Rink

CEnter ice Q&A with a U.S. Ice Rinks Member 54 / JULY.AUGUST.2025 USICERINKS.COM PHOTO: MENTOR ICE ARENA // Describe your path into the ice rink industry and your current posi- tion? I began my career in the ice rink industry in 1989 at the age of 22, working in the Facilities Engineering Department at the Richfield Coliseum, home to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Lumberjacks. I was responsible for ice operations, including refrigeration systems and resurfacers. When the Coliseum closed in 1994, I transitioned to the new Gund Arena (now Rocket Mortgage Arena) in down - town Cleveland. At Gund, I expanded into additional roles, including operat- ing the sound board for Cavaliers and Lumberjack games. This led to a Game Day role with the Cleveland Browns, where I gained valuable production and marketing experience. I then moved on to managing a municipal athletic facil - ity for 15 years, which prepared me to return to the ice industry in a leadership role. For the past 10 years, I've managed the Mentor Ice Arena in Mentor, Ohio. // What is the most rewarding part of your position at Mentor? I love see- ing the surprised reaction of first-time guests when they find out the arena is over 40 years old. I enjoy my day-to- day interactions with our guests, user groups, my colleagues (both in the city and in the industry), and the arena staff. I also really enjoy watching our staff members, who skate competitively, per - form at our arena. // What is the biggest challenge you currently face in your position? As a municipality, we experience significant staff turnover. This results in the per- petual training of new staff. Rink Rats are a dying breed, and many new hires haven't spent much time, if any in an ice arena. Therefore, we must begin train- ing our new operations staff at the very basic and fundamental level of what is required to be an ice technician. // What do you like to do when you get some time away from the rink? Five months ago, I became a first time Grandpa, a title I most cherish. Rosie Love Furman is her name, and she is perfect. I hope to spend as much time with her as possible. I also enjoy golfing and exercising. I am also a member of a local Toastmasters Club, where I serve as VP of Public Relations. // What virtues do you feel are the most important in a manager? Treat staff with complete respect, be tolerant of mistakes, nurture an environment that allows staff to enjoy what they do. Publicly recognize them. And perhaps above all, be humble. Recognize when you are not the smartest person in the room and be okay with it. // How has U.S. Ice Rink Association membership and education helped your career? In so many ways. Mostly, it's the network of people that I've built through attending regional courses and NARCE. This great bunch of industry professionals are always anxious to help or offer recommendations. Each of the courses that make up the CIT and CRA certifications are outstanding and provide so much information that is immediately applicable to any size rink, from a single pad community rink to a 20,000-seat pro arena. The instructors are second to none also. This year at NARCE, I was lucky to have Jane Delahunt and Barb Bogner as my HRM course instructors. They are both great people. // Do you have any advice for someone interested in starting a career in the industry? Be a sponge. Learn from everyone. Do all the things that aren't sexy. Offer help to surrounding rinks. Do your equipment checks and know all the details of why you perform them. Go to NARCE, participate in class and sit with strangers at lunch. Also, as I convey to my staff to tedium, exhibit the Ten Things That Take Zero Talent. Your career will begin to layer up. J Bill Furman Mentor, Ohio PROFILE Facility: Mentor Ice Arena, Mentor, OH Job Title: Arena Manager Years in the ice rink industry: 20 U.S. Ice Rink Certifications: CIRM Other Certifications: 3rd Class Stationary Engineer

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