Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Syrjala.
Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello, My name is Michael Scott. I grew up in St. Ignace, Michigan. The story of how I started my business, Ive been a restaurant guy since i was 14 bussing tables at the Galley. Since then, I’ve worked every position in a restaurant, and I’ve worked in some cool places, California, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, I’ve lived in many resort areas and tourist towns. From the PCH, the mountains,to Lake Erie Shores, Gulf Coast and The Great Lakes! So then, during covid, I moved back to my hometown, St ignace! (which the upper peninsula had lifted restrictions quite early from covid and i needed work) I started renting a couple (inflatable) kayaks on the side as well as bartending. I only used those once, noone was hurt. The rest of that season, my friend, Tropical Liason, who had been renting kayaks previous seasons and was on military duty during covid, allowed to use his kaysks to rent out if I needed more, and I did! So, Thankful! (Note: kayaks were sold out everywhere, like everything else, during covid) After a few seasons, a few more struggles and a couple different bartending jobs, I made it happen a few years running and made St. Ignace my summer home again. Since, I have accumulated a few more kayaks and in 2023, I was able to add jet skis. I also offer bicycles, yard games, hydro bikes, Tiki boat, paddleboards, fun guided tours around town, half and full day event planning the BEST and most honest reviews of local eateries in St. Ignace.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like i said, I had alot of trouble buying kayaks during covid. Nothing was available, anywhere! After a few years I had to get a permit to continue to rent kayaks in my city because they created an ordinance, for businesses like me, being a mobile operation. A little backlash about the ferry lane, which was mostly just from one ferry co. which is gone. Finding help during the summer is difficult. Every business has struggles of its own kind though, I will not lie, mine has plenty of perks so I’ll take it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Jet ski tours and rental
Kayak tours and rentals
Electric bike rental
Beach cruiser bicycle rentals.
Paddleboard rentas
Yard games rentals
Short/long term
Delivery pickup
Package deals
We offer hourly rentals, and fun filled day packages.
For the most part, we rent out jet skis and kayaks hourly, we also are able to set up packages like ‘a day at the beach’ maybe an hour jet ski, kayaks all day to share, electric bikes to go get ice cream after a BBQ picnic or food delivery service.
Or maybe a saturday evening sunset cruise on tiki pontoon with tiki lights and fireworks at dusk.
A kayak tour underneath the Mackinac Bridge?
I am kind of willing to go above and beyond for most people, if its reasonable and will make a memorable experience for someone, then, I WILL.
We are located in st ignace, michigan.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If they come to vacation in Mackinac? Obviously, book a rental from me, take a step back from the busy schedule and remember what vacation is meant to be and I that is what i try to give experiences like in return for your support. St. Ignace is the perfect place!
Pricing:
- Jet skis start at $120/ 1 hour
- Kayaks – 3 hours/ $35
- Bicycles start at $10/hour
- Electric bikes start at 50$ each.
- Pon- Tiki pontoon various $$
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.mackinacstraitsrentalco.biz
- Instagram: @mackinac_straits_watersports
- Facebook: Mackinac straits watersports &rental co.
