Spring 2023 Issue

engineers, contractors and laborers, though he
is experiencing a shortage of skilled laborers.
“I love to train people and would love to
have a kid come in and be willing to learn basic
carpentry—understand a square. Someone not
afraid of getting their hands dirty.”
As he and his crew continue to meet the
structural demands for lake living, Weglinski
occasionally tests the waters outside his
wheelhouse.
“The projects are all about the same,” he said,
referring to building docks, boathouses and
sea walls. “But, about five years ago, I built a
bridge in Lake Mohawk. That was a really cool
project—totally different from the norm.”
Having been born into and then having taken
on the family business, Weglinski has witnessed
firsthand the inevitable changes and challenges
that time and technology have brought to the
area—like the advent of what he dubs the
Amazon world: instant gratification of goods
and services.
“Homeowners sometimes don’t realize what
goes into the job,” he said. “Most work is done
in the shop. You plan and have to get a permit,
navigate through all the red tape and that’s what
the customer does not see.”
For now, he has found a kindred spirit in his
son, who inherited the hands-on gene that has
transcended four generations. “Certain things
come to us,” he said. “It’s in our blood.”
Meanwhile, Brandon expresses the same
gratitude toward his dad for the opportunity to
work alongside him.
“He has taught me guidance, direction and
valuable aspects of the business,” he said.
In imparting advice to future small business
owners, Walter Weglinski again turns to the
wisdom passed down from his father: Invest
money back into the business, part of his “what
you put in, you get out” philosophy.
“If I make $100, I can take that and go to
Atlantic City. But if I put at least $50 back into
the business, the next job is easier.”
Reinvesting is essential for a business like
Weglinski’s, which acquires and depends on a
rotating inventory of equipment. “After three
generations, I have a slew of equipment,” he
said. “You’re constantly feeding it. There’s always
something to repair or you’re constantly buying
new stuff.”
Equipment aside, he emphasizes the
importance of additional training. “It’s best to
know the job inside and out,” he said.
Weglinski, who is divorced, is an example of
work hard, play hard.
“I learned from my dad to enjoy life—and
go on vacation,” said the father of three. “The
work’s going to be there when you get back.”
When he is not working on water, Weglinski
and his children—Brandon, Autumn, 19, and
Jaden, 15—can be found boating, hiking and,
weather-permitting, snowmobiling.
“I have a different hobby for every season,”
he said.
Lic#: HP0168700
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