Mason Drew
by Susan Geary
From a very early age, Mason Drew knew he wanted to own a roller rink. In 2021, the Vinton native accomplished that very goal when he purchased the Firehouse Skate ‘N Play, located at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Feather Road, across from the Shell Station. “Growing up and spending a lot of time in the rink,” said Mason, “I told the owners, Brian and Amy Horne, that one day I would own it, and I made it happen.”
The Family Fun Center was formerly known as the Olympic Skate Center. Built in 1971, Firehouse Skate ‘N Play shares a similar floor plan with two other skating rinks in the Roanoke Valley. In 2005, Brian and Amy Horne purchased Olympic and briefly closed it for major renovations before reopening in February of 2006. Brian was a fourth generation Christiansburg Volunteer Firefighter, which is how the rink got its name. Because the couple lived in Christiansburg with their young children, however, they hired Miss Angie to assist with managing the operation. Miss Angie also drove the Vinton school bus that transported Mason to and from elementary school every day.
“She always gave out free skating passes for school breaks and holidays,” says Mason. “I was in the 2nd grade and could only go to the rink when she was there so I could have supervision.”
Mason became good friends with Brian and Amy, as well as their children, who were close to his age. He earned their trust and was allowed to help out behind the souvenir counter. From there, he went on to learn all the different positions within a roller rink, including skate rental, snack bar, and floor guard. But the one job he really took control of was in the DJ booth. “I graduated to being the DJ and Master of the Microphone, and yet I couldn’t see over the top of the counter,” he remarked.
When Mason turned sixteen, he went to work at Chuck E. Cheese where he learned more about family entertainment, corporate policies and procedures, and fixing arcade machines, all of which were transferable skills that are very useful to skating rink owners. When he was eighteen, Mason became a Real Estate Agent, which he did for the next two years. Even from this very young age, Mason was a very astute young man with discipline, ambitions, and a solid work ethic. He got an early start on a trajectory that will surely serve him well in life!
Eventually, the Hornes asked Mason to return Firehouse as a co-Manager. Within six months of his return, he became General Manager when his colleague left to join the State Patrol. As General Manager, Mason not only continued his education in running the rink, but also continued learning all the aspects of running a business.
Sadly, Brian Horne passed away in 2019. Not long afterward, Amy decided to sell the rink to Mason. Not only did this make Mason the CEO of Firehouse Skate ‘N Play, but it also made him the youngest roller rink owner in the United States at the age of twenty-one! Well, that was actually a title he’d earned three month earlier, when he purchased FunQuest in Lynchburg, which he did as soon as he became old enough to sign legally binding contracts.
Since signing the papers, there have been many changes. With plans of multiple attractions, the name was elongated to Firehouse Skate ‘N Play Family Fun Center. Other noticeable improvements include updated paint, safer restroom floors, better skate rentals, a color cloud light wave, an enhanced sound system, and monthly events to keep guests engaged. Mason also conducts community outreach with Stock ‘n Roll, an annual school supply drive, STEM Field Trip Lessons, and free bookmarks for teachers to encourage kids to read. Additionally, the rink’s employees and best customers participate on skates in parades and other events in Vinton.
Firehouse offers more than just roller skating. Inside is a children’s indoor playground, modern video arcade games, private party rooms, and a redemption prize counter. Plus, there are special events for all ages and seasons. This includes Toddler Time where kids can meet and greet costumed characters and princesses, Santa, the Easter Bunny, Halloween trick or treating, and New Year’s Eve Parties. For adults 21+, Firehouse also offers Sip ‘n Skate, where alcohol is available.
While Firehouse has plenty of public sessions for skaters of all skill levels, Mason reminds parents to check the website and be aware of the rink’s drop off policy. “One thing we are not is a babysitting service. We’re here to entertain families whether on or off skates.” Next on his list of projects is a new coat of paint with a new color for the building exterior. Later this year, laser tag will be the newest attraction at the Firehouse Skate ‘N Play Family Fun Center.
Firehouse Skate ‘N Play Family Fun Center
Mason Drew • www.firehousesk8.com • 540-890-2250
1620 E. Washington Ave. Vinton, VA