We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chad Walder. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chad below.

Chad, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Going from idea to execution was quite simple. People and friends who knew that I was a diver were always asking me if I could help them out . Whether they dropped their wallet off a dock , needed a rope cut out of their boat propeller or other maintenance that required underwater work , I was always the one who got the call . I soon realized that there must be a need for this type of service . After several years of doing this as a part time job , I began taking on larger projects. These projects included installation of docks and moorings. This is where I built my relationships with the suppliers and manufacturers I still work for today. After years of working together, they have the confidence in me to represent and install their products anywhere in the world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started as a part time side business helping out friends who had either lost something in the water or needed small underwater repairs made to their boats , docks or pools. Over time it evolved into a worldwide underwater construction business specializing in high-tech , ecologically friendly mooring solutions that are being used worldwide. Conservation groups , Governments, Dive Operators and Marine Engineering Companies are learning that the systems we install are best for sustainable sealife. Our most used products are Helix Mooring Anchors . Which are a large screw in anchor that leaves a minimal footprint on the seabed when compared to other type of anchors. We have developed our own specialized equipment to facilitate installation. We also install an elastic mooring system that does not contact the seabed. Therefore no damage is caused to the seabed as is the case with chain , cables or other older techniques . Helix Mooring Systems and Hazelett Marine manufacture and sell these products . They are both proudly made in the USA.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I have always been an avid boater , fisherman , scuba diver and had a passion for being on the water. This led to me to enlisting in the United States Coast Guard. During my time in the Coast Guard I started a side business doing underwater maintainence and repairs using my scuba equipment. Over time , I built a customer base built on my reputation for doing quality work. I was approached by several companies that manufacture and supply anchoring and mooring equipment for boats and marinas. I soon became their contractor of choice to install their products. I maintain a great working relationship with these companies. They know that we will provide them with the highest quality workmanship possible. I went from one person working out of a pickup truck to working worldwide with specialized tools and equipment that I had designed myself to facilitate construction of our projects.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think being honest and upfront with the customers needs , expectations and goals. In the beginning , Since I don’t see myself as the salesman type , I hired a salesman to help grow my business. I soon learned that to be the wrong approach. Customers don’t want lip service. They want advice from someone who is knowledgeable and can answer their questions and needs. I am physically on every project we do and the customer can contact me for answers without going through project managers or foremen. I am always on the front line of the project and ready to give a status update.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Waterfront Contracting Llc
• Linkedin: Capt. Chad Walder