GAIL BECKER


Co-owner of Becker Arena Products Inc. Shakopee, Minn.


Gail and her husband, Jim, enjoy hiking.


Background


Gail has been responsible for the advertising and marketing of Becker Arena Products, Inc. on and off for the past 30 years. (Te company celebrated its 30th


anniversary in December 2017.)


“My husband, Jim, started the company in December 1988; I came on board one year later. Te name of our company at that time was Becker and Associates — I was his first associate. Over the years, I helped set up our accounting, CRM, website and human resources practices. During the early years, I would take orders, ship products, send the invoices, manage inventory and keep the books in which none of these were my area of expertise or training, especially once we started manufacturing. My background was in customer service — that was my strength. So, as we grew we hired people who did have the skills to manage the other departments. Today, I focus on the advertising and marketing, supporting Jim and the Leader Team.”


Company Purpose


Manufacturer of dasher boards and other ice rink products for indoor and outdoor facilities and parks.


“We work on public and private projects, with architects, contractors, rink owners and operators.


“Our portfolio of projects includes small and large venue ice rinks, recreational skating rinks as well as training facilities.


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“Tese projects include new construction and renovation of existing facility projects. Beyond the boards, we furnish rinks with protective flooring, bleacher and benching products for locker rooms, ice maintenance products and other new or used operational equipment. What sets us apart is our 30 years of service to the ice rink industry, our Sourcewell contract that allows for additional savings to government/non-profits and our full-service used equipment division.”


Benefit of Being an ISI Member


“Te ISI helps put us out in front of potential and current customers through the annual conference and trade show, social media and the magazines. Te ISI has always been a good resource for us as they are for everyone else. In the past, members of our company have had the pleasure of working with the board and teaching classes at conference. It is a good partnership.


“I have to mention what a pleasure it was finally meeting Carol Jackson. Carol and I have been corresponding for I don’t know how many years setting up our advertising contracts and trade shows! I don’t work the shows any longer, but in 2017 when the conference was in Bloomington, I was able to get there (it was less than a 30-minute drive) to meet Carol in person — that was fun!”


Gratitude


“Te hardest thing for me is leaving work at work. I think our kids will tell you that when growing up, many dinners included conversation about work and/ or the business — and come to think of it, that still goes on especially because all three of our kids (Chad, Tracy and Lindsay) have been involved in the business now for many years, two currently full time).


Gail’s photography earned a second-place ribbon at a county fair.


“I must say, I am truly grateful for all the opportunities this business (and co-workers) have given me, meaning, I have always been able to leave work and take care of family — that’s a biggie.


“Jim and I have been able to travel to places in and out of the United States we probably would not have gone to otherwise. We have a cabin on a small lake in Northern Minnesota, where we can work remotely if we choose or exercise our ‘no work talk zone.’”


Favorite Activities


Hiking, biking, family get-togethers, photography and spending time with my grandchildren: Emma, 15; Mason, 13; Braden, 5; and Connor, 8 months.


“I enter a photo contest every year in the Carver County Fair; in 2017, I got second place, but it was my favorite entry so far.”


Little Known Facts About Gail


“I am a bit of a homebody. I love to learn and create, and I am looking forward to retirement someday. We have a rescue dog, Coco, who keeps us busy and brings us great joy.”


Coco keeps Gail busy!


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