Rohde Brothers, Inc.
Mechanical Contractors and Engineers Since 1911
More than ever, our people are our most important asset.
“Rohde wants to be your trusted resource for all of your building needs. Working together we will provide excellent outcomes for our customers.”
~Mike Rohde, President and CEO
Since our founding in 1911, Rohde has become one of Wisconsin’s top, trusted mechanical contractors. Talented employees and a commitment to quality work have fueled this growth. With our staff of licensed professional engineers, HVAC service technicians, seasoned project managers, and skilled tradesmen, we are able to deliver quality projects from design to completion and everything in between.
We provide a single point of accountability and communication, from the first plans to the finished project. We offer creativity and reliability, along with a professional commitment to excellence and above all, exceptional value.
Under our fourth generation of family ownership, Rohde provides award-winning mechanical construction and services to building owners, general contractors, developers, and construction managers.
1911
Rohde Brothers is founded by brothers Charles C., Henry, & Louis Rohde
Rohde Brothers began doing business as a residential mechanical contractor, focusing on plumbing, heating, sheet metal and electrical construction projects. The original building at 417 E. Mill Street still stands. A steam heating boiler for a local hotel broke down in the middle of winter. Rohde Brothers stepped in. While the boiler was being repaired, Rohde Brothers connected an old steam tractor to the heating system as an emergency measure, ensuring the hotel could stay in business, undisturbed.
1931
Edgar Rohde, son of Charles C., interrupts his studies at the University of WI to join the family business
In 1935, Edgar purchased Rohde Brothers from his father and became the sole owner. Edgar was responsible for growing Rohde Brothers into a major firm in the mechanical contracting industry. Our reputation for integrity and reliability traces back directly to Edgar.
1954
Charles E. (‘Chuck’), Edgar’s son joins the company
Edgar and Chuck ran the company together until Edgar’s retirement in 1968, including incorporating Rohde Brothers, Inc. in 1963. Upon Edgar’s passing in 1969, Chuck became the company’s president.
1969
Under Chuck’s leadership, Rohde Brothers, Inc. remains an industry leader and continues to expand.
In response to the industry’s changing demands for project engineering and design, Chuck established an in-house design department. Design-build and engineering continue to be a major part of Rohde’s portfolio.
1972
Business growth launches new 18,000 sq. ft. facility on County Highway C
Over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the entire Rohde crew helped pack up the shop and office to move to their new home.
1996
Chuck’s sons, Mike and Ted, join the company.
Rohde became the only major contractor in the state that could design and construct all phases of mechanical and electrical construction work and was even named one of the top 200 mechanical contracting firms in the nation.
1998
Construction begins on new 50,000 sq. ft. facility at W5745 Woodchuck Lane, Rohde’s current location.
This expansion included the addition of a coil line and a high-definition plasma cutter. The new facility allows Rohde to provide high levels of controlled quality assurance and flexibility.
2005
Chuck transitions to the Chairman of the Board as Mike and Ted step into active management of the company.
Under the fourth generation of leadership, the sheet metal shop within Rohde grew rapidly.
2012
Mike buys Ted out to become the sole owner of Rohde Brothers, Inc.
Mike continued to expand the Rohde Engineering Department to focus on design/build customer solutions. Lean 6S Manufacturing Principles were also introduced into Rohde’s work flow, ensuring continuous improvement, and increased efficiencies.
2023 Shop Addition
As most business leaders are keen to changes in the marketplace, Mike’s vision allowed him to realize that an addition was a great way to expand the metal fabrication business by adding twin 20 ton cranes with 4 hooks for a total of 40 tons of capacity. Also, he was able to showcase the engineering of energy efficient geothermal heating and cooling with state of the art equipment.
Today
Mike Rohde remains as President, with Chuck serving as the Chairman of the Board.
Rohde Brothers, Inc. still operates under the same vision as our founders. Under a single owner, Rohde has been able to secure top industry talent. We consistently strive to deliver quality products and services, using the latest technologies and superior customer service.