Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1527035
CEnter ice Q&A with a rink professional 54 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2024 USICERINKS.COM PHOTO: COURTESY OF KEITH SMITH // How did you get into the rink industry? I was your typical rink rat, but as a fig- ure skater rather than hockey player. I got really interested in rink operations, and how the ice resurfacer worked as any kid who spends a lot of time at the rink would. I asked the staff a lot of questions along the way out of curiosity to learn how an ice rink worked. I got my first ice rink job (general employee/ skate guard/DJ) at the rink I manage today. I enjoyed being a DJ, so I went on to work at a roller rink, and from there developed a business providing DJs for the "BIG" Florida theme parks. But I missed the ice, so I went back to the rink. I've been working at ice rinks since then from Florida to California and back to the rink where it all began. // What is the best part of your job? The smiles of the skaters and players experiencing the ice for the first time. The most rewarding experience has been seeing kids excel at hockey/skat - ing that started their journey with their first steps on the ice with me 15-plus years ago. // What is the hardest part about running a rink in Florida? Constantly fighting humidity, and poor municipal water quality. The additional difficulty is that the population around us isn't quite familiar with ice sports. So, getting people who have only lived in a warm climate to try an ice sport can be a challenge. // What do you like to do away from the rink? Spend time with my wife and son at the theme parks, and offshore fishing. The benefit of living in Central Florida, is being able to pop into a theme park on a whim and being close to the coast for great fishing. // You were just elected as a Facility rep to the U.S. Ice Rinks board. Why did you run? The more people we can get interested in ice sports, the better it is for our industry. My hope is to be able to help spread the word to other members about some of the things we've done over the years in a non-traditional skating market that have proven very successful in getting kids to choose to participate in ice sports. // How has U.S. Ice Rink membership and education helped your career? Every class I've taken has provided me not only the course curriculum, but also an opportunity to learn from my peers. The engagement with other classmates to talk shop and learn about what's working well for them has been invaluable. Overall, the classes have been monumental in shaping the rink manager I am today. I've always walked away from each class with new ideas, tips and tricks that I can use to improve my rink. // Any advice for someone interested in starting a career in the industry? Building a good ice sheet, takes time and is built in layers. If you rush the process, you end up with poor quality. Your jour - ney in the rink business will be much the same; built slowly, with layers of experience, skill development and confi- dence. I recommend taking the time to really understand the industry, it's roots and how you can best serve your skaters and players. Be humble, always keep an open mind, and look for opportunities to learn something new. J Keith Smith PROFILE Facility: The Ice Factory of Central Florida Job Title: General Manager Years in the Industry: 20 Professional Designations: CIRM Kissimmee, Florida