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Frigibar LLC

Letter From Shuly Oletzky: Frigibar is Back in Fort Lauderdale with New Ownership and Opportunities

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Late last year when I announced that Frigibar Industries Inc. would cease operations, I received an overwhelming amount of support from customers, partners, and friends. From letters thanking us for a cockpit freezer that is still working 30 years after it was delivered to brand partners calling to express their appreciation, every word meant the world to me.

47 years after my father, Sheldon Oletzky, started the brand that we are today, the closing of the business was bittersweet. I was proud of our accomplishments and the legacy we left behind, but disappointed that we no longer would serve the yacht owners, captains, and crews we know and love.

I am very pleased to announce that Frigibar is back in business with many exciting changes to announce and unveil over the next several months.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Frigibar, we build handcrafted, custom-built freezer/refrigerator units, fiberglass cockpit freezers, dock boxes, insulated fish boxes, ice chests, and more. Our products are available online at Frigibar.com and now, in a brand new showroom in Fort Lauderdale.

Frigibar was recently acquired by marine industry entrepreneur Seann Pavlik, who has been a loyal customer, supporter and friend of Frigibar for decades. Seann has built a reputation for providing boat owners with exceptional products through is companies; Misters Unlimited, Innovative Products, and IceFree. Frigibar has now joined his family of brands as Frigibar, LLC.

The Frigibar brand has always stood for quality and delivering exceptional value in customer service to boat owners, captains, and crews worldwide. Finding this fit with Seann and his family of companies is a dream come true for Frigibar. Frigibar is now located in Fort Lauderdale.

Our new headquarters and showroom is located at 1632 NE 12th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale, and the showroom will be available weekdays 10 AM – 4 PM and alternative times are available by appointment. Frigibar units, including cockpit freezers are currently on display and available for purchase.

Shuly Oletzky

I want to thank you all for your support over the years. I will remain a part of Frigibar and support the vision Seann has for the future. I am very much looking forward to new product lines and a lot of exciting changes that are on the horizon for the near future. We plan to resume our boat show schedule this year and will be announcing our participation for 2018 shows soon.

Please feel free to contact us at shuly77@gmail.com, call at 305-757-7697, and visit Frigibar.com for additional information.

Sincerely,

—  Shuly Oletzky, Frigibar, LLC

Frigibar at FLIBS

FLIBS 2017: Come Out and Join Frigibar at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

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Over 1,000 exhibitors, including Frigibar, and more than 1,500 boats will be on display at the 58th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The show will take place November 1-5 in the Yachting Capital of the World.

Schedule Ahead to Meet with Frigibar

FLIBS Boat Show

Frigibar will once again be exhibiting at the show and will be available to meet with you one-on-one during the show. Schedule a time to meet with Frigibar during the show by emailing us at shuly77@gmail.com or calling us at 305-757-7697. Whether you’re considering a marine refrigerator or freezer for your boat or just want to say hi to the Frigibar team, feel free to stop on by booth 541.

A Whole New Show

In March, it was announced that Informa’s Global Exhibitions division acquired Yachting Promotions Inc., which included the acquisition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). It didn’t take long for Informa to make changes to the show, and we think for the better. For the first time, this year’s FLIBS will run from Wednesday until Sunday, instead of ending on a Monday which had been a slower day for the show.

The show will feature runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, extraordinary superyachts, and of course, the best in marine refrigeration (Frigibar!).

We hope to see you there! For tickets, visit FLIBS.com here. Follow Frigibar on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to join in on the fun and get live updates from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Frigibar’s Shuly Oletzky Talks Miami Boat Show on Entertaining Business Podcast Episode #176

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In a packed show that includes Valentine’s Day tips, stories, and news, Nora and Jesse welcome Shuly Oletzky of Frigibar Industries to discuss the upcoming Miami International Boat Show. This year’s show will take place February 16 and runs through Monday, February 20, and for the second year, will be in Virginia Key at the Miami Marine Stadium.

Over 1,300 boats will be displayed at the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, which is one of the largest boat shows in the world with over 100,000 attendees. Many of the thousands of visitors will be boat and yacht owners and crews, but the event is not just for owners. Asked about who should attend the Miami Boat Show, Oletzky said, “Anybody that likes to fish, kayak, or boat. There are 1100 exhibitors and there is something for everybody.”

Despite the large crowd attending the event, there will be water taxis, buses, and many ways for visitors to attend and get around to the different areas of the show. Visit MiamiBoatShow.com for more information and to get your tickets.

Come and see Shuly Oletzky and the quality marine refrigeration units, dock boxes from Frigibar, and a special creation from Pull Coolers in Tent C at Booth C554 throughout the show. For more information on Frigibar, visit Frigibar.com. Listen to the full episode of Entertaining Business here:

Frigibar Publishes The Ultimate Boat Show Guide for Attendees

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Boat shows are a wonderful celebration of the maritime industry, and they bring together thousands of people and products who share a love of boating and water-related hobbies. In our more than forty-five years as a company, Frigibar has exhibited at dozens of boat shows around the world, including the Miami International Boat Show every year. We’ve met thousands of amazing people and have been able to share our handcrafted marine refrigeration units with boat owners, captains, and crews.

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To help other boating enthusiasts, business owners, and families looking for a good time get the most out of their next trip to a boat show, we created The Ultimate Boat Show Guide for Attendees. View the free guide here!

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 should a boat or yacht owner consider going with a Frigibar marine freezer system?

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For over 40 years, Frigibar Industries, Inc. has provided the marine industry with the highest quality marine refrigeration systems. Based out of Miami, Florida, all freezer and refrigerator units are manufactured in America and are handcrafted.

As a boat or yacht owner, you know that your vessel isn’t just a toy, it’s an investment. Each aspect of your boat either adds to its value and your enjoyment or takes away from it. Here at Frigibar, we’re dedicated to adding to the value of your boat and making each and every trip better so you can enhance your life on the water.

Why Buy a Frigibar?

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

“Boat owners should consider our systems because they are very unique and will give you safe cold storage space outside of a typical application, like in a galley or under a cabinet. It provides a lot of flexibility.

When you choose a unit that goes outside, there are a few things to consider, and one of them is — was it designed to be outside?

Our units are designed to be in that environment, which I think is one of the key reasons to consider something like our freezers.”

See for yourself! View the Frigibar product catalog here.

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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.

Building the Perfect Boat: Interview with Jeff Rhodes of Coastal Craft

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“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned has been to truly listen and understand the needs and wants of the customer.”

Jeff Rhodes, Founder of Coastal Craft Welded Aluminium Boats Ltd., has built much more than quality aluminum boats and yachts over the past couple of decades; he’s built one of the most admired boat-building businesses in North America.

Twenty years ago (1996), Jeff started Coastal Craft with the vision to “design strong, safe, and hardworking aluminum boats.” Based in British Columbia, Coastal Craft has won several awards and titles, including the 2014 AIM Editor’s Choice for Best Motoryacht in the 60-69’ category.

Jeff Rhodes of Coastal Craft

Yacht purchases are often in the millions and the buyers put a significant amount of time and care into their decision. When building a boat for the specific wants and needs of luxury customers, there are hundreds of moving parts and considerations. According to Jeff, the hardest and most important part of the process is going through the design phase of a project with the future owners. “Sometimes working with them through the education process is needed to make sure there is a solid understanding of what they want and how we can create that. Sometimes you’re debating constructively to make sure you won’t disappoint in the end,” says Jeff, who stresses going above and beyond for each customer.

Recently, Coastal Craft built a custom 65’ Concord that includes an interior elevator and exterior lifts, both of which the company had never done before. Jeff and his team worked to problem solve for the customer and researched how other yachts had incorporated elevators into their structure. After finding a local company that could provide the lifts and elevator, they worked with them to design the boat to ensure it could be fitted properly with these features that one of the owners needed to properly enjoy the vessel. “We work closely with partners and rely on vendors to participate in the design of the boat to meet the customer’s needs. The design and this process can’t be undervalued or rushed through,” Jeff said.

New Yacht from Coastal Craft

In addition to unique designs and features based on individual clients, Jeff says the industry has shifted significantly over the past 10 years. “We’re not building the same types of boats. What I am seeing in the last decade is more customization in boats that are under 100 feet or even under 70 feet than in previous decades.” This change has required Coastal Craft to remain flexible in the types of yachts they build and the customization options they have available.

Every aspect of the relationship between Jeff and the soon to be owners is important. While he knows his boats and the industry better than most buyers, in the end, the customer has to decide what will fit what they want. “I can’t tell someone how they are going to use their boat, but I can use their description to help guide them in this process. I need to understand how they plan on using the boat, and that is gained through having an open dialogue with them.”

Asked about the most important aspects of buying a boat as a consumer, Jeff said, “It’s hard to just walk through a boat show and know what you’re getting. You need to carefully go through specifications and what the boat (you’re considering) is intended to do.” Jeff recommends to “fully understand how you are going to use the boat,” which may include hiring a broker to help determine and match desired use tendencies with a boat that will perform in those conditions. Jeff also suggested to “take your time and research companies you’re considering. Do not rush the process of qualifying your builder. They may be a great builder with a great reputation, but (what they build) might not match what you’re looking for. Buyers will gravitate towards a great brand, but want something that doesn’t fit what the builder makes.”

Our biggest takeaway from the interview with Jeff Rhodes is the importance of defining exactly what you intend to use the boat for and research builders or available boats that may fit what you want. Buyers can avoid commonly made mistakes by hiring a certified professional yacht broker or speaking with others who have gone through the process from start to finish and are satisfied with their boat.

Did you enjoy this interview? Also read 8 Custom Boat Building Considerations: What Buyer’s Need to Know. To contact Jeff Rhodes and Coastal Craft, call 604-886-3004 or visit CoastalCraft.com.

#FLIBS2015 Boat Show Recap: Thank You Fort Lauderdale! 

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After five days of fun (November 5-9), the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is over. FLIBS is the world’s largest in-water boat show. Thousands of exhibitors and approximately 100,000 attendees took away memories and possibly even a boat or accessory with them.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Booth Frigibar

Even after over a dozen FLIBS’ as an attendee and exhibitor, Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky couldn’t have had a better time at this year’s event. “It was a great show! The weather was great (for the most part), there were fantastic receptions, and once again, the show was even better than I had imagined.”

Asked about her favorite part of FLIBS 2015, Shuly said, “My favorite part is seeing our customers and meeting new ones. I love seeing all the people who knew my dad and tell me stories about how they used to work with him. Other favorite encounters are when customers share how well their (Frigibar freezer/refrigerator) units are still working 20-30 years after purchasing.”

This year Shuly will exhibit at six shows around the world, but FLIBS is a unique show. “I love this show because it’s consistently great and the whole community comes out to support it. The show is well laid out, easy to get around, and there is everything you’d want to do or see at a boat show.”

One of the unexpected bonuses of attending shows is that you never know who you might run into and the relationships you may form. When asked about the most memorable moment of the show, Shuly shared this story:

“I met a friend who I had only previously spoke to on the phone. We were introduced about a year ago when she moved from California to South Florida and was looking to get back into the marine industry. A few months back I introduced her to a female captain who is a friend and customer of mine. I felt it was beneficial for them to know each other and hoped it would be a good connection between them. My friend from California came to FLIBS and surprised me with a visit! I was so excited to finally meet her and took advantage of the fact that the Captain I had introduced her to was at the show. They got to meet in person for the first time too. This is a perfect example of how unexpected opportunities arise at events like these. If you ever wonder how memorable and valuable boat shows can be, this experience sums it up.”

Shuly didn’t take much time to relax before leaving the following week for METSTRADE, the world’s largest marine equipment trade show, held in Amsterdam November 17-19. Stay tuned for a recap of this event as well. Follow Frigibar on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to see what we’re up to, news updates, new products, and more.

 

Frigibar: As Seen in Southern Boating Magazine

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Founded in 1972, Southern Boating Magazine is a privately owned boating publication that aims to bring the best in boating lifestyle to you. Boating life is about leisure, luxury, and safety — three characteristics that stay true to Frigibar Industries’ brand as the leading manufacturer of quality marine refrigeration products.

Frigibar in Southern Boating Magazine

Frigibar was featured in the July 2015 issue of Southern Boating Magazine, and will also be featured in an upcoming product spotlight. Frigibar is proud to support media publications like Southern Boating Magazine that share tips, news, events, and other resources with the boating and yachting communities.

For more information on Southern Boating Magazine, visit SouthernBoating.com.

Looking for more great resources like Southern Boating Magazine? Visit Frigibar’s full boating and yachting resource list.

Why I Love Boat Shows: Q&A with Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky

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Boat show season is in full swing and Frigibar is traveling across the world to bring the best in marine refrigeration to boat owners everywhere. From Newport to Amsterdam to right here in Florida (Miami and Fort Lauderdale), Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky will be at a half-dozen boat shows this season.

Frigibar has been featuring industry experts, boat-makers, and fishing teams in recent articles, so we thought we’d take a minute to sit down with Shuly to find out why she loves boat shows.

“Growing up as the daughter of the owner of a marine refrigeration company, going to boat shows was how I spent several weekends each year. Having attended around 100 shows, I’ve learned a lot and have grown to really appreciate the opportunities and atmosphere that are at every event.”

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Here is what we asked Shuly and her responses:

Q: What’s your favorite boat show memory?

Shuly Oletzky (SO): Spending time with my family; my dad specifically. When I was younger, I stood back and watched and played around. As I got older, I was able to help, learn about the business, and learn about my dad.

We spent hours and hours together talking, working together, and building an even stronger relationship. These were truly special times and I’m so grateful for those experiences.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of a boat show?

SO: By far, the people are what I enjoy most. There are several aspects of each show that I love due to how they allow people; myself included, to connect, network, and make friendships with others.

It may be all about business for some, but to me it’s the whole package of business, friendships, and building relationships and trust.

Q: What other aspects of boat shows do you love?

SO: There are quite a few.

The environment. It’s electric! There isn’t anything that matches the fun environment of a boat show. Everyone is excited, learning and shopping for things they desire around a common interest. When you get a group of people together that are passionate about the same things, it’s impossible not to feed off of their energy.

It’s a social and recreational activity. I find the people that are passionate about boating, fishing, and sailing are typically very social people who enjoy being surrounded by others. They’re friendly and open to meeting strangers and sharing their experiences during their travels.

The chance to meet other people in the industry. As hard as you work at a show, you see people you’re only seeing a couple of times a year. Organizers build in a lot of recreational activities and social time, including receptions.

Q: Do you enjoy going to a boat show more as an exhibitor or attendee?

SO: Whether I’m attending as an exhibitor or an attendee, I thoroughly enjoy these shows. As an attendee, I get to see customers and partners who I wouldn’t be able to meet with when I am exhibiting and spending most of my time in my booth. Going as an attendee also provides a great opportunity to make new B2B connections, as the other exhibitors don’t always get a chance to visit other booths during the show.

Q: How can exhibitors take advantage of shows?

SO: Be present and don’t consider your time at the show the same you would a normal work day. You have to try to limit your distractions and be accessible for attendees to meet and connect with you. If you’re disconnected, you’ll miss opportunities.

I want to be able to help everyone I can, even if it’s just to direct them to other booths they are looking for or tell them where the bathrooms are. If I’m buried in paperwork behind a table, no one will get the chance to meet me or feel comfortable coming up to me.

Q: What should attendees do to make the most of an event?

SO: Why are you going? Have your goals defined and plan ahead.

Know exactly what you want out of the show, and try to get this information early so you can relax and enjoy the rest of the show. Show producers want you to find what you are looking for, and so do the exhibitors! Take advantage of show guides, information booths, apps, show websites and staff walking the show to help make your experience a great one.

Q: If speaking to someone who has never attended a show, why should they go?

SO: Shows are a great overview of the industry and a very convenient way to get a lot done in a short amount of time. You have the opportunity to talk to multiple vendors in one place instead of making five different phone calls or trying to drive out to meet with them in person at their physical locations. For businesses like Frigibar who don’t have a store, shows are a wonderful opportunity for customers and vendors to see our products outside of visiting a partner who showcases our products or seeing it on a friend’s boat.

See what Shuly and Frigibar are up to by following us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.