there is a common reality that is true for all within the industry. That common reality is the seasonality of this industry. This common thread of seasonality affects all businesses within The Packaged Ice Industry. Ice manufacturers and distributors, no matter what area of the country they call home, experience the challenges of operating a highly seasonal business. Similar challenges of operating within a seasonal market are realized by ice industry suppliers and equipment manufacturers alike. Operating a seasonal business is an annual transition from feast to famine. Businesses within the Packaged Ice Industry take this seasonality to the extreme due to the overwhelming effects the weather has on our market. Although many of the static operating costs remain constant throughout the year, the summer season is the time that produces the majority of our annual income. In addition, the blessing of a hot summer can yield tremendous opportunities for company profits. Although, that same blessing may prove to be a curse for other aspects of our lives.
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The challenge for all of us involved in this seasonal market is to find balance in our daily lives. No matter how hard we work and how many opportunities and challenges we face, we must constantly remind ourselves that our professional carreers are not our lives but only a part of the many aspects of living. Take time out to live. Seek out moments with family and friends even during the busiest of times. Although a full weekend with the family during the summer may be out of the question, dinner with the family a few times a week may be do able. Schedule time with the kids; once again, this doesn’t have to be a full day, but catching your son’s baseball game once-ina-while may be possible. Take your wife out on a date. Unfortunately, during extremely busy times, your spouse most likely gets the least quality time and attention from you. Remember, it’s the little things, that if experienced on a regular basis, make all the difference in a satisfying life. As the season heats up, don’t lose focus on the ones we love. Remember the reason we work so hard and don’t forget to live.
