About Us
About Us
Perseverance, Creativity and Commitment can be found in every step and turn during the 45-year history of Kwaterski Bros. Wood Products, Inc. My brother, Jim, and I learned the lessons of what it takes to create a successful business at an early age. We grew up working at a marine business founded by our parents, Gene and Mabel, and Gene’s brother, Ed, and wife, Arlene. After they sold the marina, my parents started a construction firm, where Jim and I worked for one and a half years. During this period, we built a sawmill to provide some of the wood building materials for the homes we constructed.
In August of 1979, our parents decided to move to Florida, and Jim and I purchased the sawmill and the attached building. The first two years were a continual struggle, as the economy and home building market were in a free fall with no past customer base to fall back on. Looking back it is sometimes hard to believe how it all worked, and I will never forget the early clients who believed in us and gave us our first large orders.
In 1982, we changed the business from a sawmill to become a planing mill to produce tongue and groove paneling and flooring. That same year we hired our first, full-time employee, and now 42 years later, Dean is still with us providing our clients with the experience and expertise that is not easy to find today.
In 1993, we moved the business from Three Lakes to Eagle River into a new 20,000 sf manufacturing, warehouse facility with a large showroom. The building-boom years were as much of a blessing as the recent building-bust years were a challenge. Perseverance, creativity and commitment were more important than ever and have set the stage to provide our clients with more product options and selection than ever before.
In September of 2013, my brother Jim retired from the company and moved out west. My wife, Karla, has now joined the company, and I am surrounded by an incredible staff of professionals who simply love to help our clients. Call one of our sales team members today and let them help you build the home of your dreams! ~Mike Kwaterski
Mike - President
mike@kwaterskibros.com
I studied mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin Madison, but left after my junior year to join my parents and my brother, Jim in a construction firm in Three Lakes. One year later, in 1979, Jim and I purchased the sawmill from our parents and started custom sawing for landowners. We switched the operation four years later from a sawmill to a planning mill operation, producing paneling and flooring.
In 1994, we built a new plant on 18 acres between Three Lakes and Eagle River to continue expanding our product line, improve efficiency and product quality. I oversee production, purchasing, new product development, and I am also involved in some sales. I really enjoy the creative aspect of our business, developing new products that are unique in the marketplace to offer that one-of-a-kind product for our clients.
My wife Karla and I have three daughters that have all worked both in the manufacturing and office ends of the business. I would always tell them working here was like having weekends during the week; they would look at me and just roll their eyes! Ok, we do find time in the summer cruising our local chain of lakes on our pontoon boat. In the winter, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and both cross country and downhill skiing can also be a lot of fun. When you start envisioning your next project, please give us a call and find out how you too can have fun building the home of your dreams!
Kim - Office Administrator/Sales/Marketing
kim@kwaterskibros.com
My husband and I purchased a home in the area in November 2019 and are now living here on a permanent basis. We are from Southeastern Wisconsin and are extremely grateful to be able to enjoy the Northwoods each and every day! 🙂
I enjoy going for walks and taking in all of the surrounding beauty that this area provides, making friends with the deer, and eating the fish my husband catches! 🙂
I am excited for the opportunity to share with you the variety of creative, quality wood products Kwaterski Bros. has to offer and I look forward assisting you as you select your custom wood products for your home or business.
Jordan - Controller
jordan@kwaterskibros.com
I went to Ripon College where I studied Business Management. After college I moved back to the Northwoods and worked previously in banking and insurance. I am excited to work and learn in a new business setting. I look forward to helping Kwaterski Bros. continue to offer a high-quality product for your home.
My wife and I both grew up in the Northwoods and went to High School in Three Lakes. We were fortunate enough to move back to the area after college. We have 3 children, our family enjoys spending time doing outdoors activities including boating, hunting and fishing.
Jason - Inside Sales Professional
jason@kwaterskibros.com
I joined the Kwaterski sales team in 2020, after working in the lumber industry for many years. I am originally from the Northwoods, and have returned after finishing college in Eau Claire.
I am known for my ability to recite any movie or Seinfeld quote, ever! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my wife & kids at school & community events. I look forward to helping you with selections for your home.
David - Inside Sales Professional
david@kwaterskibros.com
My journey started in my building trade class as a junior high student. I accepted a job as a laborer working for a small remodeling company. Being the laborer, I learned through daily job site tasks and eventually acquired enough skills and knowledge to be the project coordinator. With the new position came challenges being on the forefront of the building process. These challenges lead me to own my own remodeling business. In early 2009 we moved to Wisconsin, and I worked for a local home construction company as a project coordinator.
My current position at Kwaterski Bros. as an Inside Sales Professional completes my scope of the building process and leaves me with valuable knowledge to help customers. After nearly 22 years in trade and owning my own business, this journey has given me the ability to make your dreams a reality. During my free time I enjoy camping, biking, and being with family.
David "DJ" - Inside Sales Professional
davide@kwaterskibros.com
My wife and I moved to the area in September of 2019. Originally from Southeastern Wisconsin, we spent a large percentage of our weekends in the Northwoods and dreamed of the day we could move here. In 2020 we built our forever home.
During my down time, I enjoy wood working, golfing, fishing and many other outdoor activities.
Having gone through the building process, I know what an exciting time this can be for you. I look forward to sharing all of the products Kwaterski Bros. has to offer and working with you when you’re ready to begin your projects.
Erin - Accountant/Marketing Assistant
erin@kwaterskibros.com
Eagle River has been on my mind & in my heart for my entire life. I grew up in Southeastern Wisconsin, vacationing here year-round, and recently moved here with my husband and three dogs. My three children have graduated college & are on their way in the world! This area is a perfect place to live our life in nature with a wonderful and genuine community.
In my free time, I love hiking, grouse hunting, kayaking and biking in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. And of course, visiting the wonderful Wisconsin Supper Clubs! Please stop in & say “HI” and see what Kwaterski Bros. can do to beautify your home.