Rink

How did you get into the industry? AW: I arrived in the industry by chance. I was in college looking for a part-time job. Knowing nothing about the ice industry, I applied for a job as supervisor and was hired. From there I began to learn every- thing I could about the industry. Eventually I was offered a full-time job. ES: I was able to take a job working for Goggin Ice Arena at Miami University, and it really opened my eyes to the variety of programs, activities, planning and work needed to make the difference between just having ice and running a first-class arena. Those skills and lessons have really come into play at Sidner Ice Arena, where we have to promote the rink in a non-traditional market. What do you like best about your job in the ice industry? AW: Not every day is the same. As everyone in this industry knows, there is a wide variety of things that can and do happen on a daily basis that make the job exciting. ES: I really enjoy the opportunity to work with a wide range of teams and groups of people on a day-to-day basis. Every day provides different challenges and rewards. Any funny stories from your career? AW: This past year we had to add two cooling loops to our rink floor on the ends of the rink to help it freeze. We decided to add these loops without removing the brine from our system! ES: My first summer at Sidner, we melted down the rink. Two of our younger staff members were leveling some sand (very carefully, of course) when they accidently popped a small hole in one of the brine tubes. We didn't have a patch kit on hand, so they took turns plugging the leaky pipe with a finger while I ran across town to the hardware store. Putting the splice in was also pretty entertaining, at least for everyone who was watching. Why do you feel industry educa- tion is important? AW: For me, not knowing anything before I started in this industry, education is extremely impor- tant. Through the help of STAR and expe- rienced industry professionals, I was able to learn a tremendous amount of informa- tion to help propel me in my career. ES: As a manager, we conduct periodic training at our facility for all part-time staff. If we expect them to grow in their positions, it is our responsibility to pro- vide them with the most up-to-date information and resources we can. STAR is a great asset in providing best methods and practices that are proven through use in other facilities. Best tip or trick you picked up at a STAR program: AW: If you encounter a problem, don't get frustrated. Chances are someone else in the industry has encountered a similar problem! You are also able to use STAR to contact other professionals to help you solve the matter. ES: The Basic Refrigeration class was a huge help in understanding how the ice plant is controlled within our facility. The knowledge from that class has really helped us make effective changes to the way our plant operates. Why is it important to be involved with an association like STAR? AW: It is always good to be able to network and continue your education within your pro- fession. STAR allows you to be able to do both of these. ES: By participating in the organiza- tion, I have met so many people in the industry from all over the country. It's a great resource when something comes up at my facility to have the combined knowledge of so many only an email or phone call away. ★ ■ Training, and recognition of training, is the best way to let colleagues and potential employers know who you are and what you have accomplished. Almost every industry has a measuring stick to help employers gauge the level of competency of a future employee. industry spotlight 58 R INK MAGAZ INE march/april 2010 STARrinks.com Angie Wyle & Evan Schinasi Sidner Ice Arena Years in the Industry: AW: 6 ES: 5 STAR/ORFA Courses Taken: AW: PMP, 2007, NARCE PMP2, 2008, NARCE BR, 2009, Omaha, Neb. ES: ORM, 2009, NARCE BR, 2009, Mid America X Sidner Ice Arena • Fremont, Nebraska Angie Wyle & Evan Schinasi

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