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STARRINKS.COM SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2016 / 43 Staffing will present many unknowns to your operation, so make sure that they are prepared and have all of the tools they need to represent the facility well. An internal checklist to help prepare staff includes: upcoming events, the timeline for implementation of new programs, schedules of ice time, potential pay increases and work schedules. If your facility has an audit, consider that a major portion of your operations will be re-sale items. Time needs to be allocated to setting concession menus, pro shop prices and ice time comparisons. Budgets should be set and some goals should be put in place to complete the projections. Each month when you receive your budget, compare it to last year at the same time and look ahead to the list of next month's events and activities. At the end of the day when you review the operation, make sure time is allocated for maintaining the facility. Sometimes facility maintenance can fall prey to generating revenue which in the long run can eventually cost more in unexpected expenses. Revenue is key in any operation, but make sure to have a plan on how you will continually maintain the building. So will you be ready for the season? The answer will be yes if you create checklists, manage your time and view your facility as a consumer does. J __________________________________________________________ This article was originally published in the 2006 September/October issue of RINK Magazine. Mark Vaughan is the owner of Arena Concepts in Hastings, Minn.