Three Generations

In 1936, Don Steckleberg stopped fixing boats in his spare time and started fixing them as a business instead. That was the start of Don’s Marine–a business that is still running strong, over 70 years later.

For almost 40 years, Don ran his business out of the barn on his farm outside of town. In 1974, Don’s daughter Jane and her husband Steve bought the business and moved it to its new larger site on the edge of town. They soon outgrew that building and made one more move to their current location. The last move was only a few hundred yards, but it allowed them the room to plan for future expansion. That was a smart move. The original showroom and storage shed have expanded to 2 showrooms and 3 warehouses for boat and materials storage. The facility also expanded its outside storage area, inventory, and sales force.

In 1978, Jane and Steve’s oldest sons–twins Mark and Neil–took their experience in the family business and started out on a business venture of their own: Manke Enterprises. While Don’s Marine continued to sell and service boats and motors, the twins took a different approach: sales and service of lakeshore equipment. Almost every lake-side home has a pier, and many have boat lifts. Manke Enterprises quickly became the company to call for equipment, installation and removal. With their crane barges, they also became the people to call for marine recovery jobs. These most often consist of pulling up boats that have sunk because of damage or heavy rains. It’s also included a few more unusual items such as snowmobiles and even an airplane.

While Mark and Neil were off building up their own business, their younger brother, Andy, was working his way up the ladder at Don’s Marine. In 2006, with Andy as the General Manager, Jane and Steve decided it was time to pass along the family business. In an interesting move, Andy became a partner in–and president of–Manke Enterprises, which then bought Don’s Marine.

A Family Tradition

What started as one man working out of his barn has grown to include over 25 employees and a million-dollar showroom. Don’s Marine has gained a well-earned reputation as one of the best, most reliable marine dealerships in the region. Manke Enterprises has earned the right to include cities, townships, state parks, and even the University of Wisconsin’s Athletic Department in their list of satisfied, long-term clients.

How do they do it? Simple. They constantly look forward, while never forgetting what their grandfather taught them: Always do your best, always be honest and friendly, and always give the customers what they want.

A walk through the showroom will show you that Don’s advice was good. The showroom displays a boat for almost everyone; Rinker sport boat for the more active clients, luxurious Bennington pontoons for those who prefer to pamper themselves, and solid Alumacraft fishing boats for beginners and pros alike. Manke Enterprises works with both local companies such as Wickcraft and national companies such as Shorestation.

The owners aren’t the only ones to be on their 3rd generation. It’s not uncommon to see customers talking about when their grandfather bought a boat from Don.

Lake Wisconsin, the Wisconsin River, and the other smaller lakes and rivers are an important part of life in the Lodi area. They provide relaxation and enjoyment to both residents and visitors, as well as a solid economic foundation for the entire area. Competition for that money is stiff, and it’s often tempting for a new business to step in and try to take advantage of the tourists. Those companies don’t last long. In an area where everyone knows everyone, who you are is just as important as what you sell. Everyone knows who the Manke brothers are: They’re people who take your fun seriously, so that you can spend more time enjoying the water.

A Part of the Community

As with most of the business owners in town, the Manke brothers are a part of the community. It’s not just that they grew up here, it’s how they continue to be involved. The business gives money and support to many local organizations, including the Lodi Area Fire Department, the Optimists, the Rotary Club, and local chapters of Ducks Unlimited and the Boy Scouts. But they do more than that. All three of the brothers have been active in the Lodi Agricultural Fair; it’s been a common site to see them running around the grounds before the fair, helping to get everything set up and running, and again after the fair making sure that everything is picked up and stored for next year. Mark is continually search stores–from antique stores to eBay–in search of antiques from the city’s businesses. This year’s fair will include a display of many of these items. Neil is active in coaching local youth sports, and brings his enthusiasm and energy to the mix–both on and off the field.

This interest and involvement in the community are what make Don’s Marine and Manke Enterprises more than just businesses. Customers can see it when they walk through the door; from the casual greetings to the antique poster on the office door advertising “Wisconsin’s New Vacationland”–the newly-created Lake Wisconsin.

Maybe in another 40 years, the next generation will take over and have a little corner display showing of a quaint bit of ancient local history: The first websites for Don’s Marine and Manke Enterprises.