History
Schmidt Boat Lifts & Docks is a family owned and operated company that has been working with waterfront equipment since 1986. We strive to provide a large selection of quality products, reasonable prices, & good service provided by qualified, dedicated staff. If this is what you are looking for, then you’ve come to the right place.
1972
In 1972, Dennis & Linda Schmidt purchased Jacobs Barn Equipment from Linda’s father, Wally. It was renamed Schmidt Barn Equipment & was operated out of Dennis & Linda’s home for several years. The company grew rapidly through the 70’s. As the farm industry changed, the company was renamed in the 80’s to Schmidt Buildings & Equipment to better describe the many different services offered. Schmidt Buildings & Equipment specialized in agricultural equipment, construction, concrete work, & welding fabrication. It was through the welding shop that Schmidt Boat Lifts & Docks was born.
1986
In 1986, after having not visited their family cottage for several weeks, Dennis & Linda went there to find their boat full of water. By the following weekend, Dennis’s brother, Lyle, had welded the first “Easy Way” boat lift. The following year the neighbor asked about a lift, & the welding shop fabricated two units for sale. The boat lift business continued to grow, & we began working with Hewitt Roll-A-Docks and Lifts, & Eklof docks – all companies that you will still find in our showroom today. Through the years we have found that no one manufacturer can manufacture equipment for every need. Therefore we have added many more well-known manufacturers like Pier Pleasure & Floe. We also further developed our Easy Way line of docks & accessories which are built with your needs in mind right here in our welding shop in Kaukauna. We have continued to always watch for better equipment & superior ways of doing things to make things easier for you, our customers.
1998
In 1998, both the farm business & the waterfront equipment business had grown enough that more space was needed. Dennis & Linda purchased land & built the location on Highway 41 in Kaukauna. This provided a badly needed indoor showroom for the boat lift business. In 1999, Schmidt Boat Lifts & Docks was incorporated. Since that time, several additions to the 41 location have allowed us to now hold the largest inventory of waterfront equipment in the area. We also have an onsite welding shop, punch press, & other manufacturing equipment.
2004
After working in the company since childhood, Dennis and Linda’s sons, Andy & Neal, began working into ownership in 2004.
2008
In 2008, Andy & Neal purchased land for Schmidt Boat Lifts & Dock’s Lakewood showroom & set up a display there. In 2009, the new building was built, & the Lakewood location was opened as a seasonal sales office & pick-up point. With our family cottage being there, we felt that it was a good place to expand to further assist our customers in that area.
2013
In 2013, Andy & Neal purchased land for Schmidt Boat Lifts & Dock's Waupaca showroom. This store opened in March of 2014. With the addition of this facility, our commitment to our customers, a pleasurable buying experience, & the dock business grew stronger than ever before.
2016
In 2016 Andy & his family decided to commit to doing mission work & asked Neal & his wife, Jodie, to purchase their stock in the company. With the support of their family, their children, Dylan, Brady & Katie, & a wonderful, dedicated staff, they did. Together we continue the strong history & passion for helping people enjoy their time on the water.
2021
We continue to focus on helping people enjoy their waterfronts & lake time. During the supply chain issues in 2021 -2022, we not only added a warehouse in Lakewood, but also some showroom, warehouse, & yard space in Waupaca. We also added the Hobie product line in Waupaca. Hobie is the best pedal kayaks & boards on the market today. We also brought on the MAX Lift line to provide a heavy duty, high lifting, quality boat lift for rough water application. We also increased our overall inventory to be able to provide products on a more timely schedule.
2024
Our new Crivitz location is set to open in March of 2024!