Robert Snellstrom Since 1972Hello, my name is Robert Snellstrom. Most everyone knows me as Bob. I’ve been with Skate Country since 1972. I grew up in Tucson and went to school at Steele, Marshall, Magee, Sahuaro and the University of Arizona. In 1975 I was transferred by Skate Country to New Orleans to manage one of their new facilities. I loved New Orleans and became a huge Saints fan. In 1992 I had the opportunity to return home to Tucson and buy Skate Country. My staff and happy kids on skates make my job all the more enjoyable. I am a huge sports fan and enjoy being outdoors.
Skate Country started as a growing, multiple facility, corporation out of Iowa. Founded by Donald Laughlin, Richard Nemmers and three other individuals, Skate Country first opened its doors in Tucson in 1972 with this 7980 E. 22nd St location. It is Laughlin and Nemmers, and their wives, Kathy and Marianne, who all stayed active with the corporation through the year 2000, in which everyone who has ever shared a happy moment while at Skate Country, owes a world of thanks. Laughlin and Nemmers, while never being in the skating business before, brought their deep rooted family values to the City of Tucson. Within a few years Skate Country added a second Tucson facility on Oracle, which shortly after that moved to 2700 N. Stone. By the early 1980’s, Skate country had 9 locations in four states. In the early 1990’s, Skate Country started to sell each individual business. This 22nd St. location was purchased by Robert Snellstrom in 1992. And thanks to the City of Tucson, this skating business is alive and well. . Skate Country is of course a skating business. But much more than that, Skate Country is a family business. We take pride in the fact that we share the same family values as this great City of Tucson. At least eight current employees had past generation family members that once worked at Skate Country or still work at Skate Country. In fact, Skate Country’s eight member management crew has 140 plus years on the job! We will always strive for perfection and the true indicator of perfection for us is 40 years and counting of happy customers and fond memories.
What makes us Different ?
Skate Country is a hands on progressive Roller Skating Business. Not only do we strive to connect and stay involved with as much of the Tucson Community and School Systems as possible, we are also keenly aware of the times and what the public and in particular our new generation of kids demand. At the same time, we will never lose touch of our core values and providing a SAFE, CLEAN, WHOLESOME and HEALTHY ATMOSPHERE!
Management Crew
Marlene LeerSince 1995Hi, my name is Marlene Leer. I have always loved to skate and I landed my dream job at Skate Country in 1995, starting in the snack bar then floor guarded/DJ. I went to school originally for nursing and an opportunity that i always dreamed of was available here and I couldn’t pass it up. Currently I am co-owner of Skate Country with the goal of carrying on the fun, affordable, family friendly atmosphere we have always been known for. One of the many reasons I enjoy working at Skate Country is getting to meet many new people, I truly love it and it’s a blast. There is NEVER A DULL MOMENT! In my spare time…. Wait I don’t have spare time.
Todd Leer Since 1995 My name is Todd Leer. I have been associated with Skate Country since 1995, while at the same time, maintaining my welding/fabrications business “Leer Fabrication”. The last few years, since I married my lovely wife, Marlene , I’ve become more focused on Skate Country full time. I grew up in Tucson and attended Steele, Gridley and Sahuaro, class of 1987. I furthered my education at ABC Tech and Trade School graduating with an Associates Degree as a Master Welder. I enjoy my job at Skate Country because it allows me to interact with many interesting and amazing people. My favorite part of my job is selling skates and helping customers with problems big and small. My favorite thing to do with my free time is to spend it with my wife and son “Nick” riding quads in the Southern California dunes.
Patty Since 1994 My name is Patty. I’ve been with Skate Country 17 plus years, starting in 1994. I also am a full time employee at Royal Buick where I’ve been for over 30 years. One of the most gratifying experiences for me working at Skate Country has been watching kids grow into young adults and returning with kids of their own. I still enjoy roller skating and working around my home.
Troy Wyatt Since 2001 Hi, I’m Troy Wyatt. I started with Skate Country a little over 10 years ago in 2001. For me, it has always been a fun and exciting place to come to work. The most enjoyable time of the day is when we open our doors to greet our many smiling customers. Working here has allowed me to meet many great people and develop many lifelong friendships.
Brian SorensenMy name is Brian Sorensen and I am the newest and youngest manager at Skate Country. Following in the footsteps of my dad, uncle, cousins, older brother and sister, I started working at Skate Country as skate tender in 2009 and worked my way up. I started as a manager in 2013 after my Dad, who was a manager, moved to Boston. With my dad’s move, I adopted his idea that Skate Country should always be a fun family place. To insure that this happens, I am constantly working with employees and customers in hopes of providing the best family experience possible. Outside of Skate Country, I am working on my bachelor degree in Business Administration at Pima Community College and hopefully soon at the University of Arizona. When I am not going to school or work, I volunteer at Pantano Christian Church as one of the middle school leaders. When I do have free time I spend it reading the Bible and spending time with my family and friends.
Steve Gabany Since 1975 Hello, my name is Steve Gabany. I started with Skate Country in 1975 as a skate attendant. From there I moved into management. Eventually I became General Manager and part owner of Tucson’s 2700 N. Stone location. When that facility closed, I opened Arizona Skate Center in Marana. Currently I am employed full time at Costco as well as a couple days a week at Skate Country. I still enjoy coming to work and seeing all of the friends I’ve made in my 35 plus years in the skating business. I have two grown children, one son who now works at Skate Country and a daughter and grandson. I still enjoy skating, mostly on adult night where I’m still known to “tear it up” once in a while.
Christopher Farmer Since 1993 My name is Christopher Farmer. I’ve been with Skate Country since 1993, almost 20 years. There are five key elements that make working at Skate Country great. They are fun, family, friends, exercise and entertainment. I also have a full time job at Global Solar making solar panels for residential and commercial use. I enjoy spending my spare time with my wife and daughter and doing family activities.
Donation Coordinator
Amy Reid
My name is Amy Reid and I am the Donations Coordinator at Skate Country. I have been a part of the Skate Country team for over 5 years. I love my job as Donations Coordinator because it’s a rewarding experience to be able to reach out and give to so many worthy organizations from within the Tucson community. In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors and going to school.
Team Facts
- 50% of employee’s are students in college.
- Between all of the Skate Country management crew, we have 142 years of experience .
- The average employee including managers is 6.5 years on the job.
- The most people in one family to work here are the Sorenson’s, with 5 employed here at the same time!
- Skate country is open an average of 360 days a year!