The Dow Company was founded in 1904 by Robert Dow. At that time, the company cleared land, snaked trees out of the woods for lumber, and hauled fill and gravel with teams of horses. They also cut lake ice and insulated it by storing it in hay, then sold it for storing perishables in household iceboxes. As time changed, ice boxes were replaced by refrigerators, and teams of horses were replaced by mechanical equipment.

After Robert's death, one of his three sons, Alton "Allie" Dow took over the company. Allie was a master mechanic at the Boston Navy Yard and purchased several backhoes to accomplish the excavation and installation of pipe that the Dow Company was now specializing in.

Allie and his wife, Ernestine "Ernie" Dow, who was a bookkeeper, handled all of the company affairs for as long as they could, until they hired Al Skaff as a bookkeeper. Al became Allie's business advisor, dear friend, and an integral part of the company, ultimately going into the field, managing, estimating and bidding jobs.

At the end of World War II, Allie and Ernie's son, Donald, returned from serving in the Navy as an Ensign, and began working for The Dow Company. The following year, both Don and his wife, Mary (Hellert) went to what is now Michigan State University, where Don earned his BS. There, in Lansing Michigan, their first son Michael was born.

Upon Allie's death, Ernie assumed control of the Dow Company, where she remained President until her Retirement.

Don then assumed leadership of the company, backed by Al Scaff's experience and wonderful work ethic. Under Don's leadership the company grew, expanded its work range, and went into larger projects.

A second son, Mark, was born, and then a daughter, Donna joined the family.

In 1956, The Dow Company was incorporated with Mary as President and Don as Treasurer. Having taken over the office management, Mary was vey knowledgeable about the company and its operation and needs. Mary became the second female leader of The Dow Company.

The Dow Company is currently under the administration of Mary Dow, with sons, Mike and Mark along with the fifth generation of Todd, Brent, and Dana Dow.