Founded in 1982 by Don Pokelwaldt, Waldt Construction initially focused on the demands of the vacation home boom. As the Outer Banks market developed, Waldt began to focus on building beautiful and luxurious, custom year-round homes, ranging in size from 2000 square feet to 11,000 square feet. Today we build vacation homes, year round homes and remodel and add to existing homes. See examples of some of the well crafted homes that we've built here.
Simultaneously, Waldt tackled the commercial market. Today we are the only Outer Banks contractor that participates in the bonded commercial construction market. As such, Waldt has built or renovated many Outer Banks and Northeastern North Carolina landmarks, such as the First Flight Centennial facilities associated with the Wright Brother's memorial, the renovation of the Mattamuskeet Lodge and the renovation of the Pea Island lifesaving station's exterior back to its original 1879 glory. Waldt has built retail space, churches, schools, health care facilities, and sports facilities throughout the area. See examples of some of our work here.
And Waldt continues to diversify. Waldt has decided to launch a new division, Waldt Renewables, that is focused on helping everyone from state institutions to the residential customer see the real value and benefits of renewable energy technology.
Waldt's commitment to integrity and quality and the breadth of experience that they have with all types of construction makes them the leading contractor in Northeastern North Carolina.
Bridge McDowell President Bridge McDowell is a graduate engineer from Duke University. After graduation he worked for the Parsons Corporation and Morrison Knudsen Corporation, two of the largest engineering and construction companies in the world. As a project manager and Vice President, Bridge focused on international infrastructure projects that had him travelling and working in 35 different countries on five continents. As president of Waldt Construction for the last eleven years, Bridge takes a hands-on approach to all projects that Waldt is involved in. He believes in honest and timely communication that builds long term relationships with customers. When Bridge is not working, he enjoys being with his family and coaching soccer. He also continues to enjoy traveling all around the world.
Don Pokelwaldt Founder Don Pokelwaldt grew up in the Buffalo area and then served 24 years in the United States Navy, earning the highest enlisted rank of Master Chief and responsible for maintenance of F-14 aircraft. After he retired from the Navy, he founded Waldt Construction and built the business from a small residential contractor into the only bonded commercial and residential construction firm with an unlimited building license based on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Don loves to travel the country in his motor home and spend time with his children and grandchildren who reside in the Virginia tidewater area. Working on his golf game is a continuing challenge, but with new bionic shoulders he finally is getting more distance on his drives.
Mike Burdette Project Manager Mike is a graduate of Center College of Charlestown West Virginia. He has worked in the commercial construction industry throughout his entire career. He has training in Contractor Quality Control, Hazmat Training and DOT hazardous materials training. Mike provided project management on Waldt Construction projects including: Mattamuskeet Lodge renovation, Teach's Liar retail space, renovation of the Roanoke Island Festival park amphitheater, and Western Middle School in Roberson, NC. When not working for Waldt Construction he can found on his boat fishing on local lakes.
Darren "Smitty" Smith Project Superintendent Smitty brings over 20 years of on the job experience on commercial and residential construction projects, including historic renovations, school construction, health care facility construction and mixed use facility construction. He is familiar with schedule control procedures, subcontractor management and safety training. Darren was the Project Superintendent most recently for the Swan Quarter Credit Union, the Outer Banks visitor center and many other Waldt Construction projects. Darren lives in Williamston with his wife Lori and son.
Dan Morey Project Superintendent Dan has 30 years of experience managing commercial and residential construction projects. Project management experience includes the role of project superintendent on multiple school and metal building projects. He is experienced with preparing project submittals, managing a project schedule, and controlling subcontractors. Most recently, Dan was the superintendent for the renovations to the Pea Island lifesaving station, the new Ocracoke school, the maintenance building for the US Forestry Service and the Manteo ABC store.
Erika Harmon Superintendent Erika's began her career working in real estate where she transitioned into purchasing homes to renovate and resell. Her interest in construction blossomed and since working for Waldt she has been superintendent on residential projects and most recently the Columbia rest stop. When not working, Erika enjoys gardening and is an advocate of worm composting.
Reese Patterson Waldt's "Jack of All Trades" Reese has over 30 years of construction experience and brings this experience to bear on each Waldt job that he is involved in. Reese is also a competitive surfer and has traveled the world as a top rated professional surfer on the ASP world tour, where he was ranked number 4 in the world. He still competes in East Coast surfing events. When not surfing, he enjoys spending time with his family or fishing.
Mandy Cervantes Bookkeeper Mandy is the bookkeeper for Waldt Construction. She has a degree in Accounting from ECSU (Viking Pride!). She also acts as the human resources coordinator, safety director and assists in estimating and project administration. Mandy also raced quads on dirt and ice for 9 years with the name "Mandy 'Wild Child' Brodil". She was the 3 time World Cup Ice Speedway Champion, 5 time Women's National Short Track Champion and 2004 Women's National TT Champion. Her proudest accomplishment is her little girl!
Rosalie "Lee" Cave Receptionist and Accounts Payable Lee functions as the heart of the office, including acting as receptionist, accounts payable including all insurance, bid documentation and assistant to the President. Her hobbies include swimming, looking for beach glass, reading, weaving baskets, Yoga and playing with her grandchildren.
Claiborne Yarbrough Business Development, Waldt Renewables Claiborne is working with Mr. McDowell to develop the renewable energy division of Waldt Construction. Using her passion for conservation of all types and a background in marketing, Claiborne has spent the last year investigating this growing and important market. Claiborne has twin daughters and volunteers at their school to run an afterschool club called the Green Team for kindergarten, first and second graders who like to understand and explore nature.
Paulique Duson Administrative Assistant for Waldt Construction & Waldt Renewables Paulique is currently helping Claiborne in the development process of Waldt Renewables, a division of Waldt Construction. Paulique attended ECSU (Viking Pride!), where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Paulique enjoys spending time with her family and loved ones, working out and living a healthy and prosperous life.
