From Passion to Pro Service: Meet Colin Newman of Rinks and Links
Colin Newman, owner of Rinks and Links and participant in the Starter Company Plus program, is bringing something new to Collingwood with a business rooted in passion and customer care. With more than 25 years of experience sharpening skates and servicing equipment, Colin knows that the little details make all the difference. Whether it’s hockey players gearing up for a big game or golfers looking to improve their swing, he takes pride in offering services that keep people performing at their best.
At Rinks and Links, customer service comes first. Colin enjoys getting to know his clients and making sure their needs are met, whether that means precision skate sharpening, golf club regripping, or convenient team services with free pickup and delivery. He’s always learning, always improving, and always focused on helping players feel confident in their gear. We asked Colin to share more about his journey, his business, and what inspires him along the way.
Read on to learn more.
Tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur. What sparked the idea to start your business?
It sounds funny to say, but my journey as an entrepreneur started when I was very young. I was always fascinated with sports, especially hockey and golf. Going to different sports stores and looking at all the equipment, I would think, “it must be so cool to work here…and talk about sports all day.” After many life changes, almost 30 years were spent in a career in the sporting goods retail and service industry. As Covid started, my wife and I wanted a change and, like so many others, we left the hectic city life and made the move up to Collingwood where we had vacationed for many years. Once again, I found myself at a crossroads in my career, and it was my wife who gave me the encouragement and confidence to pursue my passion by putting my love for sports and customer service to good use.
What products or services do you offer, and how do they solve a problem or meet a need?
At Rinks and Links, I offer professional skate sharpening and golf club regripping services designed to save time, improve performance, and keep equipment in top condition. For hockey players and skaters, precision sharpening is provided to maximize edge control and safety, along with convenient pickup and delivery so families don’t have to squeeze one more errand into their busy schedules. For golfers, it’s expert regripping that improves comfort, control, and consistency while on the course. As Collingwood and the surrounding area continue to grow with young families, I help meet the community’s demand for quality service, convenience, and expertise in both hockey and golf—right in their own backyard.
Who or what do you turn to for creative ideas and business inspiration?
With over 25 years in customer service and gear care, I’ve seen what works. Inspiration is often pulled from an old-school principle of giving great customer service by treating every customer as friends and family. Conversations with customers while sharpening skates or regripping clubs are often the most inspirational and can lead to some great marketing ideas. By watching how NHL and PGA pros are treated by their techs, I’ve adapted the “pro treatment” model for my customers. Finally, through social media, I lean on equipment review channels and sports culture podcasts for additional marketing and service ideas.
What sets your business apart? What do you want people to remember about you?
One thing I feel that sets me apart is that as a customer you’re receiving consistency in every sharpen or club service. For me, it has always been about the one-on-one service—you’re not just dropping off gear, you’re talking to someone who wants to get to know you, your sport, and how you like your skates or clubs to feel. I want people to remember the personal attention I give to each pair of skates or club. Sure, it’s a small shop, but it’s personal, reliable, and precise. At one point in time, we’ve all dreamed big, and I strive to give the same attention to detail to my customers as NHL players or PGA golfers get — only now it is delivered to local families and teams.
Why did you apply for the Starter Company Plus program, and what are you hoping to gain from it?
I applied for the Starter Company Plus program to accelerate the growth of Rinks and Links and strengthen its role in Collingwood’s active sports community. By offering one-on-one pro-level skate sharpening and golf club regripping, combined with convenient pickup and delivery, I felt this filled a unique gap in the local market.
Through the program, I’m looking to gain expert guidance in operations, marketing and branding support, and networking opportunities within the community. I hope to leave the program with a solid growth plan that supports my business, along with strong community engagement with local sport families and teams.
What do you love most about serving your community?
For me, it has to be talking with the people that make up the community. Learning where they come from, what they do, and where they play is always enjoyable. I’ve always loved chatting with people about sports but also getting to know them as individuals. That’s the one thing I feel there needs to be more of – less transactional and more personable service. It’s so easy to get caught up in “business,” but do you really know your customers?
What’s one piece of advice that keeps you grounded or motivated?
One piece of advice was to always celebrate the wins, no matter how big or small. A win is a win no matter what, and this helps me stay positive day to day.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since starting your business?
One thing I learned is that no matter how much you think you know… there’s always more to learn. You always need to have an open mind and not become set in your ways. The journey is never over, and that’s the best part. I love to learn new things and learn from others. Whether it’s from like businesses or from customers, that’s what it’s all about.
What’s your favourite product or service that you offer?
My favourite service has to be skate sharpening. It’s like I get into a zone when sharpening and it’s a bit of an art. I’ve always enjoyed skate sharpening, and when you’ve had a chance to sharpen some pretty important skates and those people liked it, that’s what it’s all about.
How do you prioritize work-life balance?
One of the best aspects of being an entrepreneur is being able to really have a work-life balance. Having worked for someone else, you hear about work-life balance but never really know how to do it. Now, I see how important it is to walk away for a minute, take a breath, and enjoy what you have. I always make time for my family as that is where my support comes from and what keeps me grounded.
What are your favourite local spots to visit on a day off?
Since moving to Collingwood and leaving the congested city life, I definitely enjoy the waterfront and trails with our family dog. However, I can’t leave out the many local eateries we have.
What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order while working?
Not to sound boring or simple, but it’s a Double Double from Tim’s. Such a Canadian thing to say, I know. However, when it’s time to go a little fancy, it’s a tall, non-fat Caramel Macchiato.
What quote or mantra keeps you inspired?
It’s definitely going to sound cliché for a guy who loves hockey… “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky. I’ve always used this one in life and at work. It simply reminds me that if you don’t even try, you’ll never know the outcome.
Connect with Colin:
Instagram: Instagram
Facebook: Facebook
Phone #: 249-225-0439
Photos: Victoria Mae Photography