Legendary Dock Company At Lake Of The Ozarks Is Built On Honesty… And Steel

Durable. Heavy. Built to last. These are the qualities Lake of the Ozarks homeowners demand from their docks—and exactly what Ozark Barge & Dock Service delivers.

Known for its rough waters and heavy boat traffic, the Lake of the Ozarks isn’t kind to docks. But for those built by Ozark Barge & Dock, lasting through one season—or fifty—is never a concern.

Opening their business in 1988, Gene and Nina Gennetten started Ozark Barge & Dock with a mission: to construct tough, high-quality docks built on one key principle—honesty.

“When my husband first wanted to start a dock-building business, I thought he was crazy,” Nina Gennetten said with a laugh.

However, they believed in hard work and integrity, and with those core values, Ozark Barge & Dock became one of the most respected dock companies on the Lake. Over the last 47 years, their docks have become synonymous with reliability and strength.

Even after Gene’s passing in 2006, his legacy lives on through the excellence of the company’s products they’re still building, and the stories customers continue to share. Gennetten says she crossed paths with a local pharmacist from Laurie who told her about Gene's straightforward advice while searching for a Lake property. 

“He told me he and his wife had called Gene to come out and measure the depth of the Lake for this property they were looking at in hopes that we could build them a dock. After measuring, Gene didn’t hesitate to say, even in front of the realtor, that a dock would be sitting on the ground when the water was let out [during the winter],” Gennetten remembered.

Eventually, when the couple found another property, Gene came out to measure again. This time he told them the property would be ideal for a dock. Years later, the couple went back to take a look at that first property when the Lake was low. There, sitting on the ground, was the dock the new owners had installed. Gene was right.

This dedication to honesty, even when it meant losing the momentary opportunity for a sale, is the cornerstone of the company today, carried on by Nina and their son, Steve.

Need a dock built to last season after season? Give Ozark Barge & Dock Service a call today at 573-372-5501 or send an email to kami@ozarkbarge.com or warren@ozarkbarge.com 

Online: OzarkBarge.com

Every dock that Ozark Barge & Dock builds is created to withstand the Lake’s toughest conditions. Crafted from solid channel steel, each dock is significantly heavier—and sturdier—than those made from lighter metals.

“People can see a difference.  Our docks are twice as heavy as most other docks. This weight lets them ride the waves better,” Gennetten explained.

This superior build quality pays off. Some customers who purchased docks in the 1990s have since sold them for two to three times their original price. “These docks keep their resale value,” Gennetten emphasized.

Beyond durability, customers appreciate the straightforward, dependable service.

Clear communication keeps Ozark Barge & Dock’s customers well-informed throughout the entire process. “We tell them when we will be there to install the dock. We don’t move people up or down on the list,” Gennetten said, adding, “We have some of the nicest customers ever—some have even become our good friends. They always appreciate our honesty.”

Each dock is constructed at Ozark Barge & Dock’s facility and floated to the customer’s location, fully assembled and ready for the electrician to come hook it up.

Typical build times range from 10–12 weeks, depending on customer specifications and weather conditions. Customers choose from options such as roof styles, colors, ladders, and concrete work, allowing each customer to create a dock that suits their specific needs.

To get on Ozark Barge & Dock’s schedule or to get a quote, give them a call at 573-372-5501 or reach out through their website at OzarkBarge.com.