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Feeling Balanced: Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky on the Business Rescue Roadmap Podcast with Stacy Tuschl

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business-rescue-roadmapEntrepreneurs are frequently labeled workaholics, and probably rightfully so. Owning and operating a business requires thick skin, hard work, and usually, long hours. During episode 46 of the Business Rescue Roadmap Podcast with Stacy Tuschl, Frigibar President Oletzky was asked what is “work-life balance,” is it possible, and how she defines it. “It depends on how you define balance. What does balance mean to you? For me, balance means doing the things that are most important,” Oletzky said, which is exactly what she’s doing.  “I’m working, but I’m with my friends…as long as I’m accomplishing what’s more important to me at that particular juncture, then I feel balanced,” she continued.

Shuly’s path to entrepreneurship is as unique as the niche luxury marine refrigeration units Frigibar manufactures. “This business, Frigibar Industries, has been our family business since 1971. My father (Sheldon Oletzky), was diagnosed in late 2009 with ALS, and unfortunately, we didn’t have a plan in place. As his health started to decline, and it was fairly rapid, someone had to step in. I started to help out part-time while we figured out what to do,” explained Oletzky. In 2011, she became President of Frigibar Industries full-time.

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Shuly was new to the position and had plenty of innovative ideas and things she wanted to add to the business, the company had an established brand, loyal customer base, and served a specific purpose in the industry. “When I took over the business, it had a personality already. I didn’t have the luxury of creating my brand — it existed. I had to work within what our customers already knew about us and the reputation and brand presence we had, and find a way to intertwine my personality and the things that I wanted to see the brand and business become. It took a little bit of time to find that message and how to get that message across. I think we’re finally there and we have a great foundation,” Oletzky said.

The difficulty Oletzky faced when learning to lead the business taught her many lessons, including how to build great relationships. “I love people. I find that the process I had to go through when taking over the business and trying to learn things — I had to reach out to a lot of people,” said Oletzky. She also stated that making and building relationships has been “critical” to Frigibar’s continued success. “You’re (entrepreneurs are) in the people business, and you need to make sure you’re building those relationships and nurturing them,” Tuschl added.

One of the most important types of relationships entrepreneurs have to create and build are employer-employee relationships.

When taking over Frigibar in late 2010, not only the industry, but the entire U.S. economy was in a major recession. Employees were worried about their jobs and how many hours they would get a week. To help them focus on the business and helping her instead of understandably worrying about their financial stability, Shuly made the decision to guarantee their hours. It was a bold move that helped earn trust and showed the employees that she was looking out for them. “I work for my employees as much as they work for me, because if I don’t do my job, they don’t have one,” Shuly said.

When Stacy Tuschl asked Shuly about financial mistakes made in the past, Shuly said the biggest mistake made in the company’s past was not having a succession plan in place. “Most people don’t think of it (failing to plan for succession) as a financial mistake, but it really is,” said Shuly. “If you have a family business and children…you want to make a plan!” Although Shuly ended up taking over the business, her father, not wanting to put pressure on her, never told her that he wanted her to take over the business. After he had passed, Shuly was told by a family friend that Sheldon Oletzky, Shuly’s father, did indeed hope she took over the business.

Succession planning is a subject of passion for Shuly. This June, she will share her experience and how entrepreneurs can prepare for succession with over 100 business owners at the 2016 Small Giants Summit in Denver, Colorado. For more from Shuly Oletzky, visit her blog at ShareIdeaswithPurpose.com.

Listen to the Business Rescue Roadmap Podcast here, or download episodes on iTunes.

What I Enjoy Most About Being an Entrepreneur: Shuly Oletzky

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Being an entrepreneur is not an easy job, but it is a rewarding one. For Shuly Oletzky, entrepreneurship runs in her family. After taking over the business from her father in late 2010, Shuly has used her outgoing personality and resolve to overcome obstacles, create strong partnerships, and further the Frigibar, and her family’s, legacy.

We asked Shuly what she enjoys most about being an entrepreneur.

“I love ideas. I think everything starts with ideas. Being an entrepreneur allows me to pursue so many different kinds of ideas. Having the platform of my business gives me ideas to pursue certain things and go in different directions with my company, whether it’s new products, assisting a customer, or bringing something to the market that there’s a need for. All of those come from ideas from conversations with people or something I come across myself going “gee, why doesn’t that exist?”

Being an entrepreneur gives me a platform to exercise those. I like to collaborate, I’m naturally curious. So when I have an idea, I kind of take off running. Some people tell me I’m like an advertisement sometimes when I’m sharing things I get really excited.

When you find an idea that works and you talk to people about it and they start to get excited, and then you get the right people together, the things that it can turn into are extraordinary.

Being an entrepreneur allows me to create and to see my ideas come to fruition.”

About Frigibar Industries, Inc.

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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.

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.

Discussing the Miami International Boat Show on AM 880 THE BIZ Entertaining Business with Frigibar & NMMA

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“The 75th Anniversary of the Miami International Boat Show has a new home – back in Miami where it started in 1941,” said Cathy Rick-Joule, VP of the Miami International Boat Show for the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association). The show was previously located at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Rick-Joule and Frigibar President and NMMA member Shuly Oletzky joined Nora Adler and Jesse Stolow on AM 880 The Biz’ Entertaining Business to talk about the upcoming Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show. Listen to the full interview here:

“We’re gearing up for the Miami International Boat Show, which is a consumer show. We’re looking forward to having the opportunity to meet with our customers to have them have a hands on opportunity to touch, feel, and see our products,” said Oletzky. When asked to explain what her company does, she said, “Frigibar Industries is the manufacturer of fiberglass marine refrigeration equipment. We make freezers, refrigerators. We also do dry storage options (including) dock boxes and deck boxes. We also build for boat builders and (superyacht) refit yards as well.”

Frigibar Freezer

Frigibar Captain Freezer

The upcoming show will showcase many new activities, opportunities and attractions for attendees, highlighted by their new location — the newly renovated Miami Marine Stadium. This will mark the first time in 46 years the Miami International Boat Show is hosted in a new location. “We finally have the opportunity to provide enough parking not only for attendees, but for vendors,” said Rick-Joule, who also mentioned that over 10,000 parking spots will be available for attendees. “I remember going to the stadium (Miami Marine Stadium) when I was a kid watching concerts and boat races. That was the place to go – it was an event to go down for (to be there),” said Oletzky.

The show brings a lot more than boats and attendees to Florida and the city of Miami. “This is a $600 million economic impact event. About 25% of our customers come from outside of the state of Florida. Many of them are international. We have a very significant South American influence. Out-of-towners spend $80 million while they’re here during their visit. The product sales result in about $30 million of sales tax for the state. Two-hundred thousand hotel rooms are filled, and I think most importantly – the people that come to the show take away a very positive memory of a beautiful paradise that we are lucky enough to live in,” said Cathy Rick-Joule.

The 75th annual Miami International Boat Show also marks a significant milestone in the history of Frigibar Industries, Inc. “This is our 50th year participating in the show, which we’re very excited about. We’re in Tent C Booth 554. Anybody that would like to come down, we’d love to see you. Come and enjoy a fantastic experience,” said Oletzky.

Attendees 15 and under receive free admission to the show. To learn more and to get your tickets, visit: www.MiamiBoatShow.com. If you would like to learn more about Frigibar visit www.frigibar.com. Come out and enjoy the show (February 11-15).

Additional interview quotes:

  • “It’s the gathering of the marine industry.” – Cathy Rick-Joule
  • “You have the opportunity to control your experience when you come to the show…You can have your parking ticket in hand, know where everything is before you leave your house. That wasn’t possible before. You don’t have to hope for that one parking spot.” – Cathy Rick-Joule
  • “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.” – Cathy Rick-Joule
  • “We are fortunate to have wonderful, mindful, kind business owners like Shuly participate in our events. They build a wonderful product; they stand behind their product. She stands shoulder to shoulder with many other manufacturers that run the same type of business. We have an association of members that are absolutely fantastic.” – Cathy Rick-Joule

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.

 

Frigibar Exhibiting for 50th Time at Miami International Boat Show

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The 2016 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, February 11-15, will mark the 75th year for the event. For Frigibar Industries Inc., this year’s show marks the 50th consecutive year being involved in the show. Asked what the 50th year of Frigibar’s involvement in the show meant to her, Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky said, “To do anything for 50 years is amazing, and I think it speaks volumes to the relationships we’ve built with those that have supported us along the way.”

Frigibar Booth at MIBS 2016

Frigibar at MIBS 2016

Frigibar has been in the Oletzky family for the past 45 years, previously known as Frigibar Marine. The company manufactures luxury marine refrigeration products in Miami, Florida, and has kept manufacturing in the United States for the entire existence of the company. Frigibar will showcase high-quality marine freezers and refrigerators in front of the 100,000+ attendees of the five-day event as an exhibitor.

The Miami International Boat Show is one of the largest shows in the world and presents a unique opportunity for companies like Frigibar. Without a retail location, Frigibar utilizes boat shows to interact with customers and give people a chance to see and touch refrigerators and freezers that can add value to their boat or yacht. “I don’t know anywhere you could put a pop-up store and get 100,000 people to visit you,” said Oletzky.

Frigibar at the 2016 MIBS

Due to the participation of hundreds of boat builders, shipyards, independent boat owners, and other marine industry companies, the show brings the entire industry together in one location. “Because of the setup of the show, I’ve been able to show a customer exactly how one of our units would fit in an exact replica of their yacht because the company they purchased their vessel from is an exhibitor as well. This adds tremendous value to what Frigibar is able to provide for our customers,” says Oletzky, who isn’t shy about how much she enjoys the Miami International Boat Show. “I love it! I love that people are there have a good time and sharing the experience with their family or spouses.”

This year’s show will bring thousands of boats and exhibitors together with fans and customers in South Florida at the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin. There will be over 10,000 available parking spaces with free shuttle bus and water taxi service. To purchase tickets in advance or for more information about the show, visit MaimiBoatShow.com.

To meet with Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky at the show, contact Frigibar ahead of time, or just stop on by during the event. Frigibar will be exhibiting in the C Tent at Booth C554.

About Frigibar Industries, Inc.

Frigibar Industries, Inc. is one of the longest established manufacturers of marine refrigeration. Frigibar Industries, previously Frigibar Marine, was purchased in 1971 by 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.

Recap of the 9th Annual Get Down to Business Lunch to Benefit Easter Seals Florida

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On January 20th, the 9th Annual Get Down to Business Lunch to Benefit Easter Seals Florida took place at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. The sold out crowd of over 340 business leaders, philanthropists and entrepreneurs joined together for a day to support a great cause, network, and learn from others.

The event was highlighted by bestselling author of The Fred Factor and keynote leadership speaker Mark Sanborn. “Out of all of the years I’ve done this, there was something extra special about this event. The biggest thing I took away from Mark’s (Mark Sanborn) message is that you never know the impact you can have on someone by doing your best,” says Frigibar Industries, Inc. President and Easter Seals Florida Board Member.

From CEOs to entry-level employees, each person who represents a company can make a significant impact on others by going above and beyond what is considered to be a standard level of service. Mark gave examples of this through the story of Fred, a postman who was more concerned about people’s mail than those who were receiving the mail. His passion and hard work developed into the admiration of all the people he provided services for.

Leadership is often misunderstood as forceful commands by a person in a position of power. “Management is power over people. Leadership is power with people,” said Sanborn, empowering the audience to positively influence employees and others instead of using forceful management.

The theme of working together to accomplish mutual goals was also exampled by the organizing team. “It’s a great and rewarding representation of the power of people working together for a cause greater than themselves in a community,” says Oletzky about the event. Asked what the most rewarding aspect of the event was, Oletzky replied, “seeing everything come full circle and watching how much people enjoyed and got out of what we helped to put together. This event is unlike anything else in the area.”

Over the past nine events, the Get Down to Business Lunch has raised more than $600,000 to directly support the local programs of the Igoe-Amar Child Development Center through Easter Seals Florida. Out of every dollar, 91 cents is used to directly support these programs in the West Palm Beach area.

February brings another opportunity to support Easter Seals Florida during the PGA’s The Honda Classic, which takes place February 22-28. American Honda Birdies for Children is a fundraiser that donates 110% of pledged gifts while fans of the tournament guess the total number of birdies made during the tournament. The winner will receive a brand new 2016 Honda. In the event of a tie, a blind drawing from all of the correct guesses will determine the winner. Additional prizes will be randomly drawn. Donations can be made on The Honda Classic website here.

For more information about Easter Seals Florida, please visit EasterSeals.com/Florida, or contact Heather R. Weisbrod at 561.471.1688 ext. 133 or email at hweisbrod@fl.easterseals.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.

 

How Frigibar Approaches Customer Service

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“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.

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

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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 Industries Supports 2016 Miami International Boat Show at Marine Stadium Park

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The 2016 Progressive® Miami International Boat Show is scheduled for February 11-15, 2016.

This year’s show, which will be the 75th annual event, will be hosted at the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin. The location was chosen as an alternative to the Miami Beach Convention Center, which is currently being renovated.

The Miami Herald published a letter of support from Frigibar Industries President Shuly Oletzky. Frigibar is a family-owned company that has exhibited at the show for nearly 50 years. The event brings in over 90,000 attendees annually and has been an integral part of the Miami boating industry and one of the most popular boat shows in the world.

The Miami Herald:

“Re the May 28 story Miami Commission approves key Boat Show agreements: I am the owner of Frigibar Industries Inc., a small family-owned business located in the Little River area of Miami. We are one of the longest established manufacturers of marine freezers and refrigeration systems for boaters.

For the past 49 years, Frigibar has been an exhibitor at the Miami International Boat Show.

For more than 30 years, we have also been members of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The Boat Show and our partnership with the NMMA have been essential for the survival and growth of our business.

As a business without a retail store location, the Boat Show is a valuable resource, and our best opportunity to have potential buyers see, feel and purchase our products.

I have many fond memories of Miami Marine Stadium Park. My family would often enjoy the amazing waterfront views when dining at the Rusty Pelican. I have attended Miami International Boat Show since childhood and I look forward to supporting and participating in next year’s event.”

Join Frigibar at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show as we continue to support the event and boating community. We’ll be featuring the best cockpit freezers and refrigerators, dock boxes, fish boxes, ice chests, conversion kits and more, all made in the USA. Follow the Miami International Boat Show on Facebook and visit MiamiBoatShow.com for more information.