Shepler's Ferry on Mackinac Island sells to billionaire after 77 years

(Detroit Free Press) Shepler's Ferry, which has shuttled millions of visitors to storied Mackinac Island since the 1940s, has sold.

Chris Shepler, whose parents raised their children in a blue and white rusted trailer near the end of a dock in Mackinaw City, informed employees, including some who have worked at the 77-year-old company for decades, at 8 a.m. Friday. The deal was scheduled to close immediately after the staff meeting for an undisclosed amount.

"They're keeping everything the same, including the name. Nothing really is going to change from the guest perspective," Shepler told the Free Press. "I'm guaranteed three years to work for the company in my current role as president. There are options to stay on, but when I do walk out the door, it's my job to make it like I was never there. Seamless."

Shepler, 59, of Harbor Springs said he looks forward to one day seeing his current employees eventually run the company. It's all part of the sale, keeping the team in place because the new buyer is so impressed with how operations are run. ....................(more)

https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2022/03/18/sheplers-ferry-mackinac-island-sold-hoffman-family-companies/7077585001/