Born and raised in New Orleans, Darren Schmolke was immersed in a successful marine engine production business when it became obvious his company definitely needed an expansion. Instead of hiring other professionals, he and his partners built their own new commercial space themselves and, from there, Darren went on to build a home for his family. In a short amount of time, his expert craftsmanship capabilities were being noticed — and quickly sought after!
Building and remodeling homes in New Orleans came next, and then a life-changing move to the Lake Norman area in 2009.
“It was time for a fresh start for our family, and I literally Googled the Top Five places to live,” explains Darren. “So, here we are at Lake Norman!”
Now, Schmolke Construction has also become the best resource for lake dwellers when it’s time to build — or update — their dock. The team is ready to help you design, permit, build, and install a dock any time of year, and their services include dock repair and installation of boat and PWC lifts.
Darren feels his ability to really listen to and capture a client’s vision is what sets his business apart.
“I listen to clients about just how they envision using their dock, and then we provide a preliminary drawing,” he adds. “We also have a lot of flexibility, which clients appreciate. Our docks can be small-scale, a spacious two-story, or somewhere in between — and that includes both floating and fixed docks of all sizes. This business is not ‘one size fits all’!”
Design times for standard 1,000-square-foot docks vary, but the timeframe is typically two to six weeks. The company keeps busy year-round, which couldn’t make Darren happier! He is passionate about engineering and design, and describes himself as a problem-solver — so even though every project has its challenges, Darren is committed to staying on task and on budget.
With over 20 years of experience, Darren’s team also offers the most efficient and accurate pile driving barge on Lake Norman.
“We provide pile driving services and construction of fixed and floating docks of all types,” he explains. “What might take some installers a full day to do, we can do in a few hours, which saves our clients time and money.”
When you meet for an initial complimentary consultation, you’ll talk through boat dockage requirements, your family’s recreational needs, topography, and environmental issues.
Based on their stellar reputation, Schmolke Construction’s clientele is made up largely of returning customers and referrals, with a wide variety of projects that have included construction of the 20,000-square-foot indoor riding arena at Lakeside Farms and Stables, the Hildebrand Library, luxury town homes in Charlotte, and many custom homes both on and off Lake Norman.
If you’re located in Charlotte, Concord, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Huntersville, Mooresville, Statesville, or Troutman, or have a home on Lake Wylie, High Rock Lake, or Mountain Island Lake, give Darren a call for the most precise, reliable service on that most important piece of your lakeside home.
“To be able to play on Lake Norman and also make a living on the lake is something really special,” Darren adds. We couldn’t agree more!
Reach Schmolke Construction at 504-388-1994 or 704-450-5223, or learn more about their services at schmolkeconstruction.com or on Instagram @schmolkeconstruction, where you’ll be inspired by images of their latest exciting dock projects!
