Mark Sundara founded Asheville Ice shortly before he enrolled at A-B Tech in the Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology program. His business is a local ice machine sales, rental and repair company located at the Small Business Incubator at A-B Tech Enka.
A friend of his gave Sundara an ice machine and Sundara was able to rent it out to start his business. “I took the classes at A-B Tech because I needed to be able to fix them,” he said. He came to the Small Business Center for office and warehouse space. “I spoke to Jill Sparks (Small Business Center Executive Director) two years ago and told her I thought I had something. She has been a tremendous resource and helped me out so much.”
Sundara rents ice machines to restaurants, bars and other venues and provides service and maintenance for commercial refrigerators and freezers. “Eventually, I would like to deliver ice as well. I have ice machines all over town,” he said.
He graduated with his degree from A-B Tech in December 2017. “Richard Gibson (Air Conditioning Chair) has been a huge mentor and resources for me. He has been a big help. I can call him and he will always help with any questions,” Sundara said.