Today we’d like to introduce you to Robbie Harrell.
Hi Robbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I always wanted to start my own business. I saw how different business leaders and entrepreneurs were carving their way into the world and supporting their communities with resources, products, and jobs. I wanted to create something that would impact others. I worked for an ice carver delivering sculptures in college, where I was first introduced to the industry. Initially, the company I started after college was Minnesota Ice Sculptures, but focusing on just one product would make it challenging to be profitable and stay in business. Getting into manufacturing ice, precisely craft cocktail ice, seemed like a natural way to expand since we were already working with ice blocks. We also got into bagged ice later on to expand our product offerings. It’s essential to diversify your products while still staying within your lane. Our sculpture business continues to grow yearly, and we’ve started working on many ice bars for local businesses during the winter. We’re happy to help these restaurants and bars maximize their space and business during the cold months. Our cocktail ice is now available nationwide, and we’re proud to have people around the country turn to a Minnesota company for their ice needs. In the last few years, we’ve also launched the Minnesota Ice Festival featuring the Minnesota Ice Maze. We’re so proud to be a part of our local community and love to give back and create unique experiences for others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been smooth sailing, but the bumps in the road are what have set us up for success over the years. One of our first big contracts was with the Minneapolis Boat Show to create a life-sized ice sculpture of a boat. We underestimated the resources, time, and money to put it all together and then tear it down. I turned to family and friends to help, and they all came through. I learned a lot through that experience about not selling myself and my products short, and I’m glad we took a chance and went for it. It shaped how I approached new projects and ventures after that.
In the last few years, we’ve launched the Minnesota Ice Festival featuring the Minnesota Ice Maze. In the last few years, we’ve launched the Minnesota Ice Festival featuring the Minnesota Ice Maze. We were excited for 2024 and were going to attempt to build the most extensive ice maze ever. But the weather forced us to cancel the whole thing. It wasn’t what we wanted, but we changed plans, adapted, and used the materials from the maze for other projects throughout the winter.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your business.
At Minnesota Ice, we’re committed to providing a top-notch experience for our customers. This means going above and beyond and creating long-lasting relationships with our customers. We do whatever we can to make a first-class experience for them and their patrons whenever they work with us.
We started out making ice sculptures, and the pieces we continue crafting are growing and becoming wilder yearly. Our sculptors and engineers are the best in the business, and we’re proud to be able to provide something that helps our customers create unforgettable memories.
Our Pure & Clear cocktail ice sets the standard for what cocktails and NA drinks should taste and look like. We’ve created an efficient and consistent process for every cube we make, meaning customers will know what to expect with every sip they take. We work with bars and restaurants all over the Twin Cities area in Minnesota and Chicago, but we’ve also expanded, and anyone can order our ice online. We’re shipping the cubes across the country and are excited that everyone can experience what Minnesota Ice is all about.
Do you have any big plans?
Our company continues to grow, and thanks to the diversity of our products, we stay busy year-round. After canceling the Minnesota Ice Festival in 2024, we plan to bring that back in 2025 to celebrate all the beauty of winter in Minnesota with our community. We’re leading the ice industry with our customized sculptures, specialty cocktail cubes, and ice events, and we’re looking forward to continuing to go above and beyond for our customers day in and day out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://minnesota-ice.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mn.ice/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotaice
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minnesota-ice/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/minnesotaice/
Image Credits
Snack Media, Erik Eastman
