FERRY TALES into The Straits
By Kate Conlon
An interview with Arnold Freight owner and operator, Veronica Dobrowolski, about the recent acquisition of Shepler’s Freight, being one of the first licensed female captains in the Great Lakes, and life on the Straits of Mackinac. How long have you lived in Northern Michigan? I’ve lived in Northern Michigan my whole life, and just turned the big “5-0” so there you go! I grew up in Cheboygan, built a house in Mackinaw City in 1998, and have recently become a resident of beautiful Mackinac Island as that is the location I spend my entire work day. 30 | walstrom.com
What got you started in the boating industry? I grew up boating with my family on Mullett Lake in Cheboygan every Sunday during the summer and loved being on the water…swimming, water skiing, soaking up the sun. I always knew that boats were in my future. I have been a licensed captain for 27 years, having gotten my 100-ton Master’s License in 1993.
How has your role on the water evolved over the years?
The variety of experiences gained over time in the marine industry, from dock attendant to deckhand to becoming a captain when I was 23 and everything in between led me to see the marine transportation industry from all facets. These experiences took me from a role of employee, ultimately to a management position with Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry as their Dock/Human Resources Manager. It was a hard and long haul, with 23 seasons and many 80- and 90-hour weeks. The experience and lessons I learned were invaluable which prepared me for my next move with a competing ferry
boat business, Arnold Transit Company, a company with a history and tradition dating back to 1878, as their General Manager. I currently am CEO/Co-owner of Arnold Freight Company, Manager/Co-owner of Pure Michigan Boat Cruises and General Manager of East Dock, LLC. I can honestly say short of being a mechanic, although at times I’ve had to turn a wrench to keep things moving, I have touched all aspects of the passenger and freight operations that currently serve the Straits Area. It has always been a work in progress and now I’m ready for the next step in an ever-expanding business environment. There is never a dull moment, which comes with the typical job stressors but also with opportunities and challenges which I enjoy.
Tell us a little bit about your businesses, how they’ve grown, and what a “normal” work day looks like for you.
As I see you noted the word “normal” in quotes so you have some understanding that my work day is anything but normal. Arnold Freight Company carries approximately 75%
