Our Team

Robbie Harrell
Founder & CEO

As Founder & CEO, Robbie is Minnesota Ice’s compass. An entrepreneur and startup lover from the jump, Robbie brings a tenacity for business that drives Minnesota Ice forward.

Since founding the company in 2013, Robbie has set the visionary direction for what's possible. He sees opportunity in places where others cannot and relentlessly problem solves to get there.

Robbie is a mover and shaker who is unafraid to get his hands dirty. He oscillates from high-level, strategic business planning to in-the-trenches with his team. His passion for Minnesota Ice is palpable; Robbie lives and breathes this business.

Erik Eastman
Director of Sales

Since he joined in 2017, Erik has been instrumental in the Minnesota Ice business. He has a deep passion for the product lines and an exceptional ability to cultivate relationships with bars, restaurants, retailers, and beyond. His passion and skill have expanded Minnesota Ice’s business from a half dozen locations in 2017 to hundreds today. His desire to ensure that each customer experiences something unforgettable has been crucial in the success of the brand.

Richard Beltzer
Chicago Sales

Hailing from Anchorage, AK, Richard relocated to Chicago in 2016, where he helped launch Bad Hunter, an innovative restaurant focused on natural wine, inventive cocktails, and vegetarian cuisine. Despite Bad Hunter's closure during the Covid pandemic, Richard continued to thrive in the industry, managing the beverage program at renowned Italian restaurant Monteverde. Subsequently, he joined the Minnesota Ice team, further enriching his expertise and contributions to the food and beverage scene in the Chicago market. Outside of work, Richard is a photographer and consultant to local bars and restaurants.

Mark Lawson
Lead Engineer

Mark’s dedication to Minnesota Ice has been profound. An engineering and mechanical whiz, Mark touches everything from carving ice blocks to maintaining all the machinery in the Minnesota Ice shop. No machine or piece of equipment is too big a challenge; without his fearlessness and dedication, Minnesota Ice wouldn’t be where it is today.

Trevor Pearson
Lead Sculptor

Arguably one of the best ice carvers in the country, Trevor is an artistic, ice sculpting genius. His attention to detail, creativity, hustle, and commitment to his craft is unmatched. He can transform any client’s dream or idea into a tangible, real-life experience. He brings his unique skill set to the team every day and has worked tirelessly to grow Minnesota Ice’s sculpture business.

Chris Swarbrick
Pro Sculptor

Chris Swarbrick, an illustrious ice carver with an impressive 30-year career, has teamed up with Minnesota Ice to elevate its ice sculpture division. Widely celebrated for his masterful creations, Chris brings a wealth of experience and boundless creativity to the team. His profound expertise not only enriches the artistic endeavors of Minnesota Ice but also contributes a unique perspective to the craft. Chris plays a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of ice sculpting, ensuring that Minnesota Ice continues to captivate audiences with unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation.

Kim Kalina
Director of Marketing & Design

From graphic design to strategic marketing, Kim is highly skilled in her ability to pivot and turn based on the changing demand. With over 20 years of experience in the design and advertising industry, Kim knows the intricacies of marketing the Minnesota Ice product lines. Her willingness to put time and creative energy into everything she does can be seen and felt by the Minnesota Ice team and customers.

Jackson Felde
Operations Manager

Jackson brings an energy that Minnesota Ice didn’t know it needed. He is always willing to dive into a problem, no matter how messy or complicated. Jackson loves to learn and listen and has adapted quickly to working in the ice industry. His commitment to his work and his team is unbeaten. Jackson ensures that everyone is set up for success; he is always going above and beyond.

Sean Zeller
Event Manager

Sean brings a dynamic blend of creativity and operational expertise to his role as Event Manager at Minnesota Ice. With over a decade of experience in orchestrating large-scale events, Sean has a proven track record of turning visionary concepts into unforgettable experiences. His commitment to excellence and a detail-oriented approach ensures that each event not only meets but exceeds expectations. Passionate about creating impactful moments and community connections, Sean is poised to elevate the Minnesota Ice Festival and other signature events to new heights.

Leslie Sather
Project Manager

Leslie brings over 15 years of experience in management and sales support, primarily in the food safety industry. With almost a decade focused on sales and marketing in the U.S., and project management oversight based overseas, Leslie's expertise in diverse programs, logistics, and project management is an invaluable asset to the Minnesota Ice team.

James Tellez Anclm
Production Manager

As Production Manager, Jaime directs a team of skilled workers with an innovative approach that keeps production running smoothly and with great efficiency. He is always finding unique ways to create bespoke products for our customers and partners. When he isn’t overseeing ice production, Jaime supports our Ice Sculpting business by joining forces with Trevor to carve elaborate sculptures and ice experiences. Jaime is a hard working, collaborative, integral part of our team.

Mike Theisen
Logistics Manager

With his deep working knowledge of Minnesota Ice’s clientele and product lines, Mike is able to successfully oversee delivery services for the brand. As someone who has grown within the Minnesota Ice team, Mike’s hard working, thorough approach and clear point-to-point communication help to streamline the logistics of the business.