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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.

 

 

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.

 

 

#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.

 

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.