COST of Wisconsin, Inc.

What COST of Wisconsin, Inc. does

COST of Wisconsin, Inc. is a privately held specialty construction firm founded in 1957 and headquartered in Jackson, Wisconsin, that designs, fabricates, and installs themed environments for zoos, aquariums, theme parks, museums, casinos, and commercial developments. The company operates a 144,000 sq. ft. fabrication plant and 56,000 sq. ft. storage facility, supported by regional offices in Orlando, Florida and Berryville, Arkansas, and employs between 251 and 500 staff. Its work spans the full project lifecycle: preconstruction consulting, physical and digital modeling using AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, Revit, and its proprietary Computer Aided Framework System (CAFS), shop fabrication using GFRC, FRP, urethanes, epoxies, acrylics, and shotcrete, and on-site field construction led by OSHA-certified superintendents.

The company differentiates on craft-intensive techniques developed since its founding, including pioneering artificial rockwork using shotcrete and gunite over steel armatures, an extensive library of molded coral casts spanning the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea, and a roster of long-tenured artisans skilled in hand carving and naturalistic finishes. Revenue is generated through project-based specialty construction contracts awarded via direct relationships with owners, architects, designers, and general contractors, and ranges from renovation work to individual projects valued above $50 million. Notable clients include Disney, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Six Flags, Caesar's Palace, the American Museum of Natural History, and over half of U.S. zoos and aquariums.

COST generates revenue exclusively through custom one-time project contracts with no recurring or subscription component, and pricing is bespoke based on scope, materials, and complexity. The firm has been an active member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since approximately 1973, IAAPA since 1982, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) since 1997, and the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) since 1993, which collectively serve as its primary go-to-market channels. Leadership is held by CEO Jon Stanwyck, and the company has been recognized with industry awards including the 2023 ASA Outstanding Architecture Shotcrete award and multiple Engineering News-Record Best Project awards.

Name

COST of Wisconsin, Inc.

Legal name

Cost of Wisconsin, Inc.

Website

https://costofwisconsin.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

COST of Wisconsin is a privately held specialty construction firm founded in 1957 that designs, fabricates, and installs themed environments including artificial rockwork, zoo and aquarium habitats, and immersive exhibits for theme parks, casinos, museums, and commercial clients nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Themed Construction Services

NAICS

Specialty Trade Contractors (238), Other Specialized Design Services (54149), Other Specialty Trade Contractors (2389)

SIC

Construction - Special Trade Contractors (1700), General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential Bldgs (1540)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports & Recreation Facility Construction (Stadiums, Arenas, Community Centers) (IMAFACAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Scenic Fabrication & Set/Stage Carpentry (MPAGAKAG)

Keywords

• Specialty theme construction
• Artificial rockwork fabrication
• Themed exhibit construction
• Shotcrete construction services
• Zoo aquarium fabrication

Headquarters

HQ city

Jackson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Theme and Specialty Construction Services: Full-service theme construction from preconstruction consulting through modeling, fabrication, and final construction. Services include artificial rockwork, faux finishes, scenic work, water features, aquariums, simulated trees, sculptural elements, and murals.
2. Architectural Shotcrete Restoration: Restoration of deteriorating concrete structures using shotcrete and gunite techniques, often significantly less expensive than demolition and new construction.
3. Custom Fabrication Products: Custom fabrication of specialty items including simulated coral, rockwork panels, faux trees, and other theme elements built in their 144,000 sq ft Wisconsin plant and shipped to job sites.
4. Design-Assist and Preconstruction Consulting: Early engagement consulting services including kick-off meetings, shop drawings, modeling, and coordination with architects, landscape architects, designers, general contractors, and owners.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

COST of Wisconsin is a specialty theme and themed construction company that designs, fabricates, and builds artificial rockwork, simulated trees, aquarium and zoo exhibits, water features, scenic elements, and themed environments for zoos, aquariums, theme parks, museums, casinos, and commercial spaces. The firm operates a 144,000 square foot fabrication plant and provides full lifecycle services spanning preconstruction consulting, 3D modeling, shop fabrication, and on-site construction using shotcrete, GFRC, FRP, and other specialty materials.

Product overview

COST of Wisconsin, Inc. is a specialty theme and themed construction company offering a comprehensive suite of fabrication and construction services since 1957. The company's portfolio includes zoo habitat fabrication, aquarium exhibit fabrication, museum exhibit fabrication, theme park construction, casino theme construction, commercial specialty construction, water feature design and construction, resort theming, sculpture fabrication, and theme signage. Core service offerings span the full project lifecycle: preconstruction consulting, physical and 3D digital modeling (using AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, Revit, and proprietary CAFS technology), shop and field fabrication (utilizing GFRC, FRP, urethanes, epoxies, acrylics, and shotcrete), and on-site construction. The company operates a 144,000 sq. ft. fabrication plant in Jackson, WI with branch offices in Orlando, FL and Berryville, AR. Notable specialized offerings include artificial rockwork using shotcrete and steel armature techniques, and architectural shotcrete restoration services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Zoo Habitat Fabrication Full-service zoological exhibit contractor providing custom animal habitat fabrication including artificial rockwork, faux trees, water features, and naturalistic environments for zoos and animal exhibitors.
• Aquarium Exhibit Fabrication Aquatic habitat fabrication for public and private freshwater and saltwater aquariums, including simulated coral, rock formations, and immersive underwater environments.
• Museum Exhibit Fabrication Museum exhibit fabrication delivering educational and entertainment content through immersive, realistic exhibits using GFRC, FRP, shotcrete, acrylics, and themed environments.
• Theme Park Construction Specialty theme park construction services creating imaginative, immersive environments for Disney, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Six Flags, and other theme parks.
• Casino Theme Construction

Quantifiable outcome

• Fabricated exhibits for over half the U.S. zoos and aquariums
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers29 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)coreOthers · 1 January 1997Active member since 1997. TEA connects creators, developers, and producers of themed entertainment. Membership supports collaboration and knowledge sharing in the themed entertainment industry.
• NIGA (National Indian Gaming Association)coreOthers · 1 January 1993Active member supporting Native American gaming industry. COST has constructed over 50 tribal casino projects from 1993 to present across the U.S.
• IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions)coreOthers · 1 January 1982Active member since 1982. IAAPA is the global trade association for the attractions industry. Membership provides industry networking, best practices, and visibility for theme park construction services.
• AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums)coreOthers · 1 January 1973Fifty-year AZA member since approximately 1973. AZA is a leading organization for zoos and aquariums. Membership enables COST to stay current with zoological exhibit standards and connect with potential clients.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Thinkwell Group: Design, production, and project management firm specializing in themed attractions, museums, and brand experiences. Comparable as a theming specialist serving the same zoos, museums, and entertainment operators, though more design-led and less plant-intensive than COST.

Direct peers

• Nassal Company: Long-standing Orlando-based themed construction firm specializing in zoos, aquariums, theme parks, and museums. Most direct US peer to COST — overlapping customer base, similar shotcrete/rockwork craft, and competing for the same institutional themed-exhibit RFPs.
• RWS Entertainment Group: Themed entertainment production and construction company serving theme parks, resorts, and location-based entertainment. Comparable in offering scenic fabrication, themed environments, and turnkey theming services to entertainment operators.
• M.H. Mayo Construction: Specialty contractor delivering themed rockwork, artificial environments, and water features for theme parks, zoos, and entertainment venues. Closely comparable craft specialty and customer overlap.
• Extreme Engineering: Specialty themed-construction firm building custom amusement rides, climbing structures, and themed attractions. Comparable as a direct peer in custom themed engineering and construction for theme parks and FECs.

Broad incumbents

• Tellepsen Builders: Houston-based general contractor with a portfolio including zoos, museums, and themed commercial builds (e.g., Houston Zoo projects cited alongside COST). Comparable as a regional GC that competes for and partners on themed institutional construction.
• Mortenson Construction: Major US general contractor active in sports, entertainment, and cultural facilities. Comparable as a broad incumbent whose themed entertainment and cultural building work overlaps with COST's zoo, museum, and arena-adjacent scopes.
• Hensel Phelps: Large national general contractor delivering complex commercial, institutional, and aviation projects. Comparable as a broad incumbent that increasingly self-performs themed scopes on large institutional builds (museums, aquariums) that COST also targets.

Others

• Stutzman Engineering: Specialty engineering and fabrication firm supporting themed construction projects. Comparable as an adjacent ecosystem participant providing design and fabrication services to themed-environment builders.

Regional players

• Heaton Construction: Specialty construction firm with themed construction and exhibit fabrication capabilities. Relevant regional peer competing in similar themed-construction and exhibit work in overlapping geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1170146

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about COST of Wisconsin, Inc.