Purpose | Eligibility | Nomination Process | Selection Process | Award Presentation | Nominate | Past Inductees

Purpose

The Industry of Excellence award recognizes TICA members who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact within the ice cream industry. The goal of this award is to highlight industry excellence and best practices, encourage innovation and advancement in the field, provide a platform for showcasing industry leadership, and recognize individuals/organizations who have made a significant positive impact on the industry.

Eligibility

To be considered for The Ice Cream Association's Industry of Excellence Award, a nominee must meet all of the following criteria:  
  • Served at least five years in the ice cream industry.
  • Held TICA membership for at least two years. 
  • Made significant contributions to the ice cream industry in the fields of (but not limited to): 
    • Community and industry engagement - Sharing best practices and education; Establishing benevolent partnerships; Engaging in philanthropic efforts.
    • Innovation - Packaging; Dietary alternatives; New flavor/product development.
    • Market leadership and growth - Marketing; Sales performance and expansion; Brand recognition; Innovative programs increasing ice cream sales throughout the industry.
    • Operational excellence - Asset management; Chain logistics; Quality control; Safety standards.
    • Sustainability efforts - Sourcing practices; Waste minimization; Emissions reduction.
  • Past recipients are not eligible to win this award more than once. 
  • Different representatives from the same member company may win this award in future years, but only one representative per company per year. 

Nomination Process

Self or peer nominations are accepted (members only). You may nominate as many individuals from your own company or another company as you wish.
Submission requirements:
  • Completed nomination form.
  • Narrative (200-word min. and 500-word max.) explaining why the nominee should receive this award, including specific examples.
  • Up to 5 supporting materials are encouraged (e.g., media coverage, performance data, testimonials).

Selection Process

  • Nominations will be reviewed and scored objectively by the Awards Committee using a standardized rubric. 
  • There may be more than one award recipient per year; however, only one recipient per company is permitted annually. The Awards Committee will consider the total number of award winners for the year and the length of the Awards Ceremony. 
  • Nominees will be notified of the outcome by the Chair of the Awards Committee before the end of summer. 

Award Presentation

  • Award is presented at the TICA Awards Ceremony, typically held in conjunction with the Annual Convention. 
  • Award recipient will receive recognition via: 
    • On-stage presentation during the Awards Ceremony. 
    • Feature in TICA’s monthly newsletter. 
    • Highlight on the TICA website and social media channels. 
  • Award recipient will receive: 
    • An official Industry of Excellence trophy. 
    • One complimentary registration to the Annual Convention in the year the award is presented (as long as the recipient is not currently active in the ice cream industry).
Nominations Will Open March 2026

2025 Inductees

Bob Fisher

 

Bob’s journey in the ice cream industry began in 1984 at Häagen-Dazs in the Fort Apache area of the Bronx, New York. His talent and dedication quickly earned him roles in plant management and finance, eventually leading to a transfer to Minneapolis to oversee operations. Later, in Miami, he managed Direct Store Delivery (DSD) until Dreyer’s acquired Nestlé. Afterward, Bob joined Eskimo Pie, later Southwest Traders, before moving to Unilever (The Magnum Ice Cream Company), where he has spent the past 18 years making significant contributions to the company’s success. During his 41 year career, Bob has worked on premier industry brands, developing best practices for the distribution community.

Rob Kaleck & Steve Matthews

Best friends since first grade, Rob Kaleck and Steve Matthews have been business partners for 40+ years and co-founders of Philadelphia Water Ice , which grew from a small Port Richmond shop into the nation’s leading food service water ice manufacturer. Their company’s success, expanded through Richman’s Ice Cream and Top Banana, is built on hard work, loyalty, and family. At 60, Rob and Steve remain hands-on, with their wives, children, and extended family, deeply involved in the business. Known for their integrity, and dedication, they’ve supported TICA for over 6 years.