Meet Dannow Schlax | Owner Operator & Captain

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dannow Schlax and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dannow, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It started a few years ago when I was bartending. Seeing that I hold my real estate license, I was trying to figure out unique ways to show clients how Lake Life could be in a new lake house. I thought showing them the houses from the water with a cocktail is a fun way to do so. From there it evolved into making it available to the public.

For the next year I talked about the idea with bar guests and some friends that worked in the Liquor Industry. Everyone loved the idea and here we are! At the time I was holding down 4 jobs and decided that I wanted to earn my living doing what I love, and that’s being on the water.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As I said earlier, I was behind the bar when this idea came about, I have been in the service industry of all sorts for the last 17 years including Real Estate, DJ/MCing weddings and private event and even starting a small car detailing business during Covid. But most of my career has been building my knowledge for the Bar/Restaurant Industry.

I have found that my niche is people. I really enjoy showing and giving people the best experience I can. I think this is what will set The Pintoon apart for other tiki rentals you may see. The Pintoon is about connecting and building relationships within the community and showing people how special Lake Country really is.
It is the best feeling when I am either on the lake or walking in town and getting recognized for the work we do.

The Pintoon partners with a few restaurants in Pewaukee so our clients can order food/drinks on the boat. Doc’s Dry Doc has the best pizza in town. The Beach House Bistro is where you can find the most amazing Greek/Mediterranean cuisine. And last but not least is the Sunset Grill. This is where you can find the best sunsets on the lake along with an “on the water” experience during lunch and dinner. This is where you depart and arrive during The Pintoon cruises.

I am a firm believer that everyone needs to work in the service industry sometime in their life. Not only it is fun, but challenging. Everyday is different and it teaches you to reset. Along with giving you life lessons and ability to relate/connect with people on any level. The service industry has been a key for who I am and great friendships the have been built along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My fiancee and I are foodies and love a small towny bars. So naturally, we would take them to some of our favorite watering holes around Lake Country. One of our favorite spots in Stolley’s Hogg Alley. They have the best food and best bartenders (Kris and Craig). On Mondays, the chef comes up with Specialty Dinners that are not on the menu. You have to go early of they sell out every week by 6pm.

I.d. in the Delafield Hotel and Belfre Kitchen are great farm to table style restaurants. Our good friends Ben and Molly own Pink Tee-Pee Farms supply these places, along with many other, with their fresh ingredients grown right on their farm.

With Lake Country having over 140 lakes, a few of our favorite for kayaking are Upper/Lower Nemahbin, the Genesee Chain of lakes that connect to the Bark River and of course the hidden gem Beaver Lake.

If we were to have a full week, there is no question that we would head up the the Northwoods. Northern Wisconsin is where we love to be. An absolute must stop is The Boathouse in Minocqua. Mikey makes the best old fashioned and they have the best fish fry around. On Fridays you can watch the ski show since you are dining right on the lake.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
During this brainchild stage I knew I couldn’t do it alone. It took a while to get the logo designed and I have my friend Josh Drahonovsky of SOLIDES Graphics to thank for getting the final product put together, along with getting all of my merchandise printed. My dad Dave has recently retired, and with me, wanted to take on the laborious task of building our 100% custom Tiki Boats from scratch. He is now my Chief Engineer. Most importantly I have my amazing soon to be wife, Nikki, to thank for helping with the website and everything social media. I am awful when it comes to putting out content and she has taken The Pintoon to another level. I can’t thank everyone enough for helping my idea come to life!

Website: https://thepintoon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepintoon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepintoon

Image Credits
Image credits: The Pintoon, LLC