Frigibar Exhibiting at Refit International 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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!”

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Frigibar to Participate in 11th Annual St. Maarten Captain’s Briefing and Golf Outing

January 25-26, Frigibar will participate in the 2016 USSA St. Maarten Captains Briefing and Golf Outing. The event will center around the superyacht industry, which is a $26B industry worldwide, and the current opportunities and issues related to it. Some of the world’s top Captains and Senior Crew members will participate in the event’s activities and will be available to network with.

This will be Frigibar’s first year participating in the event, and President Shuly Oletzky is excited about the opportunity to learn first-hand from the superyacht captains and their staffs who will be in attendance. “I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to meet these captains and their Senior Crew members. While exhibiting in the superyacht pavilion at the METSTRADE tradeshow in Amsterdam this past November, I learned a lot about the superyacht industry and how our company can properly serve them. I’m interested in spending some time with the captains and crews, getting to know the other sponsors involved in the event, and having the opportunity to visit some clients while on the island,” said Oletzky.

st-marteenThe two-day event includes networking opportunities, captain’s round table breakfast, pick-up rugby, beach games, a golf outing, awards, and more. For a full schedule of events and to register to participate, visit the registration page here, or contact Kitty McGowan of the U.S. Superyacht Association at 954-608-6966. Email: info@ussuperyacht.com.

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

How Frigibar Approaches Customer Service

“You’ve reached the wrong department, let me transfer you to someone who can help.”

“But I’ve already been transferred five times,” you say as you’re ready to cancel your service or return a product because of bad customer service. We’ve all been there before.

In January, President Shuly Oletzky published an article on customer service on the Huffington Post Business Blog titled “Using Customer Service as a Competitive Advantage: 5 Ways to Help Customers Love You.” In the article, Shuly explains her frustration with companies that avoid using customer service as a competitive advantage for their business. “There’s a big issue when it comes to customer service — many companies simply don’t provide it…,” says Oletzky.

“As a business or entrepreneur, if you truly care about your customers and their experiences with your company, customer service should be at the top of your ‘important things to do’ list, and not approached like an afterthought,” says Oletzky, who feels excellent customer service is just as important as providing a high-quality product. “Good service makes people feel important and valued. Keeping customers happy isn’t rocket science. It does take time and will cost money, but the return is what keeps you in business.”

Delivery of two new Frigibar freezer/refrigerators

Satisfied Frigibar Customers


Customer service means something different for each business. For Frigibar, it can mean driving several hours to inspect a Frigibar Freezer that may need maintenance, or personally delivering a new refrigerator unit to a new customer. The image above was taken after Shuly Oletzky drove to Marco Island (roughly two hours away from Miami) to meet with new customers and hand-deliver their new freezers.

Frigibar works with each person we come into contact with as if they are a customer we’ve known for decades; putting their needs first, even if that means referring them to a different company to find their perfect solution. “If another product on the market suits their needs better, I’ll refer them elsewhere without hesitation. Exceptional customer service includes being a good resource and looking out for your customer’s best interest no matter what. Just because someone may not be the right customer today, doesn’t mean they won’t be in the future.”

Read “Using Customer Service as a Competitive Advantage: 5 Ways to Help Customers Love You” on the Huffington Post Business Blog here!

Whether you’re looking for a fish box for your competitive fishing team’s boat, a cockpit refrigerator/freezer, or something completely different, we invite you to contact Frigibar. We are happy to help.

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

“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.

9th Annual Get Down to Business Lunch January 20th to Benefit Easter Seals Florida

Get Down to Business Lunch Easter Seals West Palm Beach

The 9th Annual Get Down to Business Lunch, presented by The Breakers Palm Beach to benefit Easter Seals, will take place on January 20 at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion will feature bestselling author and leadership speaker Mark Sanborn to speak to the entrepreneurs and business professionals in attendance.

The 9th Annual Get Down to Business Lunch, presented by The Breakers Palm Beach to benefit Easter Seals, will take place on January 20 at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion. will feature bestselling author and leadership speaker Mark Sanborn to speak to the entrepreneurs and business professionals in attendance.

The 9th Annual Get Down to Business Lunch, presented by The Breakers Palm Beach to benefit Easter Seals, will take place on January 20th at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion. This year’s event will feature bestselling author and leadership speaker Mark Sanborn to speak to the entrepreneurs and business professionals in attendance.

Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky, who also serves on the Easter Seals Florida Board, has spent the past 15 years involved in the organization and related events. “I was originally just asked to help out with the organization fifteen years ago. I was amazed at the passion and good-hearted nature of the people that were and the good work they do. I immediately fell in love with Easter Seals and have been involved and a passionate supporter ever since,” says Oletzky, who has been involved in the Get Down to Business Lunch event since its inception nine years ago.

The annual event includes a VIP event the night before the lunch and a full luncheon the following day. The event relies on sponsorships and event tickets to help raise funds for Easter Seals Florida programming. “The lunch gives entrepreneurs, business professionals and philanthropists an opportunity to network, cross promote, share ideas, and most importantly, support an excellent cause,” says Oletzky.

According to Heather R. Weisbrod, Easter Seals Florida Director of Special Events, the event has been a significant contributor of funding for the organization. “Over the past eight years, the event has raised more than a half-million dollars which directly supports the local programs of the Igoe-Amar Child Development Center, providing services for children with developmental disabilities and delays.” Out of that more than $500,000 raised, 91 cents of every dollar is spent directly supporting West Palm Beach area programs.

“We are thrilled that this event continues to draw a sellout audience of business executives and young professionals working together to lead Palm Beach County in best practices of social and philanthropic responsibility within our community,” says Weisbrod.

Tickets to the event are still available and can be purchased online. To sponsor the event or to inquire about opportunities to get involved, please contact Heather R. Weisbrod at 561.471.1688 ext. 133 or email at hweisbrod@fl.easterseals.com. For more information on Easter Seals Florida, please visit EasterSeals.com/Florida.

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.

Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky Featured in Huffington Post

Frigibar Industries, Inc. President Shuly Oletzky is a passionate entrepreneur and philanthropist who took over the family business from her father, Sheldon Oletzky, in late 2010. After over 40 years providing quality marine refrigeration products manufactured in America, Frigibar is the most trusted and reliable brand of refrigerators and freezers that travel on-board vessels of all shapes and sizes around the world.

When Shuly isn’t helping customers enjoy their lifestyle out on the water, she’s travelling, learning from others, building relationships, and volunteering in the community, including serving on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals Florida, who are hosting the “Get Down to Business Lunch” on January 20th in West Palm Beach.  Shuly is also a 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).

As an alumni of the program hosted by Goldman Sachs, Shuly has the opportunity to submit articles to the Huffington Post. Over the past four months, Shuly has been featured on the Huffington Post small business blog three times. Here are the featured pieces and a short description of each.

–       7 Reasons to Plan for Succession in Your Business Today

Shuly highlights the importance of succession planning and seven reasons business owners and entrepreneurs should start planning for succession as soon as possible.

When transitioning to President of Frigibar Industries, Inc., our family business for over 40 years, there was no succession plan. Instead of being able to jump into the position and begin working on building the company, several months were spent putting processes into place, organizing documents, and learning how things were done in the past — all of which could’ve been done months or years earlier.”

–       10 Tips to Turn In-Person Events into a Secret Weapon for Your Business

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In-person events have been one of the most beneficial activities to both Frigibar and the growth of Shuly as a business owner. From forming new partnerships to meeting new mentors, each event has brought value back to her and the business. This article covers 10 ways any business owner can turn an event into value.

–       Booth Tips: 9 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Appearance at a Trade Show

Without a retail space, Frigibar relies on boat shows to give customers and partners access to freezer and refrigerator units. Shuly shares her advice to other entrepreneurs and sales professionals on how to get the most value out of appearing at a trade show or conference.

“To help you make the most out of exhibiting at a show without regretting your investment, here are nine ways to get more out of your next event or trade show, created with the help of one of the many valuable connections and friends I’ve made at an Inc. event, Nuphoriq Co-Founder and CCO Jamie Pritscher.”

To connect with Shuly, follow her on LinkedIn, Twitter, or email her at Shuly.Oletzky@Frigibar.com.