A LEGACY OF HARDWORK & COMMITMENT

ABOUT B&D CONTRACTORS

At B&D Contractors Our Mission is
"Building the Future with an Eye on Tradition"

We strive to meet and improve on this mission every day. This means we aim to build on a strong foundation of high quality craftsmanship and dedication to service with our highly professional staff.

Established in 1978, B&D Contractors, Inc. has been a staple in the construction industry. Native American owned and operated, B&D proudly serves the Southern Wisconsin area providing the following quality commercial services:

On all of our projects, we take pride in utilizing an all Union labor force, the skills learned and experience brought by these craftsmen is evident in every project we complete. We also have Native American men and women work on our projects. We encourage the training of apprentices, many of which have spent their entire careers partnered with B&D. The relationships with our team staff, along with the strong customer relationships we have built throughout the years is something we will continue to encourage and build on into the future.

B&D has gained it’s notability by working on high profile projects such as Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI), Ogg Hall (UW-Madison Campus), Potawatomi Bingo Casino (Milwaukee, WI), and the Milwaukee Art Museum (Milwaukee, WI), just to name a few. Visit our Services and/or Projects pages for full listings.

OUR HISTORY

The Holmes family history is deeply rooted in a complex tapestry of cultural resilience and adaptation, marked by the transformative experience of attending the Carlisle Indian boarding schools. At the forefront of this narrative is Richard Eugene Holmes, a pivotal figure who, along with his sister and brother, navigated the challenging terrain of assimilation in pursuit of education.

Great Grandfather Frank Holmes

The Carlisle Indian boarding schools, initiated under the directive of General Richard Henry Pratt with the controversial slogan "Kill the Indian. Save the man," were instrumental in reshaping the lives of Native American children during a critical period of American history. Richard Eugene Holmes, an enduring symbol of determination, not only weathered the challenges posed by the assimilation policies but also emerged as a beacon of strength for future generations.

The roots of the Holmes family extend back to the Bad River Reservation, where two significant patriarchs, Frank Holmes and Antoine Dennis, laid the foundation for a legacy marked by resilience and tenacity. Frank Holmes and Antoine Dennis, as great grandfathers, played integral roles in shaping the destiny of the Holmes family. Their stories echo the struggles and triumphs of Native American communities grappling with the impacts of assimilation policies.

The Holmes family history serves as a testament to the strength of spirit and the enduring nature of cultural identity, even in the face of adversity. As descendants of those who walked the halls of Carlisle Indian boarding schools and as bearers of the heritage from the Bad River Reservation, the Holmes family's story is a mosaic of resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to preserving their cultural heritage amidst the challenges of history.

Antoine Dennis, born in 1850 in a wigwam on Madeline Island, emerges as a central figure in the Holmes family's rich tapestry of history. Beyond his origins, Antoine's life unfolded as a testament to adaptability and a deep connection to the natural world. In addition to navigating the cultural shifts of his time, Antoine embraced the role of a fishing guide on the storied Bois Brule River.

Great Grandfather Antoine Dennis

As a fishing guide, Antoine Dennis not only demonstrated a profound understanding of the land but also cultivated a unique expertise in the art of angling. The Bois Brule River, with its pristine waters and abundant fish, became both his workplace and a place of personal significance. Antoine's skill and knowledge as a guide made him an invaluable asset to those seeking the thrill of fishing in this picturesque setting.

The legacy of guiding extended beyond Antoine's own endeavors, as his son-in-law, John Larock, followed in his footsteps. John Larock's connection to the Bois Brule River took on a historical dimension when he served as a guide for President Coolidge. In this role, Larock not only showcased the beauty of the river to one of the nation's leaders but also became part of a narrative that intertwined the Holmes family with broader historical events.

The convergence of Antoine Dennis' legacy as a fishing guide and the continuation of this tradition through John Larock underscores the family's multi-generational relationship with the land and its resources. B&D prides itself on carrying forth the same spirit of their ancestors through skill and determination, as well as a respect for nature and all of its inhabitants.