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How are Frigibar Cockpit Freezers DIfferent from Other Marine Refrigeration Units?

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Appliances play an important role in our lives. However, we rarely look through catalogs and learn about types of appliances before needing to replace one that’s going bad. This creates a small learning curve, meaning the buyer has to quickly learn the difference between what’s available and which unit will fit their exact needs and preferences.

Explore Your Options: Marine Refrigeration Options for Boats and Yachts: What’s Available?

When looking for an additional or replacement yacht freezer, there are significant differences between a Frigibar and other freezer/refrigerators on the market, but they aren’t always obvious. We asked Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky “What makes Frigibar Cockpit Freezers different from other marine refrigeration units?” Here’s what she had to say about the Frigibar Cockpit Freezers, which are the leading product in Frigibar’s product catalog:

“One of the most interesting things about Frigibar Cockpit Freezers is that they are designed to be outside on your vessel. This is unlike the majority of refrigeration options available for the galley or under a cabinet.

The Frigibar Cockpit Freezer line is designed to be part of the deck of the boat, giving you significantly more cold storage that might be hard to find in other sizes that are available. They are also pretty versatile in addition to the extra space that you will gain. You can put them on the sundeck and use them for additional seating if you decide on a bench seat.  

We provide options for a 3-inch or 1.5-inch cushion depending on the model that you’re interested in. These units blend in very nicely and enhance and expand the seating area.”

Learn more about Frigibar’s Cockpit Freezers and reserve yours today here!

What Should I consider when looking for a freezer for my boat?

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The appliances on your boat will impact the quality of your adventures. By choosing the right marine refrigeration units for your vessel, you’ll avoid the hassle and stress that comes with having a freezer that doesn’t fit your needs.

To help you navigate the purchasing process, we asked Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky, “What should a boat owner, captain, or crew consider when looking for a new freezer for a boat or yacht?” Shuly responded:  

“When looking for a freezer for your boat, there are a couple of things to consider. The first consideration is what is it that you want to do with the freezer?

  • Do you have a particular length of trip you would like to take?
  • Will you need the capacity to store food for two weeks, two months, etc.?

Starting with what you will use the freezer for will help you choose the right product.  

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In addition to knowing what you will use the freezer for, you need to consider how much space do you have available and what’s available on the market to fit that space?

  • In general, you want to get the largest freezer you can fit because you can never have too much freezer space.
  • You also want to be sure the application you’re going to be using the freezer for is appropriate for the location you plan to put it (on your boat), the environment that it will be in, and how it is you plan to use it and access it.

Asking yourself and answering those questions before you go out into the market to do the research will help you find the information that you need to make an informed and educated decision so you will get the most out of the product you purchase.”

With over 45 years of experience helping owners, captains, and crews find the right freezer for their vessels, we can help you find the perfect unit for your boat — even if it isn’t one of ours. Call Frigibar today to get the help you need to find your next marine refrigeration system: (305) 757-7697 or email us at shuly77@gmail.com.

Also read: Marine Refrigeration Fit: How to Determine What Size Freezer or Refrigerator is Right for Your Boat or Yacht

8 Ways a Boat Freezer Can Be Customized: Yacht Marine Refrigeration Customization

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We all take pride in our tools and toys. Our vessels can be both.

Making them uniquely our own is part of the joy of owning them. Just as your boat is unique and customized to your liking and style, your appliances can also be tailored to your wants and needs. Your vessel’s refrigeration is not likely to be your first thought when it comes to parts of your boat that can be customized, but there are many available options and reasons to have your refrigerator or freezer customized.

At Frigibar, our marine refrigeration options are designed to be as versatile as they are dependable and stylish. Regardless of the manufacturer you decide to work with when purchasing a freezer or refrigerator for your vessel, here are eight ways you may be able to customize your unit.

1.  Sizing

Space on your boat is limited. To fit in confined spaces, marine refrigerators and freezers can be crafted to fit in nearly any space you have available, whether on the deck, in the cockpit, or underneath a cabinet.

If you need help determining the size of the unit you can fit on your boat, read “Marine Refrigeration Fit: How to Determine What Size Freezer or Refrigerator is Right for Your Boat or Yacht.” Contact Frigibar and we can help you determine what’s the best fit for your boat and what customization options you should consider.

2.  Dual Control

Dual control is one of the most valuable customization options available. With dual control, you can utilize your unit as either a refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to keep your bait cold for a day-long fishing trip or your food safely frozen for a week long adventure.

Learn About Dual Control: How Dual Control for Refrigerators and Freezers Works

3.  Seating

Bench-style freezers make great seating options and are easily fitted with a cushion. Frigibar uses mildew-resistant 3-inch thick Snap-On marine cushions. They can be custom-designed and come in many different colors. They not only help you have additional seating, seat cushions can add to the look and feel of your boat.

4.  Colors and Finishes

No freezer or refrigerator should stick out like a sore thumb. Depending on the manufacturer and what you’re looking for, you can have a unit customized with a color that compliments your style and current design. At Frigibar, we offer custom gel coat colors and faux wood as customization options.

5. Alarms

Freezer alarms aren’t meant to tell you when someone is stealing your pint of ice cream, but to protect your entire freezer of food from spoiling. Defrost warning alarms work to give an audible indication when the freezer is failing, giving you the opportunity to save the contents. This is particularly helpful in marinas when no one may be on the boat.

6.  Mounting

Mounting options can set the look of your freezer or refrigerator apart from anyone else’s, and will make your unit easier to move. There are multiple options available in many different styles, materials and finishes. These mounting systems can help fasten a freezer to a boat’s deck and allow for quick release when needed to be moved. Custom mounts can also be fabricated to match the deck of a vessel.

7.  Motor Orientation

Some manufacturers give you the option for the orientation of the motor on the freezer/refrigerator unit. Say you want to have one unit on the starboard bow and the other on the port bow. Flipping the orientation of the motor on one of the units will ensure that the motor is not facing oncoming sea spray, and also make the units look uniform on the deck.

8.  Manufacturer-Specific Customizations

Each manufacturer offers something different. Even if a manufacturer doesn’t list the options you want, contact them to discuss. If wanting to explore Frigibar’s customization options, please call us at 305-757-7697 or email us at info@Frigibar.com.

 

 

Why is a freezer an important appliance for your boat or yacht?

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Who cares about a freezer? Well, we all should, but they are often not properly appreciated until a power outage or we don’t have enough freezer space for that long trip that we realize how important a freezer is.

Freezers save us money and keep our food safe.

When you’re out on the water, you don’t have easy access to a grocery store or restaurant. If all of your food spoils or you run out of food, your trip has to end whether you’re ready for it to or not. The right freezer with ample space can help extend your adventures and make sure your food is kept cold and fresh.

When asked why a boat or yacht owner should consider a Frigibar marine freezer system, Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky replied:

“Freezers are important appliances anywhere. If you want to keep anything frozen, you need a freezer!

If you’re considering whether or not it is important enough to take up space on your deck for a freezer, the considerations that you may go through are:

  • How much stuff do you want to bring with you?
  • How long of a trip would you like to take?
  • How many people do you need to feed for the duration of your trip or until your next provisioning location?
  • Do you want to entertain multiple guests, throw a party on your boat or you want to go fishing, and don’t want to deal with ice — a freezer is a great solution to make these desires possible and eliminate some of the hassles that come along with not having one.”

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Looking for the best freezer for your boat or yacht? Check out our product catalog: https://www.aquaair.com/products/. Have a question, contact a Frigibar representative today to get the answers you’re looking for. Call Frigbar at 305-757-7697, or email us at info@Frigibar.com.

Tips for Buying a Frigibar Marine Refrigeration System or Freezer

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ensign-open-mibs-2012For over forty years, Frigibar, based out of Miami, has manufactured the best in marine refrigeration to become beloved fixtures of boats and yachts traveling around the world. While we don’t have a retail storefront, we make it easy to get your hands on a Frigibar.

Frigibar freezer and refrigerator systems are available through Frigibar directly or one of our authorized retail partners and distributors, who can offer the same great price and quality you’ll get directly from us. Each freezer with the Frigibar logo will be of the highest quality, rust-free fiberglass construction, and handcrafted in Miami, Florida.

When considering purchasing a quality Frigibar marine refrigeration system, here are several tips to make the process as enjoyable and easy as possible:

  • Experience the Difference

Seeing and feeling a Frigibar in person is a great way to understand why they’re unique and trusted by captains and crews everywhere.

Frigibar exhibits at boat shows around the world, primarily in Florida, to meet with customers, captains, crews, boating enthusiasts and others and to display our units. In 2015-2016, Frigibar exhibited at the Miami International Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Refit International, METSTRADE, the Stuart Boat Show, the Bay Bridge Boat Show in Annapolis, MD, the New England Boat Show in Boston, MA, and the Newport International Boat Show.

We’d love to meet you and have you experience a Frigibar in person. Follow the Frigibar Blog to see what events we will be exhibiting at.

  • Visit a Frigibar Partner

Frigibar works with partners around the world. These partners allow us to showcase our products for customers at local and international boat shows, retail locations, captain’s lounges and more. Partners include SailorSams, Whiticar Boat Works, Yacht Equipment and Parts and Ultra Marine.

To see if there is a Frigibar partner in your area or an available unit to view or purchase, please contact us today.

In addition, while they may not have Frigibar units on display, your boat builder, refit yard, chandlery, project manager, or marine refrigeration service provider is also available to assist you in purchasing your unit.

  • Know Your Size and Style

Depending on the size of the space you have available on your boat and your style preferences, Frigibar manufactures 15 sizes in two different categories that all offer something unique. We have both chest and bench style freezers with varying dimensions and storage capacity.

To determine the size of the space you have available, view our Marine Refrigeration Fit Guide. View Frigibar’s full online product catalog here.

  • Custom Builds

You have an unlimited number of options when working with Frigibar. If you prefer something truly one-of-a-kind or your available space does not work with one of our best-selling freezers, we can custom build a unit just for your boat. Contact us for specifics.

  • Explore Custom Options

Custom builds aren’t the only way to both have the best marine freezer on your boat and have something no one else has. We have many custom options available to make your Frigibar your own.

Custom options include ‘Dual Control’ option (use as a freezer or refrigerator), 3-inch and 1-1/2” thick Snap-On marine cushions to allow your freezer to double as a seating option, custom gel coat colors, condensing unit orientation, and more. If you have a specific want or need that isn’t listed, please contact us.

  • Planning Your Order

While we keep some of our most popular sizes in stock, keep in mind that due to our many customization options, many units are built to order. Please allow enough time to order your Frigibar for that important trip or boat delivery. Contact Frigibar or one of our marine partners to find out current availability and time-frame for the unit you are interested in.

  • Call and Ask

We pride ourselves on truly looking out for your best interests, even if that means recommending a competitor’s solution. If you have a “go-to” person or company that handles all your vessel’s needs, we will be happy to help them assist you with your purchase. Read more about our approach to customer service here.

Please call us today for more information and to ask us any and all questions you may have: 305-757-7697.

Connect with Frigibar on social media! We provide regular updates, news, images, and more on our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram accounts.

 

 

Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky Featured On Entrepreneur Podcast Network

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Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky joined host Eric Dye on the Entrepreneur Podcast Network to discuss personal, business branding and relationship building. Here is the full transcript of the interview.

Frigibar Featured on Entrepreneur Podcast Network

Eric Dye: Frigibar is in Marine Refrigeration, which sounds like a very niche industry. How does Frigibar stand out in the industry?

Shuly Oletzky: “Frigibar has been around for about 45 years, and one of the things that we do to stand out in our industry is to provide exceptional quality products for our customers that not only enhance their lifestyle out on the water, but also helps them solve common problems that they come up against on their vessel.”

ED: Being an entrepreneur for you is about more than just running a business. You write for the Huffington Post business blog, exhibit at boat shows, go to networking events and conferences. Why are these types of efforts important for entrepreneurs?

SO: “You have to let people know that you’re out there. Getting out there, getting to trade shows, writing articles that are important to your consumers and partners — let’s them know that you exist. This is key in making sure that your business survives.

It also helps me meet new people and collaborate on new ideas and opportunities. In addition to that, I’ve found a lot of mentors by going to different events and conferences that have helped me in my business. “

ED: With a luxury product, something at the top price point in the market, how do you approach customer service and why is this extremely important for a luxury product?

SO: “Customer service is important because it makes people feel special. It makes them feel like you care, not only about their problems, but about their best interests. We provide customer service to a level that if we’re not the best product of fit for them, we will help them find that best product or fit for them.

We also know that there are a lot of companies out there that don’t provide customer service. We’re happy to do it because in addition to making people feel good, it also helps build our relationships with our customers.”

ED: For something like a refrigerator or freezer, how can you demonstrate it’s value over a product less than half of the price?

SO: “Consumer education is extremely important. Helping the consumers to understand why our products are different and why it’s specifically designed to be in the environment in which they’re in. Being on a boat is much different than being on land, and we build a product that accommodates that.

For example, we have a customer that is very hard on our units. We do our best to learn what it is that they need, and accommodate them by altering the products. They know that the general refrigerator that they can buy at a store won’t stand up.

That’s one of the things that we can also do for our customers, is customizing the products to meet the exact qualifications for their needs.”

ED: Partnerships are something valuable to every entrepreneur on the planet. Can you detail how you go about forming partnerships with other businesses and some tips for our audience of entrepreneurs?

SO: “I have to like the people I work with. Making sure that we get along, that we have some synchronicity, and that we can benefit from knowing and working with each other is key. When developing partnerships and relationships with other businesses, it’s important not only to complement our business, but hopefully give them some value as well.”

Listen to the full episode here on the Entrepreneur Podcast Network

Concluding Tip

SO: “One tip that I like to share with entrepreneurs is to write thank you notes. People don’t write many thank you notes anymore. When you can share with a customer that not only did you value the time that they took to spend with you to learn about whatever product or service that you had to offer them, but that you remembered speaking with them and that you were there to help them when they are ready.

Be very careful to not try to sell in your thank you note. Thank you notes are just about being gracious and showing your gratitude for the fact that they took the time to inquire.”

About Shuly Oletzky:

Shuly is the President of Frigibar Industries, Inc., America’s foremost manufacturer of quality marine refrigeration products, including fiberglass cockpit freezers and refrigerators, deck and dock boxes, ice chests and refrigeration kits for boats and yachts. Frigibar is a family-owned company that has been serving the Miami, Florida community and beyond for over 40 years. Shuly also serves on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals Florida, is the Co-Vice Chair of Easter Seals Get Down to Business Lunch in Palm Beach, Boat Show Committee Member for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and is an alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses program and Leadership Palm Beach County (LPBC).

Learn more about Shuly Oletzky at ShareIdeaswithPurpose.com

 

 

 

Frigibar Marine Refrigeration Products Now Available on SailorSams.com

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Established in 2003, SailorSams made a name for themselves by carving out a niche within the marine industry by specializing in selling 12v LED boat lights online. SailorSams is now a full marine retailer, carrying both common staples of the industry and exclusive partnerships and luxury products. “SailorSams has some products that everybody has, but we’re always looking for unique quality products — and Frigibar is certainly that,” says SailorSams’ Kyle Mosher.

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SailorSams has partnered with Frigibar Industries to provide the manufacturer’s boat and yacht refrigerators, freezers, and boxes to their wide base of customers. The Frigibar name has been synonymous with the highest quality marine refrigeration products for boats, yachts, docks and more for nearly 45 years. Asked why SailorSams is partnering with Frigibar, Mosher said, “Because there’s nothing else like it…I like finding things that are the best. Frigibar is hands-down the best in what they do.”

Frigibar’s products will be showcased in product pages on SailorSams.com. The Frigibar Captain Cockpit Refrigerator and Freezer is currently available at a discount and comes with several customization options to allow boat owners to best accommodate their boating adventures.

While SailorSams is primarily known as an online retailer, they and Frigibar have similar philosophies on creating personal relationships with customers, which requires in-person connections. “We work on creating real relationships that expand far outside of just our online presence. We exhibit at boat and trade shows and connect with customers to find out what they need and how we can fill that need within the marine industry,” says Mosher.

Asked why he’s passionate about the industry, Mosher replied, “I love the marine industry, and I love boating. I spend most of my summers out on the water. Since getting involved with SailorSams, I’ve been able to build some great relationships, like that with Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky.” Mosher and Oletzky were recently both exhibitors at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show at Miami Marine Stadium along with hundreds of exhibitors and over 100,000 boating enthusiasts. “The marine industry feels like a family. Primarily, we’re dealing with a fun industry created by people who are passionate about having a good time,” says Mosher.

Future opportunities for the partnership include making additional Frigibar products available to SailorSams audience, including deck boxes, dock boxes, fish boxes, and other refrigerator and freezer options.

2016 Miami International Boat Show Experience Recap: Frigibar Industries

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The 75th Miami International Boat Show is over, but we’ll be enjoying the experiences, connections, and memories from the show for years to come. This year’s show, which took place February 11-15, marked the 50th year Frigibar took part in the event as an exhibitor. According to the Miami Herald, over 1,200 new boats were on display and over 100,000 attendees were expected for the five-day show.

Frigibar was in Booth 554 in Tent C, right next to Brownie’s Yacht Diver. “They were great booth neighbors and brought a crowd to the area,” said Oletzky.

Brownie's Yacht Diver Booth

On the Friday of the show, the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Fishing Team stopped by the Frigibar booth to host a small reception to raise money for their charity, Southern Fishing Charities. What was planned to be an hour and a half gathering lasted over three hours and turned into a highlight of the show for many. The reception received a surprise visit from NMMA President Thom Dammrich, Outdoor Channel reality star Carter Andrews of The Obsession of Carter Andrews, and many others. The event raised $500 for the charity and was something exhibitors and attendees talked about for days afterward.

Liquid Fire Fishing Team

The Liquid Fire Fishing Team and Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky

The booth also got a visit from the red-hot Liquid Fire Fishing Team. The team was recently named the sports story of the year by the Tideland News. Read more about Liquid Fire and their great team in our interview with team captain Mark Henderson.

“This was a spectacular event, and we’re glad we were able to be a part of it. It’s hard to imagine all of the hard work that was done behind the scenes to pull this off just 16 months after it was first announced that the event would be coming to Miami Marine Stadium,” said Oletzky. The stadium was last used in 1992 and was renovated to bring the Miami Boat Show to the venue for its first event in over 20 years.

The venue did not disappoint. “My favorite aspect of this year’s show is that we were actually on the water! It felt like a real Florida boat show where everyone could enjoy the beautiful views of the beach, and the boats were in the water. It was something missing from previous shows and it added a special element to this year’s show,” said Oletzky.

There were many other firsts experienced by attendees and exhibitors at this year’s show. Organizers invested in free land and water shuttle services for attendees and there were over 10,000 available parking spaces. “There was a relaxed feel to the whole event even with it being so busy. The show was easy to navigate, there were tons of food options, and the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) staff was working directly with exhibitors and attendees to quickly help when any help was needed. The show got better each day,” said Oletzky.

During a pre-event interview on AM 880 The Biz, which aired Tuesday, February 9, Cathy Rick-Joule, NMMA Vice President of the Miami Boat Show said, “We believe we’ve found the future home of the boat show for many, many, many years to come at Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin.” We’re excited to see how the show takes advantage of the great space and location Miami Marine Stadium provides.

NMMA Vice President Cathy Rick-Joule announced her retirement at the show. “Cathy means so much to me and is the reason I’m so involved in the show. She’s caring and thoughtful, and really helped in my transition to President of Frigibar and making sure our family-owned business would still be involved in the Miami Show, there are no words to express my gratitude for her guidance and friendship over the years.” said Oletzky. Rick-Joule will provide guidance in a consulting role to ensure a smooth transition going forward. Frigibar would like to thank Rick-Joule for her support and amazing work with the NMMA and Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show.

Next up, Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky will be visiting the 31st Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show (March 17-20). After exhibiting for the five-day Miami show, Shuly will be able to speak with exhibitors and attendees at the show as an attendee herself. “The Palm Beach Show is such a fun show and will be a great time. It’s always great to exhibit at a show, but this will be a refreshing opportunity to get out from behind the booth and network with all of the exhibitors and see the whole show,” said Oletzky.

“If you didn’t get a chance to come this year, come next year (to the Miami Beach International Boat Show). It’s only going to get better,” said Oletzky to end our post-event interview. Dates for the 2017 Miami International Boat Show have not yet been released. Follow the show on Facebook for updates and news.

About Frigibar Industries, Inc.

Frigibar Industries, Inc. is one of the longest established manufacturers of marine refrigeration. Frigibar was started in 1971 by Founder and President Sheldon Oletzky, a twenty-one year veteran of the United States Navy and experienced aerospace engineer. In 2011, Sheldon’s daughter Shuly Oletzky took on the role of CEO and President of Frigibar and strives to grow the company’s legacy of providing the best in marine refrigeration. These freezers have taken on a secondary meaning; on-deck fiberglass freezers are referred to by boat builders and owners worldwide as Frigibars. Frigibar provides hand-crafted, marine refrigeration systems of the highest quality.

Follow Frigibar on Twitter, Instagram, and like our Facebook page to keep updated throughout the year and see what we’re up to.

Frigibar Exhibiting at Refit International 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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The Refit International Exhibition and Conference, taking place January 28-29 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is a new trade event from Professional BoatBuilder Magazine. The show will start a day after the International Marina and Boatyard Conference, also held in Ft. Lauderdale.

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Refitting is the process of updating a used boat or yacht to fit the wants and needs of current or future owners. Refitting can include repairing, restoring, mending, and completely renovating a vessel. The Refit International Exhibition and Conference was created to share ideas, information and resources on boat refitting.

The two-day event runs concurrently with an exhibition area, which will include marine refrigeration manufacturer Frigibar Industries, Inc. and is free to attend. The exhibitors will give attendees, including boat builders and enthusiasts, an opportunity to meet with many companies that can help them with projects and restoration. “We want to make sure boat yards and boat builders know that we have products and services that can help them during the refit. We can do custom jobs for refits as well,” says Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky.

Manufacturing marine refrigeration products in Miami, Florida for over fifty years, many boats and yachts around the world proudly utilize Frigibar cockpit freezers, deck boxes, and more, many of which several decades old. Frigibar will discuss how to properly care for units, restore and fix them with the crews and builders at the show. “There are a lot of boatyards in the area that might not be aware that we do more than aftermarket products. We can help them to design and build a custom solution,” says Oletzky.

Not having a retail space, boat shows provide an excellent opportunity for builders and boat owners to meet with Shuly Oletzky and experience Frigibar freezers and refrigerators in person. “I love meeting boat owners and builders to network with and learn about their vessels,” says Oletzky, who learned about the event from US Superyacht Association (USSA) Association Manager Kitty McGowan. Shuly continued, “we invite attendees to come and visit us at Booth 229, and are really looking forward to the show!”

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and like our Facebook page to keep updated throughout the year and see what we’re up to.

METSTRADE 2015: Marine Trade Show Recap

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Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky has returned from Amsterdam after traveling to and exhibiting at METSTRADE 2015, the world’s largest marine equipment trade show. The show, which took place November 17-19 featured over 1,300 exhibitors from over 40 countries showcasing their products throughout nearly two-dozen pavilions. According to Boating Industry, overall attendance at METSTRADE 2015 was up 5.7 percent from 2014, which is a new record for the event.

METSTRADEThis show was the first METSTRADE event for Oletzky and a truly unique experience. When asked how this show was different from the 100 or so she’s attended in the past, Oletzky said, “One of the biggest differences of this show outside of being in Amsterdam, which was amazing, is that this was a business-to-business show and not aimed at end-users like at the other shows we participate in.” At METS she got access to meet partners and companies from around the world that she may not have been able to otherwise.

“Businesses in this industry truly understand the product — they want a way to contact you in the future, learn how to partner together, and begin a conversation on how a relationship can be mutually beneficial.” There are businesses at every show, but the atmosphere of this show was unlike that of consumer-focused shows. “I think the focus of the attendees is much different because there is a big emphasis on networking and improving and growing their business.”

One of the highlights was meeting the founders of a company in Greece that frequently works with Frigibar freezers while doing maintenance and repairs. “Having the opportunity to understand how a completely different market perceives our products and how they perform in a different part of the world was extremely valuable information,” said Oletzky. Although many stopped by, the entrepreneurs and executives in attendance moved quickly as most of them had an agenda and specific strategies when maneuvering around the show.

Asked for her favorite part of the experience at the show, Oletzky said, “the access I had to meet representatives from the US Department of Commerce located in Europe. I had a few opportunities to spend some time with them and learn about the European market. The education I received from them was really valuable.”

When attending an event for the first time, it can be hard to know what to expect, but Oletzky felt right at home. “I didn’t know what to expect because it was my first year, and I was extremely surprised with how much support I received while at the show. As soon as I found my booth on set-up day my freight forwarder was there to confirm the delivery of our showpiece. Shortly following, my contact from Enterprise Florida stopped by and assisted me in getting acclimated. Within the next 20 minutes the North America sales representative from the RAI was also at the booth to check in on things. It was very comforting and helpful to have all of this support,” says Oletzky.

Frigibar and Shuly Oletzky will now take a short break from attending shows before gearing up for the Miami International Boat Show in early February (February 11-15).

Don’t miss an update! Follow Frigibar onTwitter, Instagram and Facebook to see what we’re up to, news updates, new products, and more.