first year, installs and removals were done with ATF #1, an All Terrain Forklift, which Dave operated along with Alex, our first employee. Alex is with us today and has his own crew. 

The heavy equipment required a truck and a trailer to move it. The first time the trailer was loaded with the ATF and driven just a few miles, one of the tires blew out. Not a good omen.

 

PWS moved and expanded

Pier & Waterfront Solutions moved out of the “closet” into a one-room office on Hwy 57 (our current location). ATF storage was done in a separate warehouse on the property.

After doing sales and service themselves for a year, Dave and Jerry had a growing list of customers and added a full-time crew.  

2016-2020 saw the addition of more ATF’s, crews, and trailers. Five ATF’s to be exact. 

The shop has now grown to encompass about 90% of the building. Meanwhile, the one-room office has grown to three offices. We needed more room to accommodate the office staff of 5 needed to run the operation.

 

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

PWS expanded into our shoreline business, which became part of our “waterfront solutions” name.

The shoreline business currently has three track-mounted skid steers, along with three excavators for installing rip-rap to protect shorelines. Each piece of equipment meant more crews, trucks, and assorted equipment.

 

 

 

THE GROWING BUSINESS HAS MORE FACETS

As the rip-rap business grew, we introduced our 24′ x 45′ barge and pusher boat.

Why such a large barge? The barge allows us to transport the excavator, a track-mounted skid steer, and tons of boulders and rip-rap directly to work sites. It’s more economical for the consumer and gives us access to areas that were inaccessible by land.

Watch for more developments with the barge in 2021.

 

 

THE NEXT INTRODUCTION

PWS developed our own line of galvanized steel docks because other steel docks were not doing the job. 

The 3-Season Pier was introduced as a heavier, stronger steel pier with oversized features from top to bottom. Even the side platforms went from the normal 4′ x 8′ platform (32 sq. ft.) to a 4′ x 10′ area. (40 Sq. ft.).  That’s  25% larger than lesser brands – and it’s the standard size.

Due to its quarter-ton+ weight per section, the 3-Season Pier is able to handle the record-setting high water we currently have.  But even more importantly, it can withstand the strong storms we now see frequently on the Bay of Green Bay.

 

More developments are coming in 2021!!

It’s not all good news.

On a sad note, early 2020 saw the tragic loss of John Engelbert, Jerry’s brother. John was our Service Manager and friend. He passed away due to complications from diabetes. Everyone who knew John misses him.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HAVE IN STORE FOR PWS?

PWS is not sitting back on its laurels. Our staff continues to seek even more ways to serve our customer needs.

  In the coming months, we will be announcing new areas we will expand to serve customers better.

How will you find out about these changes?

The best way is to come back here each week and follow the posts on our website. 

Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

ARE WE OPEN?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

The virus continues to spread rapidly. The vaccines are arriving and PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. 

Site visits continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.

 

 

Our display yard is OPEN 24-7

Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing,
please reference that number when you inquire.

We provide estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.  

What can YOU do? 

Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and phone. When you see our staff and crews on-site, please practice “social distancing.”

Call, message, or email us with any questions.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.

Let’s all stay safe!