Frustrated, Frank had to ask the question.
What do you do with thousands of massive ice blocks that have no use?
Twelve years in the ice block business, then some a-hole invents the electrically operated refrigeration unit. Shiza!
Frank would not let a newfangled gadget steal his thunder, though. Frank was a dreamer, a visionary.
With old-school freezer gear and ice aplenty, Frank opened an ice rink, which proved insanely popular – in part due to a method he’d devised of eliminating rippling caused by pipes.
Nine years later Frank invented a machine that changed the ice resurfacing job from a three-man, 90-minute bother to a one-man, 10-minute breeze.
Still, Frank wasn’t satisfied. He yearned to create a superior ice-skating experience. Frank strapped his machine onto a jeep and wheeled it ‘round the ice, letting his vehicle shoulder the work for him.
People started phoning Frank demanding to buy his ice resurfacers. They paid well. He opened a second plant in Ontario, Canada.
Like a mad man, Frank continued his quest for the perfect ice tamer. He made modifications removing ice buildup here, adding an automatic edger there – until Frank realized – he completely owned the ice resurfacing business.
Frank Zamboni was elected into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009.
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