Rink

CEnter ice Q&A with a U.S. Ice Rinks Member 54 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2025 USICERINKS.COM PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED // Describe your path into the ice rink industry and your current position? As a young figure skater, I needed help paying for my skating and the rink man- ager told me I could work off ice fees by cleaning locker rooms, rest rooms, and the parking lot. It wasn't long before I worked my way up. // What lead you to your current position? After a long-time managing a rink out west, I was looking to get back to the East Coast. The position here at Cabin John was a great opportunity to do that so here I am. // What is the most rewarding part of your position? At this stage in my career, working with staff that want to learn and turn the ice arena industry into a profession. // What is the biggest challenge you currently face in your position? Post COVID, hiring staff has become more difficult than ever. The work force has changed and finding that happy medi - um of what is good for the facility but also leaving staff fulfilled can be tough. // Is there anything that most people wouldn't know about you that you don't mind revealing to our readers? I love to tour ice rinks and arenas. I think I have visited over 150 now and have visited a facility in over 25 coun - tries and 20 states. // What do you like to do when you get some time away from the rink? Visit other rinks. No, seriously, I love to cook and if I am not in the kitchen, chances are I will be traveling someplace. // What was the most gratifying moment in your career? A single moment would be working on the ice tech crew for the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston. It was a special experience because I grew up in Boston. But overall, seeing so many people I have mentored over the years, now in facility manage - ment roles is gratifying. // What do you feel are the most important traits of a successful arena manager? You can't be afraid to hire people that have more knowledge and skills than you. No one can be the best at every- thing and if you truly want to be a great manager, surround yourself with great people, that have the skills you lack. // How has U.S. Ice Rink membership and education helped your career? The education aspect alone has helped me every step of the way, but member - ship has given me a network of people that I always feel I can reach out to with a question, or bounce new ideas off. // Do you have any advice for someone interested in starting a career in the industry? Learn from the bottom up, don't be afraid to invest in yourself by attending U.S. Ice Rink classes, and find a mentor. There are so many people in our industry with years of experience that want to share their knowledge with the next generation. J Bill Anderson Potomac, Maryland PROFILE Facility: Cabin John Ice Rink Job Title: Facility Manager Years in the ice rink industry: 30+ U.S. Ice Rink Association Certifications: CIRM Other Certifications: PSA Master Rated Coach

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