Tom Hillgrove

Tom Hillgrove is the founder and president of Rink Management Services Corporation and a long time veteran of the recreation industry. After graduating with honors from the elite McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia he went to work for the Killington Ski Corporation. In 1988 he started a company specializing in the management of recreational venues including ski areas, ice skating rinks, summer attractions, an 1800 seat performing arts center, and a 4000 seat auditorium.

The company was merged with SkateNation, Inc. in the summer 1998 and sold to Family Golf, Inc. in a $29 million all cash deal in the fourth quarter of 1998.

Rink Management Services Corporation was started in 1999 and has grown to be the largest operator and developer of ice skating rinks in the United States. The company acquired North American Ice Development, Inc. in 2005. In 2007 Rink Management Services purchased Huron Hockey, the biggest brand name in hockey education. More than 700 players in the NHL and more than 100 NHL coaches have gone through the Huron Hockey system. 

Due to the company’s success, many clients asked Rink Management Services to handle other types of sports properties, and the company now operates fitness clubs, carousels, a 38,000 square foot indoor water park, four indoor soccer fields, and a six court gymnasium.

Hillgrove was a three term member of STAR (Serving the American Rinks); is on the USA Hockey Adult Council; and was the chairman of the industry committee that produced the Ice Industries Research Report in 2006. He is married with three daughters and a granddaughter.