Tad & Jessi Dowker – Owners
Tad is a graduate of Elk Rapids High School and Michigan Technological University. He holds a Mechanical Engineering Degree. As he went through high school and college he would work through the summers as crew leader for local dock companies. His best friend and current right hand man Jeremiah Steffen was along for most of those summers. After graduating college he was hired in Elk Rapids and thought the days on the water installing docks were behind him, but with Jeremiah he decided to take on a couple dock jobs for supplemental income. NorthShore Dock, LLC started with 12 jobs in the spring of 2007 with Jeremiah and Tad working only weekends. Little did they know this was the beginning of something much larger; the company grew exponentially over the next several years. The key to our growth was doing the job correctly the first time, exceeding customer expectations, and keeping a good line of communication open. Now that the company has grown what sets us apart from other companies is our team of employees. We train our employees to have the same attitude we had from day one-caring about the customer and providing a quality service. We have a high retention rate for seasonal employees and strive to add key employees each year, giving you a reliable service with a proven method of success.
Jessi is a graduate of Elk Rapids High School and Michigan Technological University as well; she has degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Accounting. After working locally in the accounting field Jessi quit her full time job to work for NorthShore Dock, LLC. She currently oversees the accounting functions and scheduling for NorthShore Dock, LLC.
When not working Tad & Jessi are kept busy by their three children Mason (12), Kaelyn (8), and Waylon (4). Family hobbies include hiking, boating, fishing, Jeeps, and off-road racing.
Jacob Bellner – SALES MANAGER
Jacob graduated from Purdue University in 2021 with a degree in Selling and Sales management. While at Purdue he spent his summers working and guiding for a fly-fishing shop in Traverse City. After graduation however he was ready for a change, and started with us in 2022. Jacob is eager to help you create the perfect solution for your lakeside home. Jacob will survey your waterfront, create design options, and submit the resulting proposals for your approval in a timely and professional manner. Outside of work Jacob enjoys fishing, camping, and just about anything outside.
JEREMIAH STEFFEN – BARGE MANAGER/OPERATOR
Jeremiah has been with NorthShore Dock, LLC since startup in 2007 and has become an integral part of our business. He graduated from Elk Rapids High School and has over 22 years of docking experience. He is the right hand man of our business. Jeremiah has a vast knowledge base and diverse skill set that continues to evolve and grow with the company. Outside of work Jeremiah does volunteer work for the Elk Rapids Harbor Days and the Vasa Race. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, metal fabrication and outdoor based activities.
Ethan Dowker – Service Manager
Ethan is a graduate of Elk Rapids High School and Ferris State University, where he has degrees in Accounting and Business Management. He started with us back in 2008 and was initially a part-time employee making money for college. Through the years he has progressed through the company as a crew leader and has recently moved into the position of Service Manager. He is a very dedicated employee with a solid work ethic. Outside of work Ethan enjoys time with his cats, reading and games.
Justin Thomas – Crew Leader
Justin graduated from Elk Rapids High School and has 12 years of docking experience. He has been with NorthShore Dock, LLC since 2016. He is a powerful force in the workplace and uses his positive attitude to encourage others to work hard and succeed. When he’s not out working in the water he’s out playing in it. He enjoys boating, camping, four-wheeling and riding anything with an engine.
Zach Thomas – Crew Leader
Zach was born & raised in Northern Michigan. He graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 2008 and was introduced to the dock & hoist business in 2009. Zach started working at NorthShore in the spring of 2015 and has had the pleasure of working with a great group of people ever since. Zach looks forward to working with customers to bring professional timely service.
In his free time Zach can usually be found working in the garage building vehicles or working on some sort of motorsport. He also enjoys camping, off-roading and exploring.
JAMES DUNN – BOAT LOGISTICS MANAGER
James graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 2017. He grew up in Michigan, spending part of his youth in Utah. He began working at NorthShore Dock, LLC in the spring of 2019. He handles boat logistics, working efficiently while paying close attention to detail when installing and removing boats, PWCs and hoist canopies. Most of the year you can find him riding dirt bikes and motorcycles. In the winter he is a well-practiced snowboarder.
KYLE SUSINKO – SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Kyle started at NorthShore Dock, LLC in 2019. With his vast knowledge of mechanics and building, he applies problem solving toward challenging situations. He graduated from Kalkaska High School in 2012 and achieved the title of 3rd place winner for the Skills USA National Leadership and Skills Conference for Motorcycle Service Technology in 2010. He is forward driven and strives every day to further his skill set in all aspects of his position. His hobbies include powersports, building homes, kayaking and camping with his three daughters and wife.