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Come Out and See Frigibar®! 2018 – 2019 Boat Show Schedule

Last month, we announced that the Frigibar® brand was acquired by new ownership and is now Frigibar®, LLC. What remains the same is our dedication to quality and our focus on providing marine, professionals, boat owners, captains, and crews with the best American-made marine refrigeration products in the world.

For those unfamiliar with Frigibar®, we build finely finished handcrafted, on-deck fiberglass freezer/refrigerator cockpit freezers, dock boxes, insulated fish boxes, ice chests, refrigeration conversion kits, custom-built freezer/refrigerator solutions and more.

Attending and exhibiting at boat shows and industry trade shows has always been an important part of the Frigibar® brand for over 47 years. Next month is the start of our boat show schedule and we’ve added some new events for this year’s season. These appearances will give our supporters, customers, and others an opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, and experience our quality marine refrigeration products in person.

We welcome you to visit with us at an upcoming show. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us at info@frigibar.com, or just stop by our booths at one of the following shows:

Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, Manteo, NC (8/11 – 8/17/18)

For the second consecutive year, Frigibar® is proud to sponsor the Pirate’s Cove Fishing Tournament Week, which includes the 29th Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament, and the 35th Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. Frigibar® will have a freezer unit on display and is looking forward to cheering on the participating anglers.

Newport International Boat Show, Newport, Rhode Island (9/13 – 9/16/18)

Frigibar® products will return to the Newport International Boat Show to bring the best in marine refrigeration to yacht owners, captains, and crews in Newport, Rhode Island. The four-day show will include captain training courses, sailing excursions, and hundreds of boats and marine products. Visit Cool Boats LLC booth located in in Tent C, booths 55 and 56.

IBEX, Tampa, Florida (10/2 – 10/4/18)

Frigibar® units are a favorite among leading boat builders around the world. IBEX, the largest marine industry trade event in North America, welcomes boat builders, designers, sellers, service providers, and product manufacturers to Tampa. Show exhibitors will showcase their offerings, share ideas with each other and attendees, network and more.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (10/31 – 11/4/18)

Each year, Fort Lauderdale, the “Yachting Capital of the World,” hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). This year’s event will be the 59th edition of FLIBS and the 2nd year the show will run from Wednesday to Sunday. Frigibar® will be exhibiting, location to be announced, and will have representatives available during each of the five days of the show.

METSTRADE, Amsterdam, Netherlands (11/13 – 11/15/18)

Amsterdam is home to METSTRADE, the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials, and systems. The exhibition is an international B2B show specializing in the leisure boating industry. This will be the second time Frigibar® will exhibit at the show. “METSTRADE is a unique opportunity for Frigibar® to showcase quality American-made marine refrigeration to boat builders and other marine industry professionals from around the world,” said Frigibar®’s Shuly Oletzky. Frigibar will exhibit in the METSTRADE USA Pavilion, Booth 12.516.

The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, Virginia Key, Florida (2/14 – 2/18/19)

The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show will be back once again at the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin in Virginia Key. Each year, the show welcomes over 100,000 attendees from over 30 countries to view over 1,400 boats and interact with over 1,000 exhibitors. Frigibar® will exhibit at the show with a wide variety of their products, including a couple of surprises. Booth location to be announced.

Frigibar LLC

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

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 info@frigibar.com, call at 305-757-7697, and visit Frigibar.com for additional information.

Sincerely,

—  Shuly Oletzky, Frigibar, LLC

#FLIBS2015 Boat Show Recap: Thank You Fort Lauderdale! 

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

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.

 

Meet with Frigibar at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show #FLIBS2015

The 56th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is just a couple of short weeks away! The five-day show will start on November 5th and go through November 9th.

Over 1,000 exhibitors will be on hand, and over 1,500 boats will be on display for the largest in-water boat show in the world, and since Uber is back in Broward County, transportation from location to location will be quick and easy. Asked about the variety of boats and other products on display at the show, Danny Grant of Pierson Grant PR said, “It’s got everything from stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to some of the largest yachts in the world all at one show.”  Visit the official FLIBS  website at ShowManagement.com to get a feel for the seven locations of the show and to plan based on what areas of the show you care about. Don’t miss this show!

Schedule Ahead to Meet with Frigibar

Frigibar will be exhibiting at the show and still has available time slots open to meet with you one-on-one during the show. Schedule a time to meet with Frigibar during the show by emailing us at info@frigibar.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 Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky, feel free to stop on by booth 541. View the full list of 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show exhibitors.

My Boat Show App

The My Boat Show App is the official event app for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and will help you navigate this large show to help you find and get to where you want to go. The app is free and available for both iOS and Android devices. Download here.

Tickets are available for purchase online, so avoid waiting in line on November 5 and consider purchasing now. Follow Frigibar on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to join in on the fun and get live updates from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. #FLIBS2015

2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: What To Expect

Few events are as unique and exciting as Fort Lauderdale’s International Boat Show. With over three million square feet of exhibit space, ground and water transportation options, and six marinas and a convention center, this show is the largest in-water boat show in the world. Entering its 56th year, the 2015 show will be unlike any other, and Frigibar is looking forward to being a part of the show as an exhibitor.

While most boat shows focus on one segment of the boating industry, the Fort Lauderdale show has it all. “It’s got everything from stand-up paddle boards and kayaks to some of the largest yachts in the world all at one show,” said Danny Grant of Pierson Grant PR. Danny says the show is where the “entire boating industry comes to do business,” and referred to it as the industry’s “Super Bowl.”

Show organizers have partnered with Starmark International, a creative marketing company, who will help create new digital branding efforts and give the show a fresh new look.

The show attracts more than 1,000 exhibitors. As an exhibitor, Frigibar has been a part of the event for over 40 years. “Exhibitors make the show. Without them, there is no boat show,” Danny stated. Event organizers go out of their way to make it an amazing and exciting event for exhibitors and attendees. Over 1,500 boats will be on display, and 100,000 people will attend the event, which will be held November 5-9. Asked why people should attend, Danny Grant said, “It’s fun to people watch, walk the docks, come with friends, enjoy a drink and see what’s new.”

Advice for Attendees

Those looking to be a part of the festivities should purchase tickets early to receive a discount and reserve a hotel room as soon as possible. Hotels near the show fill up months in advance.

Danny recommends attendees visit the show website at ShowManagement.com to get a feel for the seven locations of the show and to plan based on what areas of the show they would like to see the most. “If you’re coming for a certain thing, make sure you know how to get there.”

Make sure to stop by the Frigibar exhibit space at booth 541. We hope to see you there! Follow us @Frigibar on Twitter and Frigibar on Facebook to keep up to date with news and events.

Uber Back in Broward!

After not being available in the area since July 31st of 2015, Uber is coming back to Broward County. In an email sent on October 14th, Uber stated:

“We have always prioritized riders’ and driver-partners’ safety with rigorous background checks, a $1 million insurance policy, and accountability and transparency built into the Uber app. We are proud to have provided over one million safe rides here in Broward, and we look forward to providing millions more.

Thanks to Commissioners Bogen, Furr, Kiar, LaMarca, Ritter and Mayor Ryan for creating a modern regulatory framework that enables us to once again operate in Broward County.

We couldn’t be more excited to call Broward home again – and to get back to providing you with safe, reliable transportation at the touch of a button.”

Uber returning to Broward County is great news for attendees of the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and will help attendees and exhibitors get to and from each of the events on-site locations.