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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

Frigibar’s Shuly Oletzky Talks Miami Boat Show on Entertaining Business Podcast Episode #176

In a packed show that includes Valentine’s Day tips, stories, and news, Nora and Jesse welcome Shuly Oletzky of Frigibar Industries to discuss the upcoming Miami International Boat Show. This year’s show will take place February 16 and runs through Monday, February 20, and for the second year, will be in Virginia Key at the Miami Marine Stadium.

Over 1,300 boats will be displayed at the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, which is one of the largest boat shows in the world with over 100,000 attendees. Many of the thousands of visitors will be boat and yacht owners and crews, but the event is not just for owners. Asked about who should attend the Miami Boat Show, Oletzky said, “Anybody that likes to fish, kayak, or boat. There are 1100 exhibitors and there is something for everybody.”

Despite the large crowd attending the event, there will be water taxis, buses, and many ways for visitors to attend and get around to the different areas of the show. Visit MiamiBoatShow.com for more information and to get your tickets.

Come and see Shuly Oletzky and the quality marine refrigeration units, dock boxes from Frigibar, and a special creation from Pull Coolers in Tent C at Booth C554 throughout the show. For more information on Frigibar, visit Frigibar.com. Listen to the full episode of Entertaining Business here:

Frigibar Marine Refrigeration Products Now Available on SailorSams.com

Established in 2003, SailorSams made a name for themselves by carving out a niche within the marine industry by specializing in selling 12v LED boat lights online. SailorSams is now a full marine retailer, carrying both common staples of the industry and exclusive partnerships and luxury products. “SailorSams has some products that everybody has, but we’re always looking for unique quality products — and Frigibar is certainly that,” says SailorSams’ Kyle Mosher.

shuly-and-sailorsams

SailorSams has partnered with Frigibar Industries to provide the manufacturer’s boat and yacht refrigerators, freezers, and boxes to their wide base of customers. The Frigibar name has been synonymous with the highest quality marine refrigeration products for boats, yachts, docks and more for nearly 45 years. Asked why SailorSams is partnering with Frigibar, Mosher said, “Because there’s nothing else like it…I like finding things that are the best. Frigibar is hands-down the best in what they do.”

Frigibar’s products will be showcased in product pages on SailorSams.com. The Frigibar Captain Cockpit Refrigerator and Freezer is currently available at a discount and comes with several customization options to allow boat owners to best accommodate their boating adventures.

While SailorSams is primarily known as an online retailer, they and Frigibar have similar philosophies on creating personal relationships with customers, which requires in-person connections. “We work on creating real relationships that expand far outside of just our online presence. We exhibit at boat and trade shows and connect with customers to find out what they need and how we can fill that need within the marine industry,” says Mosher.

Asked why he’s passionate about the industry, Mosher replied, “I love the marine industry, and I love boating. I spend most of my summers out on the water. Since getting involved with SailorSams, I’ve been able to build some great relationships, like that with Frigibar President Shuly Oletzky.” Mosher and Oletzky were recently both exhibitors at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show at Miami Marine Stadium along with hundreds of exhibitors and over 100,000 boating enthusiasts. “The marine industry feels like a family. Primarily, we’re dealing with a fun industry created by people who are passionate about having a good time,” says Mosher.

Future opportunities for the partnership include making additional Frigibar products available to SailorSams audience, including deck boxes, dock boxes, fish boxes, and other refrigerator and freezer options.

2016 Miami International Boat Show Experience Recap: Frigibar Industries

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

“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 BizEntertaining 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

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.

Progressive Miami International Boat Show 2015

Just 3 weeks away from the Progressive Miami International Boat Show a the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center! Everyone is gearing up for an exciting show and the amazing buzz of more than 100,000 visitors that take over Miami Beach and the surrounding areas for the 5-day event.

Our suggestion…make your dinner reservations early! And, don’t forget Saturday of the Show is Valentine’s Day.

There are lots of changes to the layout of the Miami Boat Show this year.

Frigibar Industries, Inc. will be in our new location

Booth 3521 – Accessories Pavilion

We know it will take a little extra effort to get your bearings but we will be looking for you! Be sure to pick up a Show Guide on your way in to the convention center. Show Information, Floor plans and Exhibitor listing resources are available there or to search for your favorite exhibitors and boats online, and to plan your time wisely read about what  featured activities and workshops are available.

Frigibar Industries,  Inc. is a proud participant of this show and will be celebrating 48 years as an exhibitor! We hope you enjoy the Show as much as we do.