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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

6 Freezing Tips to Help You Use Your Freezer Like a Pro

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Cooking, baking, refrigerating, and freezing — on the surface, they all seem like extremely simple actions. In reality, there are tips, secrets, and right and wrong ways to approach each. Unlike cooking and baking, you won’t find many online courses, schools, or reality television shows dedicated to freezing or refrigerating items, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. Freezing properly will extend the life of your freezer and your food, and ensure food safety.

At Frigibar, freezing is our business. We’ve been manufacturing quality marine refrigeration products for over 45 years. To help you utilize your freezer like a pro, here are six freezing tips you can start using today.

Rotate and Organize:

A big, thick steak that’s currently at room temperature is going to take more effort from your freezer to freeze than a bag of frozen vegetables. When loading non-frozen items into your freezer, rotate the contents in your unit to efficiently freeze what you’re putting in. For units that are not designed to recirculate the cold air, items closest to the evaporator coils will cool or freeze more quickly.

If the items against the evaporator or walls of the freezer freeze first, this could insulate the items in the middle. Think of an igloo — cold blocks of ice on the outside and a protected area in the middle. By rotating the contents from the middle to the walls or against the evaporator and the solid frozen items from the walls nearest the evaporator to the middle, you will be sure to completely freeze all items in the unit.

Let It Cool First: Freezer systems are designed to remove warm air from the box. If placing hot food into your freezer, not only will your unit have to work much harder to cool and freeze the item, the temperature in your unit will temporarily increase, which could impact other items in the freezer.

Don’t risk the safety of your frozen food or overwork your freezer by putting hot items into it too soon. There are freezer systems designed specifically for cooling hot food. If you don’t have one of these systems, consider letting the food cool or even pop it into the refrigerator for a bit before transferring it to the freezer.

Create Space Between Food:

Overcrowding, like having an HVAC vent that’s closed, can prevent the cooling of what’s in your freezer. By creating space between food items, cold air can properly circulate around items in your freezer.

Tip: For a few dollars apiece, you can purchase plastic bins with holes to create space in between items and organize your food.

Don’t Freeze It!: Not every food item should be frozen. Travel and Cook has the following list of what you shouldn’t be freezing:

  • Raw eggs still in the shell (they will expand and may crack)
  • Hard-boiled eggs go rubbery
  • Vegetables with a high water content, such as lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts and radishes, go limp and mushy
  • Soft herbs, like parsley, basil, and chives, go brown
  • Egg-based sauces, such as mayonnaise, will separate and curdle
  • Plain yogurt, low-fat cream cheese, single cream and cottage cheese go watery

Additional Tip: Carbonated beverages should not be frozen or placed inside your freezer due to the risk of the cans or bottles exploding.

Keep It Running and Occupied: Freezer systems want to run, constantly. Keeping your freezer plugged in and running will keep the system functioning at its best. An empty freezer will have to work harder, so if you pull all the contents out, leave a couple of jugs of water inside and turn the temperature to a warmer setting.

While it won’t hurt the system to turn it off for a season, a system that runs constantly will have a longer life. If you do decide to shut it down while not in use, prop the lid or door open to avoid mold and mildew growth inside the unit. If you have to leave the door or lid closed, look into placing something like a jar of Tea Tree Power Gel, that naturally eliminates mold, mildew and odors inside to keep you the interior of your freezer unit fresh for your return.

Defrost Ice Build-Up: It is inevitable to get some frost build-up in your freezer. This frost is created from moisture that gets into the box and is most commonly due to a poor seal or just from normal use of opening and closing the unit letting warm air in, which turns into water vapor. Having a huge block of ice on your evaporator or walls of your freezer will make it run less efficiently.

Depending on your freezer system, there are a few ways to defrost your system safely and properly. Some freezers come with a build-in automatic defrost. If you have an auto-defrost system you’re in luck, and you don’t have to do anything since the system will care for itself. If you have significant frost build up in a “frost-free” freezer, you may want to have a technician look at it as it could be a symptom of an issue. If your system doesn’t defrost automatically, here are three of the most common defrost options:

  1. Remove all the items in the freezer, turn it off and let the ice melt. Make sure to place some towels to catch the water so it doesn’t wind up on the floor.
  2. Wet a sponge with warm water and melt the ice as it is applied.
  3. If you have a chest or bench-style unit, like a Frigibar, with a drain in the bottom, running or pouring water over the ice build up to melt it will do the trick.

With any of the methods, make sure to wipe the freezer walls and evaporator coil dry before turning the system on.

Additional Tip: If you have a freezer system that uses an exposed evaporator plate, never, ever, ever (we can’t stress this enough) use an ice pick, knife, or other object that may puncture the evaporator plate. One small puncture will render your system useless and repairs or replacements are often costly.

Take good care of your freezer system and it will take care of you for a long time to come!

whats-in-your-cockpitUse the best in marine refrigeration – order your Frigibar marine refrigeration system today on Frigibar.com. Have questions? We are happy to help! Call 305-757-7697 to speak with one of our experts today.

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.

 

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.