The Hands That Built Summerset Marine Construction
From humble beginnings to manufacturing and construction leadership, Summerset Marine Construction has forged its legacy with perseverance, determination, and passion.
Larry Chapman never set out to build an empire. The founder of Summerset Marine Construction just knew how to work—really hard—and he believed in doing things the right way, even if it took longer or required more. That spirit, grounded in family values and a relentless drive for quality, permeates every dock, pier, and lift that leaves Summerset Marine today.
The earliest days were tough. Larry Chapman was hands-on from the start, closely connected to every step of the business. He oversaw projects, worked a barge, and approached every challenge with that problem-solver’s mindset. What began more than three decades ago in Eagle, Wisconsin, with a crew of 20 has blossomed into an operation with over 100 close-knit employees, operating with the precision of a modern manufacturing powerhouse. Best of all, that growth never came at the cost of character.
Built By Family, Shaped By Labor
Chapman’s leadership wasn’t forged in a boardroom—it was earned on job sites, in garages, and alongside his team in the field. Every piece of equipment loaded by hand. Every design sketched from scratch. And, every customer interaction was personal. That remains the Summerset Marine ethos.
What makes Chapman’s journey remarkable? He built a culture where employees feel like family and where doing the job right matters most. That consistency built trust in his community, and it’s why generations of customers return to Summerset Marine year after year.
Sweat, Solve, Scale: The Evolution…
What started as a high-effort, hands-on marine construction company has evolved into one of the most efficient custom pier and lift manufacturers in the industry. With Chapman’s vision, Summerset Marine invested in technology, automation, and talent to build, install, and service product at scale, while maintaining its original soul.
Today, Summerset Marine Construction operates as a fully vertical manufacturing and construction company, designing, building, and delivering world-class waterfront solutions across the Midwestern United States. Customers get the reliability of a large-scale operation, with the personalized service and craftsmanship Chapman has insisted upon from the start.
"We never wanted to be the biggest,” says Chapman. “We wanted to be the best at what we do."
Where We Go From Here
The Summerset Marine team has built more than a company—they’ve built a community of craftsmen, installers, designers, and support staff who share a common goal: Deliver exceptional lakefront experiences for all customers.
Chapman’s presence may not be apparent on every barge these days, but his fingerprints are everywhere. In the values. In the process. In the pride every Summerset Marine Construction employee brings to the job.
And it’s only just getting started.
