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54 / MAY.JUNE.2016 RINKMAGAZINE.COM CEnter ice Q&A with a rink professional PHOTOS: COURTESY OF KEVIN ACKLEY // How did you get into the industry? During my last two years of college hock- ey (at Miami University) I had knee, ankle and groin injuries and had to sit out both years. While I was out, I got involved in the athletic department and game opera- tions where I held duties at the rink. Once I graduated, a night position at Goggin opened and I was lucky enough to be selected. I thought I would be here for one or two years. Ten years later, I am still lov- ing what I do and the people I work with. // What's the worst part of working at an ice rink? It sounds cliché, but it's always tough see- ing kids/families/students move on after their time at Goggin/Miami is up. We have such an impact on their development. We develop positive relationships with the kids, their families and young adults, it's tough seeing them leave, even though I know it's time. // What's the best part of your job? Having a positive impact on our patrons and helping them develop through ice sports. // What's your favorite hour of your day? It has to be 5-6 p.m. Not because it's time to leave, but because all of our community programs pick up around that time. It's always inspiring to see our lobby go from 10 or 15 people, up to 75 or 100 in the matter of 15 or 20 minutes. // What is the worst thing you have ever had to clean up in the locker room? A mixture of vomit and blood, but I had the right personal safety equipment to ensure I was safe. // What's your proudest moment on the job or outside of it? There have been lots of proud moments in the rink. From opening up with the NCAA Ice Break in the fall of 2006, to having 197 broomball teams in one intra- mural season. Those are some things that stand out. But I would have to say it's becoming a father and seeing my kids have the same enjoyment about being at the rink, and learning the life lessons that I had through ice sports. Too often the focus is on winning and not what's really impor- tant: enjoyment and learning life lessons. // I am 5 years old: explain dew point in a way that I can understand it. Dew point is the number that you get when you combine the air temperature and the sticky air. // Are there any mentors that you would like to acknowledge or mention? Barry Schutte, Steve Cady and Dave Wescott. Barry hired me at Goggin, and I wouldn't be here if he hadn't taken a chance on me. I learned so much from Barry about how to work with people and get the best out of them. Steve has also given me his time, encouragement and support. Steve has more than 30 years in the rink industry and has really taken the time over the last three or four years to show the effort and commitment it takes to run a top-notch facility. Dave has spent time in Goggin, and over the past four years he has really taken the time to educate me on making ice and the main- tenance side of the rink industry. I will be the first to admit that the maintenance side is where I have the least knowledge and confidence, but Dave has always been open and willing to help me understand the ins and outs of our industry and how to have quality ice. J Kevin Ackley PROFILE Name: Kevin Ackley Facility: Goggin Ice Center on the campus of Miami University Years in the Industry: 10 STAR Designation: CRA, CIT, CIRM STAR Courses Taken: 1. PMP (2008 – Chicago) 2. ORM (2009 – Chicago) 3. HR (2010 – Detroit) 4. IMEO (2013 – Oxford, Ohio) 5. IMPT (2014 – Columbus, Ohio) 6. BR (2014 – Las Vegas) Oxford, Ohio CRA, CIT, CIRM