Your Customer Service is unparalleled!
Thanks so much Jerry. Your Customer Service is unparalleled!
Carter R. Door County
DOCK & HISTORY of PWS
PIER & WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS
It’s been a fast-moving six months since our last article about PWS.
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 that you had to walk sideways to get to the table. It was the size of a closet in a new home.
All-Terrain Forklift
PWS tested an ATF that buried itself in the soft shoreline at Sugar Creek Park. It became clear that the machine would not work.
ATF for dock install
PWS bought the 1st All-Terrain Forklift and modified it to handle the conditions they would encounter.
While Jerry made sales, installs were done by hand or by using the All-Terrain Forklift. Dave operated the ATF along with Alex, our first employee. Alex is with us today and has his own crew.
PWS expanded
Pier & Waterfront Solutions moved out of the “closet” and into an office on Hwy 57 (our current location).
Today, manufacturing, a welding operation, and an assembly area occupy the warehouse. We still have room for a limited amount of equipment storage.
2016-2021 saw more ATF’s, crews, and trailers added – five ATF’s to be exact.
Meanwhile, the one-room office has grown into three offices. These offices accommodate the office staff of six required to handle the growing business.
PWS EXPANDED AGAIN
During late 2018 the Great Lakes and Green Bay experienced record water depths. The resulting damages included the loss of many shorelines. Trees and up to 50 feet of lawn washed away at some locations.
PWS responded by expanding its rip-rap business. PWS remains the only dock and boat lift company on the Door County peninsula to do so.
Enlarged 36′ x 45″ Barge
As the rip-rap business grew, we introduced a 24′ x 45′ barge and pusher boat. PWS needed the barge to protect the customer’s landscaping from damage.
In 2021, PWS added another section to the barge, making it a 36″ x 45′ barge. It continues to service both sides of the peninsula from Milwaukee to the tip of Door County.
Why such a large barge?
The barge allows PWS to transport excavators, track-mounted skid steers, and tons of boulders to the work sites from the waterside.
There is no damage to the landscaping.
It’s more economical for the homeowner, in most cases, and gives us access to areas that aren’t accessible by land.
GALVANIZED DOCK – NEXT INTRODUCTION
3-Season Pier
PWS developed a line of galvanized steel docks. The new docks use the best materials available today. Most steel docks are too light to handle the storms in open areas. Other models lacked the open-deck design of the 3-Season Pier.
After two years of testing, PWS introduced the 3-Season Pier. As a heavier, more robust steel pier, it is unmatched on Lake Michigan.
One of the features of the 3-Season Pier is a 25% larger platform. That’s more room for entertaining. Plus, it’s not a “special order.” “Special Order” is just another way of saying – more expensive.
The 3-Season Pier is available in 4′, 5′, and the prestigious 6′ width. The 3-Season Pier handles the high water and the strong storms you experience today.
The strength and dependability are evident when you look for a dock that will be around for a long time.
What was next?
The rapidly expanding business required more innovation to keep up with demand. In 2021, PWS added another barge. This time, equipped with a movable crane.
Barge w/ crane for dock removal
The “Small” barge (12′ x 45′) contains an articulating crane with a 60′ reach. The “small barge” eliminates the need for shore access by heavy equipment. The new crane also means reduced damage to a homeowner’s landscaping.
As Door County continues to build, land access for our equipment is diminishing. In the past, empty lots served as access to the shorelines. Today those lots are fully developed with manicured lawns and huge homes. In some areas, water access is the only available route.
What has happened to the Dock market in Door County?
The unexpected closure of an old dock business in Door County resulted in an influx of new customers. PWS is already planning its next moves to handle a large number of new customers. We plan to have everything ready for Spring 2022.
How will you find out about these changes?
The best way is to come back here each week and follow these posts on our website.
Summary
PWS already had the strongest aluminum dock as part of the ShoreMaster line. Now PWS has the strongest galvanized steel dock.
Call Jerry today. (920-493-4404) or email him at jerry@wisconsinpws.com or use this request form.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook.
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 County MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions never closed. We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. We are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
What can YOU do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
NEED A NEW STAIRWAY?
NEED A NEW STAIRWAY?
Is the wood on the stairway to the beach rotted? Are those flat stones moss-covered, tilted, and slippery? Are the railings loose? And most importantly – Would your favorite grandmother feel safe walking down to the beach?
Just need to add handrails? PWS does that, too.
Side view of stairs
What if it’s a long walk? Do you need a place to “rest” along the way? PWS places landings wherever required.
Did you answer YES??
If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, you need to talk to Jerry at Pier & Waterfront Solutions.
Do it today!!
Steep stairway
Photo by Erik Mclean from Pexels
PWS works with wood or steel frames along with the materials you specify.
Why risk slipping on the walk down to the beach? PWS can repair or replace it with stairs that you feel comfortable and safe walking on.
Your family and guests deserve a safe way to get to the water.
Trust PWS for all things beach-related – including getting there.
We will remove and dispose of the old decks, stairs, and docks as part of our service. Just sit back and watch our crews do the work for you.
Make getting to the beach safe again for your family and friends. Even grandma will like it.
WHY WAIT??
Call Jerry today. (920-493-4404) or jerry@wisconsinpws.com
Here’s another way to start the process – use this simple quote request form. We’ll be in touch.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has the solution for you!!
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook too.
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 side, one mile north, at the next corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
What can YOU do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
COMPARE A JUMBO JET & OPEN DECKING
COMPARE A JUMBO JET TO OPEN DECKING
You’ve flown. Whether it’s 100 or 1,000 miles, it’s the same principle.
Airplane Flaps
Credit: Miguel Ángel Sanz
While landing at 125 MPH, a plane uses its “flaps” to provide extra “lift” when the forward speed is insufficient to keep the aircraft in the air. Flaps are those pieces of metal that roll out of the wing to slow the plane down while providing extra lift.
The added “lift” caused by the extended “flaps” maintains enough “lift” and surface area to keep the plane flying for a controlled landing.
What if the flap resistance was reduced to less than 60%?
What would happen if the flaps had “holes” in them. If you reduced the surface area by over 40%, what would happen? The answer is simple – the plane would soon be a pile of scrap metal.
By reducing the surface area of the flaps, air would pass right through, and the “lift” the pilot needed to stay airborne would disappear.
A plane needs the flaps’ resistance to help slow the aircraft when landing to maintain control.
The idea of resistance against the flaps works great for an airplane – not so much for your dock.
What has that got to do with open decking?
Typical Plank decking
That same principle of “lift” applies to your dock. Older docks have wood, aluminum, or plastic board decking. Despite the 1/2″ opening between the deck pieces, the decking is essentially a solid mass. When a wave comes up under the decking, the water tries to push the decking up.
Here’s where you have a choice.
With bolted-down decking, the wave is trying to lift the entire structure.
If you leave the decking loose, you risk losing that piece(s) of decking. Sometimes the pieces float a short distance and sink. You can recover them with a bit of effort.
The other side of the coin is they float too far away, and you end up purchasing new pieces.
What about “open decking”?
Open Decking
The open decking is like the “flaps” with holes in them. There is so much less surface area- 42% less – that the “lift” pressure is greatly reduced. The likelihood of lifting or flipping your dock over is significantly reduced.
We have to salvage many of the bolted down, solid plastic docks when the end lifts up and flips over. Usually, this causes the entire pier to flip over.
It’s like a train where the lead cars go off the track. Because they are connected to the next car, they all (or mostly all) flip over. The same is true with a dock.
You end up with twisted frames, which are a complete loss.
Is open decking hot to walk on?
No, for the same reason they are less likely to “lift” the dock. Those holes or slots rapidly dissipate the heat. The air passes through them and takes the heat away.
Does it get slippery when wet?
The shape of the slots allows the water to run off. The decking does not get “cupped,” which holds the water like the solid plastic boards. Besides, there are dimples on the walking surface to add traction.
It looks hard to walk on.
No, most people find open decking comfortable to walk or lay on.
Summary
Besides all the benefits noted above, the open decking costs LESS than other types of decking. These benefits are yours when you buy open decking from PWS.
Now pair these benefits with the PWS 3-Season Pier, and you have the best value for your money.
Call Jerry today. (920-493-4404) or jerry@wisconsinpws.com
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook.
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 side, one mile north, at the next corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
What can YOU do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Your crew is very professional
Jerry
I just want to let you know that your crew has been here and replaced the cable, and it worked…. They were here and gone in an hour and really did a great job….. It is a finished job, and I really want you to know your crew is extremely professional … It’s the old engineer in me, and I want you to know I am very fussy and it meets and exceeds my expectations.
Don K Door County
