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Frigibar Freezer Units to be Displayed at Stuart Boat Show with Whiticar Boat Works Partnership

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STUART, FL, Dec. 22, 2015 — Frigibar Industries Inc., America’s foremost manufacturer of quality marine refrigeration products, and Whiticar Boat Works have partnered to bring the best in boat and yacht freezers and refrigerators to Stuart, Florida.

Frigibar Marine Refrigeration Unit

Frigibar is a staple at boat shows and marine industry events across the nation. Without a retail storefront, these events serve as a unique opportunity for boat and yacht customers to experience the quality of a Frigibar freezer.

As the largest boat show on the Treasure Coast, the Stuart Boat Show, now in its 42nd year, brings nearly 200 exhibitors, $100 million dollars in boats and marine products, and thousands of people together for a great three-day event. Taking place January 15-18 in Stuart, Florida, the show will feature motor yachts, cruisers, center consoles, speed boats, sport fishing boats, pontoon and personal watercrafts.

Whiticar Boat Works is the exclusive Frigibar dealer in Martin County, allowing local boaters to touch and feel what Frigibar has to offer. Asked why they partnered with Frigibar, a Whiticar representative stated, “We as a group feel their quality and long-standing market presence are the main reasons we recommend them and are proud to represent their product. We also appreciate the fact that they are “locally” made and customizable!”

The Stuart Boat Show will be located at 54 N. Dixie Hwy., Stuart, FL. There will be free parking, water taxi and shuttle service available at specified locations in downtown Stuart. Tickets are $12 for General Admission, $10 for seniors over 65, and tickets for Veterans and children (12 and under) and only $5. For more information on the Stuart Boat Show, visit: http://www.allsportsproductions.net/stuart-boat-show/   

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.

About Whiticar Boat Works

Based out of Stuart, Florida, Whiticar Boat Works has been in the boat business for over 70 years, and is known for providing only the best in boating and yachting. With an average of 28 years of experience among their talented staff, they provide the most dedicated and versatile services with what they call “white glove treatment.”

 

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.

 

Getting the Most Space Out of Your Yacht’s Deck with the Proper Freezer

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Yachting is about leisure, sport, and style. Whether you spend your time on the water on an 85-foot Azimut Flybridge or a Hatteras Motor Yacht; making the most of your adventure relies on making the most of your available space – from your deck to food storage.

Using a small, under-cabinet freezer/refrigerator is an option, but a freezer made for an indoor utility room isn’t meant for the ocean. Freezers not designed for the marine environment often fail in the extreme temperatures experienced out on the water and can cause hideous rust stains on your deck.

As a marine refrigeration manufacturer, Frigibar knows that bench or chest freezers are rarely considered to bring a sense of design and style to your boat. Fortunately, your cold food storage unit doesn’t have to be an eyesore.

Frigibar freezers and refrigerators are built to complement the style of your yacht. All units can be custom-fitted with cushions to provide more seating options for guests.

Frigibars are designed specifically for your adventures on the water. They’re made with a durable, rust-free fiberglass body, and can last for decades. They withstand the hot tropical climate and “green sea” conditions out on the open ocean while maintaining zero degrees Fahrenheit.

When choosing your cold-storage options, remember that you don’t have to hide the freezer, just get a Frigibar. It will look great and operate properly, so you can focus on the best the boating lifestyle has to offer.

Contact Frigibar to see how our units can make life on the water even cooler.

Phone: (305) 757-7697

Fax: (305) 757-0250

Email: info@frigibar.com