Arrow began as a small marina known as Arrow Marine in 1960 by Shirley and Robert Trinski, a Chicago policeman who wanted to create a better life for their family. They opened their doors as a full-service marina that manufactured and repaired boat engines.
In 1966, Robert was approached by a friend to haul his boat back from the Chicago Boat Show for him. That simple favor earned the Trinskis $25, and trigger the launch of the transportation side of Arrow, known as Arrow Marine Transport.
As Arrow evolved, the company quickly earned a reputation for clean equipment, on-time delivery and professional drivers.
By 1969, Arrow was hauling pre-cast concrete for their first large account. Arrow’s hard work, dedication and customer service has ensured that same account has stayed with the company throughout the decades and is still a valued customer today.
I have guys that are still with me, that have been here 25, 30 years. We all grew up together in the business.
Michael Trinski, President and CEO
The business moved to a new location in Fox Lake, IL. in 1969 and expanded its range of services to include hauling boats, cement, concrete, sand, gravel, and asphalt for some of the area’s most well-known suppliers of these commodities. The company further expanded in 2011, adding additional facilities in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Son, Michael Trinski, has served as the company’s president and CEO since 1978, and still remains in that role today, managing all aspects of The Arrow Group’s rapidly growing trucking and transportation business. He began working at the company at 7 years old, literally sweeping floors and working on boats. Since then, Michael has held every position at the company, which he feels lets him really understand the organization as a whole and be able to help with the challenges that each individual faces at the company.
Michael attended Northwestern Military Academy and served a tour of duty as a Navy helicopter specialist during the Vietnam Conflict. He returned to the family business in 1975. Today, Arrow is a proud Veteran Owned Small Business. The company hopes to better the lives of veterans by providing solid employment opportunities.
Michael and the Arrow Team aim to maintain the same family atmosphere that has guided the company since its inception. Arrow believes in treating both its associates and customers with respect and courtesy.
There are many drivers that have been with the company for 25 and 30 years. Trinski is pleased that so many of them were able to grow up together in the business.
Arrow hopes to take its old-fashioned values that began in 1960 and combine them with innovative technology to become a cutting-edge company in order to better serve customers and its own staff.
Photo captions:
- 1. Jeff Brand and Mike Trinski, in 1968 hauling the River Queen.
- 2. Ron Fortin and Howard Muchlnickel, hauling a 50 foot Sea Ray boat in 1995.
- 3. 1980, Mike Mc Connell in the Tank Division.
- 4. Ron Jameson, hauling parts for a nuclear power plant in the 1990’s, across country.
- 5. 1990, Mike Trinski, on a dump job on the Chain O Lakes.
- 6. John Dutze, Recruiting local families, at a High School Job Fair, in 1996.