PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEPLER’S
Family owned Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry has sold to Florida-based Hoffmann Family of Companies to continue the family legacy and first-class service of Shepler’s for years to come, while meeting the demands of a booming tourism industry on Mackinac Island.
“My brother and I will eventually retire someday, and we have aligned with a partner who is vested in ensuring the Shepler legacy lives on while remaining true to our enduring commitment to service for the next generations of Mackinac Island visitors,” explains Shepler’s President Chris Shepler. “Under the new partnership we now have a like-minded family who is willing to continue to make capital investments…This is the best route to guarantee financial security and strength for the company for many years to come.”
Shepler’s will begin its 78th season starting April 21, and transports more people than any other line during the summer months. Shepler and his brother, Billy, will continue to be involved in day-to-day operations and will remain partial owners, while the Hoffmann’s partnership will provide further resources for capital improvements.
“We pride ourselves on partnering with thriving companies where we can add value, not reinvent the wheel,” says Founder David Hoffmann. “Mackinac Island is a special place to us where we’ve visited often, and Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry is a unique part of the magical journey to Michigan’s crown jewel. We want to be part of Shepler’s continuing to do what it does best.”
To learn more, visit sheplersferry.com.
