WHO ARE WE?
Established in 2020 - That’s right folks Ice Mill, was formed at the peak of economic doubt. Who in the world would be crazy enough to roll the dice on starting a new business revolving around events… at the exact same time that absolutely no one was booking events? Well, probably someone that really loves the art form and believes in keeping a positive outlook on good things to come.
Patrick O’Brien - Certified IICA - Master Ice Sculptor
Growing up in the desert of Tucson Arizona ICE was never in great supply, but fortunately WATER was. Patrick’s youth was spent on a lake as a competitive water skier. Ranked among the top athletes in the country he scored numerous state, regional, and national titles, even winning the 2001 National Collegiate Title. Some would say he’s always been in love with water in some form or another. Now a father of four young children, day to day life is certainly an adventure! Patrick believes raising his kids to have fun, inspire others, and to have kind hearts is the first priority. Along this road Patrick’s wife has been his most steadfast supporter and has gotten him to where he is today. So with that being said how in the world did he become a master ice sculptor?
After becoming one of the most prolific fruit and vegetable carvers in the country with his first start-up known as The Fruit Carving Ninja, Patrick set his sights on the ice industry years ago, but wanted to wait until the timing was right. He has worked alongside industry greats for years learning the craft and honing his skills. He has worked as a sub-contracted sculptor on some of the largest ice projects in US history.
Ice Mill took the reins of what was “Masterpiece Ice Sculptures” est. 2002 - a company that has existed in Asheville, NC since 2001, but wanted to change things up and broaden the services available as well as the service area. Returning clients are in very capable hands. We wish to work with anyone looking to add some icy elements to their event. We hope you spend some time speaking with us and allow us to create with you! CONTACT US today and see what sets Ice Mill apart from the rest.
Vincent Marinelli - Production Manager
Vince sees himself as an unintentional hoarder of talents, happening upon opportunities and skills that he finds along the way and taking up new challenges because “it’s just interesting“. Originally from Raleigh, Vince has made Asheville his home since 2013 and found himself as a creative writing graduate, camp counselor, lead wilderness therapy staff, zip lining guide, tyedye artist, and, since 2023, ice sculptor. Vince enjoys his long hours in the freezer honing his craft and pushing himself with new ideas and challenges that ice presents itself with. In his spare time, Vince enjoys playing music, gym workouts, backcountry hiking, watching hockey (Go Canes!), and trolling his friends.
Scott Gadd - Food Service / Specialty Ice
Scott is a seasoned veteran in the hospitality industry with a wealth of experience. After completing his studies at Clemson University, he initially pursued a career as a number-crunching actuary. While this career path met his financial needs effectively, Scott found that his true passion lay in creative thinking and problem solving. Driven by this, he made the bold decision to dive into entrepreneurship. Scott successfully started and sold one of the first axe-throwing franchises in the United States, a pioneering venture at the time. Following this, he went on to develop an innovative entertainment concept bar, followed by yet another similar endeavor. During this period, Scott also entered the ice business and created the first solely cocktail ice companies in NC, where he has been able to blend his diverse skills and experiences. Today, he stands out as one of the most seasoned experts in ice and business strategy within the region. If you want to chat with someone who knows both sides of the coin he is your guy! Scott currently takes on multiple roles at the organization, with his primary focus centered on developing and managing our food ice programs.
Collin Atkins - Certified IICA -Master Ice Sculptor
Collin has been slinging ice for well over a decade. He got his start in the mountains of North Carolina later moving his career path to Florida where he is an industry veteran in foam sculpture and larger than life prop design. You can see his work all over central Florida with the big theme parks that must not be name #NDA. He decided to circle back to his passion of spending the days in a frozen tundra box of isolation AKA …a freezer and creating sculptures for private events, bars, restaurants and corporate functions.
Angelito Baban - Honestly, Ice Royalty
Writing a bio for this guy is tough—honestly, we’d need a whole website to capture his genius. Lito is one of the hardest working and most talented people we know. Sure, he’s featured as a standout artist on a few company pages, but the truth is, he doesn’t really work for us. He just blesses us with his skills whenever we need something turned into a masterpiece. And no, this isn’t sarcasm—it’s just plain fact.
Lito is one of the most decorated ice artists on the planet, creating sculptures that seem to break the laws of physics. Honestly, we’re starting to think he’s a wizard. Yep, it all adds up: LITO IS AN ICE WIZARD.
Oh, and if it can be carved, Lito’s your guy—wood, ice, sand, cheese, fruit—you name it. He’d probably carve air if it dared him. Total #ChuckNorris vibes.
We had to shine a spotlight on him here because, frankly, his talent deserves the hype.
Carver - Sr. Human Resources Officer & Generally Good Doggo
Carver, a skilled sculptor who joined the team in 2022, initially showcased "ruff" skills that gradually refined over time. Specializing in sculpting bones and high-end furniture, he meticulously examines his work, ensuring no "fetching" detail escapes his scrutiny. Known for his patience and adeptness with live demonstrations, Carver's disdain for carving cats stands out, opting to stick to his "terrier"-ific canines.
Holding a degree in fine bark from W.O.O.F University (Wonderful Only Optimistic Floof), he adores puns and holds his boss, Patrick, in high "paw"-se. Eager to connect, Carver eagerly awaits an opportunity to meet you, urging you to reach out to us today and see what all the tail-wagging excitement is about!
Banjo - Jr. Human Resources Officer & Generally Gooder Doggo
Carver, a new talented sculptor who became part of the team in 2024, is a great pup still honing his craft. He does in fact not know how to play the banjo despite his namesake. Banjo has big dreams to one day be as good as his brother Carver. Banjo is currently apprenticing under the entire team and will soon hold a certification in “GOOD BOYING”. I have too much fun putting stupid things on the website. Keywords… UHHH Ice Carving and Ice Sculpting.
Our Mission Statement
Ice Mill Ice Sculptures and Cocktail Ice was established with one goal in mind, to offer the highest quality ice sculptures and customer service possible while maintaining competitive market prices. Utilizing the latest technology and highly skilled sculptors we are confident we can make anything you want! Creativity is something we treasure and eagerly await to make your wildest dreams come true, so bring your most creative ideas to us, or let us get creative for your special occasion.
Whether you are getting married, celebrating an anniversary, birthday, bar/bat-mitzvah, holiday party, or showcasing a company logo/artwork, we want to provide a sculpture for you and your guests to enjoy. Our ice sculptures vary in size from single use sorbet dishes to grand ices carvings and displays that are larger than life. The majority of sculptures we create are custom made for each guest. In meeting the different needs of each individual client we have learned to provide a sculpture for every budget. We invite you to browse our gallery to get ideas of some of the sculptures we have created. Call or email us anytime. Quotes and design ideas are FREE!
Just give us a call and lets get this party started!