Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/777708
How did you get into the industry? I got into this industry first as a part timer, helping out a friend who managed a rink. Best tip or trick you picked up at a STAR program: The best trick I learned is to use a hole saw to check ice depth before ice maintenance. If the hole saw cuts in at an inch, you can then dry shave until you cut out the mark. What's the funniest story from your career that you can share? One of the first times that I drove the resurfacer in a big arena in front of a large crowd, I plowed into a goal net. What's the most successful project you have been involved with? I was involved in the remodeling of our 30-year-old facility. This included new locker rooms, resurfacer garage, boards, and glass and lighting. Tell us about the most embarrassing moment in your career: It's another resurfacer story. I once ran out of propane while I was making ice between games. What's the biggest mistake you have seen? A driver cutting out a fresh goal crease. How has STAR training helped you and your facility? Now that I and others have attended STAR courses, everyone in the facility has a more consistent understanding of the operation and all of my staff are on the same page. Importance of STAR and/or NARCE for your business and/or career: The importance of STAR and NARCE to me is getting together with fellow arena people and sharing ideas and learning new things. Now when I have a problem, I can pick up a phone or email somebody that I met at STAR or NARCE to ask for advice. Final thoughts: STAR has helped me from just being an average everyday arena operations person to becoming a well-known and respected Facility Operations Manager in my area. ★ ■ 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 62 R INK MAGAZ INE March/April 2008 Tricks Of The Trade Ron Basse Jr. Plymouth Cultural Center Ice Arena • Plymouth, Michigan Years in Industry: 11 STAR Operator level: 5 STAR STAR / ORFA Courses Taken: • IMEO – 2002, Novi, MI • BR – 2003, Canton, MI • IMPT – 2004, Melvindale, MI • ORM – 2004, NARCE • PMP – 2005, NARCE • SIRO 2005, Plymouth, MI • FM – 2006, NARCE • IAA – 2007, NARCE X PHOTOS COURTESY OF PLYMOUTH CULTURAL CENTER X To me, STAR and NARCE means getting together with fellow arena people and sharing ideas and learning new things.