RESOURCEFUL. KNOWLEDGEABLE. FUN.
Nick Arnold appears to have mastered life in the North Country very early in his career. He temporarily left upstate New York to pursue his education and then found his way home to pursue his passions and making a family and a career out of them. Arnold was raised to love and appreciate the Adirondack Mountains and the beautiful lakes and waterways that make our region so unique. His successes are based on doing what he loves.
Current Business & Job Title: Adirondack Champlain Guide Service and Angling Allie Guide Service – USCG Licensed Charter Captain and NYS Licensed Guide
Hometown: Peru, NY
Age: 33
Education: B.S. Kinesiology/Exercise Science, SUNY Cortland ‘09
Community Involvement: I have coached youth freestyle moguls skiing through the New York Ski Education Foundation (NYSEF) for approximately nine years. I enjoy skiing, hiking, paddling, and exploring the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley with my wife and our two dogs.
What are you doing to make a difference in your community?
I educate people on environmental rules and regulations specific to fishing and conservation and act as an ambassador for the sport of fishing. I also bring a positive mental attitude to both my professional and personal interactions with everyone I encounter.
What’s your biggest professional success?
Aside from obtaining my USCG Captain’s License, I consider the positive feedback I receive from my clients, as well as my clients’ repeat business, to be important professional successes.
What important lesson have you learned in your career?
Never talk politics or religion on the boat…also keep an open mind and be adaptable.
What’s the single most important characteristic for success?
Respect.
How has COVID-19 impacted you professionally and personally? What are you doing differently?
While COVID-19 delayed the start of my guiding season by over a month, my greatest concern was not my business but rather the impact of the pandemic on my family, friends, and community. Now that I am back to work, the health and safety of my clients and my family, as well as my own health and safety, are my foremost concerns, which is why I take COVID-19 precautions very seriously. I have hand sanitizer readily available for my clients, require face coverings when they are unable to socially distance and I thoroughly clean and disinfect my boat and fishing gear after each outing.
What can the North Country do to make this region more appealing to a younger generation?
The North Country could take steps to create a more appealing waterfront on the New York side of Lake Champlain. I believe that the unique beauty of this area is underutilized.
How do you contribute to the culture of your company?
I am passionate about the sport of fishing and conserving local fisheries for this and future generations to enjoy.
What is something that no one would guess about you?
I was homeschooled K-12.
Write a note to your younger self…
Don’t worry about what other people think. It’s a waste of time and energy.