Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1376344
CEnter ice Q&A with a rink professional 54 / MAY.JUNE.2021 USICERINKS.COM PHOTOS: ANDREW RUMMEL // How did you get into the rink busi- ness? My first job in a rink was during col- lege over the summers as a night manager and helping with hockey schools. After my brief professional hockey career ended, I decided to go back to college and finish off my degree in sports management—think- ing at the time that I'd pursue a career in coaching. Following graduation, I got an offer to coach youth hockey and manage a rink I grew up playing in as a kid. It was a great opportunity to pursue coaching and cut my teeth in rink management. Over the past decade my career has slowly tran- sitioned to mostly rink management, with some coaching, as my schedule allows. // What's the best part of your job? Definitely the people. From my cowork- ers, to our patrons, it's nice to go to work every day and be around people who share the same passion for ice sports. That, and you are always being chal- lenged with new industry trends to stay on top of, so things never get stale. // You serve on RMRA's Board—how has that experience been? When I came to Colorado three years ago, I left behind most of my industry contacts on the east coast. RMRA (Rocky Mountain Rink Association) got me plugged in with my peers and helped my transition to working in a new region. When the opportunity came about to serve as a board member, it was easy to say yes, and hope- fully lend some experience and insight to a group that helps so many in our industry. // You completed your CRA in our virtual classroom—what did you think? While the virtual class experience was different than in-person classes, it did add a level of flexibility and convenience that made it a good fit—especially with the challenges of traveling in the COVID era. On top of the course work, I was still able to make connections with and learn from other attendees. // Craziest experience in the industry to date? My previous facility was host- ing a large holiday tournament about five years ago, when from my desk I heard a huge commotion. I got up to look out my window onto the rink and saw a dog on the ice. It took a few minutes for the ref- erees to corral the dog. It was a humorous and memorable moment. // You'll be joining our PMP instructor ranks once we get back to in-person courses. What can students expect from you? I was fortunate to have visited hundreds of rinks across North America and Europe over the course of my hockey playing and coaching career—and with that, you pick up on things. You see all the different ways rinks operate and the variety of programs they offer. I hope to bring that broad perspective to the PMP class and show that there are various ways to connect with your clients, and rinks can find many ways to meet their customers' needs. // Any advice for other rink profes- sionals out there? Meet as many people in the industry as you can—you never know what you'll pick up from them that can be useful. Also, when you get the chance, visit as many rinks as possible— you'll find new ways to do things that can help your business. J PROFILE Facility: Park Operations Administrator/General Manager at Sertich Ice Center & Acacia Park Ice Professional Designation: CRA, CPRP Years in the Industry: 16 years FROM MY COWORKERS, TO OUR PATRONS, IT'S NICE TO GO TO WORK EVERY DAY AND BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO SHARE THE SAME PASSION FOR ICE SPORTS. ANDREW RUMMEL Colorado Springs, Colo.