Aug 3, 2021
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!
Jun 1, 2021
Choice –by any name = Pier & Waterfront Solutions
Pier & Waterfront Solutions offers more dock choices than any Door County dock dealer. Most dealers offer a limited choice of aluminum docks or possibly a lightweight steel dock. Aluminum is popular because it is lightweight and easier to handle. But are they always the best choice for you?
Let’s look at the overall picture.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions is your exclusive ShoreMaster dealer on the Door County peninsula. ShoreMaster offers (5) aluminum dock frame styles. These include configurations for roll-in, stationary, and floating docks.
Now that’s a selection worth investigating!
In general, all ShoreMaster docks are made from the heaviest aluminum materials. In fact, they are almost twice as heavy as other brands. ShoreMaster dock frames are the strongest aluminum frames made. That’s why they hold up so well on the Bay. They are unmatched in quality and have a 15-year structural warranty.
Here is a comparison of the dock choices PWS offers and why they are so popular:
RS 4 –
ShoreMaster RS4 features a 4″ side rail, 10′ and 12′ lengths. There are seven types of decking available. You can use 5-sided aluminum or round steel legs. It’s ideal for calm waters on an inland lake or a sheltered area on the Bay.
RS 4 Curved –
RS4 Curved dock
The RS4 Curved dock is built to the same rigorous specs as the RS 4 shown above. What’s different is the availability of 45 – degree and 90 – degree curved sections.
These curved sections allow for more configurations than anyone else offers. (Hint – You can use curved sections with ANY ShoreMaster dock frame to genuinely make your dock unique.
RS7*
Features a 7″ side rail system. Available in 8′ and 16′ sections. Ideal for rough waters in an open area.
ShoreMaster RS7 and RS4 curved dock RS7 Dock
TS9 Dock frame with Flow -Through decking
TS9*
Uses a 9″ Truss construction side frame. 8′ and 16′ sections are available. Use with 5-sided aluminum legs or steel legs— ideal for rough waters and most open areas.
FTS9 –
The FTS9 has the identical construction of the TS9 in all respects. The frames have floats attached and are ideal for soft muddy bottoms.
Even MORE Choices
There are nine different types of decking available for the ShoreMaster frames shown above.
Poly Dock – http://polydockproducts.com/
PolyDock floating dock
Poly Dock is a modular dock design made of rotationally molded polyethylene. This floating dock does not have the unsightly black floats.
Poly Dock is a floating dock system that can withstand up to 2′ waves. It’s ideal for inland lakes or rivers with muddy bottoms and large water fluctuations.
Is aluminum the best choice on the Bay?
Aluminum dock frames may not always be the best dock solution with the current high water and heavy storms. Even though water levels are down this year, they are still above average by 14″.
Is there another choice?
3-Seasons Pier on Lake Michigan
PWS now offers the Exclusive all galvanized steel 3-Season Pier.
The 3-Season Pier meets PWS‘s demanding specifications for strength and durability. It’s a one-of-a-kind dock.
The frames weigh over a quarter ton without the oversized steel legs and decking. 3-Season piers withstand just about everything Mother Nature can throw at it. No Wisconsin manufacturer builds a heavier frame.
Gray Decking
Speaking of decking, PWS recommends flow-through decking for the 3- Season pier. This type of decking relieves most of the upward pressure caused by a storm’s high waves.
Is the 3 – Season Pier just another steel dock?
PWS was not willing to build just any steel dock. It had to meet their strict standards – or – PWS would not put their name on it. It is our fastest growing product.
Who installs the 3-Season Pier?
PWS installs everything we offer. Our unique ATF’s and the 40′ barge with the 60′ crane make the job look easy.
Now you know why Pier & Waterfront Solutions is so popular. We offer everything you need for your dock or lift.
Contact us TODAY!
To Summarize
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has the most dock choices from any manufacturer.
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
PWS is
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The Covid-19 virus is beginning to wane. We can only hope people will continue to get the vaccine to help slow this illness. We continue to conduct as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible.
PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7
Red Tag
PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
PWS provides estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email Jerry with any questions.
Jerry Englebert
Contact Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.
May 25, 2021
What dock dealer has your next dock?
Selecting the right dock dealer is the most important part of finding the right dock for your property. You need a dealer with experience and a great reputation.
How experienced is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
The combined knowledge of our staff, some of whom go back over 25 years, means we have encountered virtually every type of situation on the Door County Peninsula. PWS selected only the best dock lines to handle.
Our goal is not to have the most locations, just the best equipment, trained employees and knowledgeable staff. The rest will take care of itself.
PWS has provided docks for small ponds, inland lakes, floating docks for soft, muddy bottoms, and standing docks for sandy beaches and large boulders. PWS docks range from lightweight aluminum to galvanized steel docks so heavy it takes a crane or All-Terrain Forklift to move them.
Rest assured, PWS offers the correct solution for your next dock.
What about the PWS reputation?
Talk to your neighbors. They usually know of all the dock dealers in Door County. In most cases, Pier & Waterfront Solutions will come up as the premier dealer.
Some products PWS offers come with a 15 year structural warranty. All of our products come with the backing of our years of knowledge and professional staff. PWS provides professional guidance when it comes to selecting your new pier or dock.
There are NO high-pressure salespeople at PWS.
PWS has installations along both sides of the Door County peninsula. We usually can find a close-by installation to assure you that we can handle your situation. PWS also uses satellite images to help understand your requirements.
PWS is the only dock dealer in the area who responded to the high water and strong storms of recent years, by providing rip-rap installations to protect your shoreline with our own crews.
Unique challenges
Each body of water has unique challenges for dock owners. Before considering a dock, we need to have an idea of what you are facing. That’s why we ask questions when you first approach us. We need to know the requirements you want.
The type of dock used in a sheltered area generally will not work on Lake Michigan waters. New to the area? PWS can make recommendations for the entire peninsula.
Experienced boaters will tell you the “Bay” conditions can change rapidly. The water could have a mirror-like surface at 11 A.M. and be a raging storm with 4′ waves an hour later. (See https://wisconsinpws.com/weather-radar-boaters/). That’s why you need the best solution for your location.
What about decking?
PWS offers a comprehensive range of decking – from wood to concrete to Flow-Through decking. Most decking comes in more than one color to meet your individual needs. Currently, the most popular colors are tan and gray.
Are there different dock widths available?
PWS offers widths ranging from 3′ to the legal limit of 8′ wide, depending on the style. Our most popular sizes range from 4′ to 6′ wide. In galvanized steel, the 5′ widths have become very popular.
Does Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) do installations?
Lift & Dock installation
PWS has the widest range of equipment and the best reputation to handle your installation. We have (5) very dependable ATFs (All-Terrain Vehicles) capable of going into over 3′ of water. Our crew leaders are experienced and trained to handle every situation.
Don’t have beach access for our ground equipment?
“Small Barge”
PWS features a 40′ barge equipped with a deck mounted, moving 60′ crane for installs and removals. The barge can pick up your dock or lifts and place them on top of most cliffs to protect them from winter ice damage.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has you covered.
Where can you find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
PWS is
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The Covid-19 virus is beginning to wane. We can only hope people will continue to get the vaccine to help slow this illness. We continue to conduct as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible.
PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7
Red Tag
PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
PWS provides estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email Jerry with any questions.
Jerry Englebert
Contact Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more information or use this link.
Feb 8, 2019
A wife and (4) daughters thank you for taking care of our dock
Beverly R. Ellison Bay, Door County Wisconsin
Feb 8, 2019
We really appreciate your help & working with you on our dock!
Sally S. Door County WI