In this episode of the Cool Times Podcast, hosts Vince and Jenna Free are joined by Josh Lewis, President of RL Cold, to discuss the evolving cold storage industry. They explore RL Cold's unique customer-centric approach to developing cold storage facilities, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the importance of sustainability and automation. Josh shares insights on the challenges of growth and execution, key trends in the industry, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Story Notes:

❄️ Josh Lewis and RL Cold: A New Approach to Cold Storage

❄️ Diversification in Cold Storage: Beyond PRW

❄️ Impact of COVID-19 on the Cold Storage Industry

❄️ Challenges in Cold Storage: Growth vs. Execution

❄️ Sustainability Trends in Cold Storage

❄️ Cost Management and Consumer Impact

❄️ Automation in Cold Storage: When and How

❄️ Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Cold Storage

❄️ The Power of Reading and Motivation

❄️ Entrepreneurial Spirit and Career Decisions

Sponsored by Rytech doors

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In this episode of the Cool Times Podcast, hosts Vince and Jenna Free welcome James Price, a regional sales manager at Iceberg Mechanical. James shares his extensive experience in the refrigeration industry, discussing the growth of Iceberg Mechanical, the importance of custom refrigeration solutions, and the innovations in low charge systems. The conversation also touches on the future of refrigeration technology, including the role of AI, and the significance of relationships within the industry. James emphasizes the need for planning in refrigeration infrastructure to accommodate future expansions and shares personal anecdotes that highlight the familial nature of the industry.

Story Notes:

❄️ James Price's Journey in Refrigeration

❄️ Iceberg Mechanical's Growth and Pivotal Moments

❄️ Refrigeration Systems: Custom Solutions for Clients

❄️ Innovations in Refrigeration: Low Charge Systems

❄️ Planning for Future Expansion in Refrigeration

❄️ The Future of Refrigeration: AI and Technology

❄️ Personal Stories and Relationships in the Industry

Sponsored by Iceberg Mechanical

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In this episode of the Cool Times Podcast, hosts Jenna, and Vince Free welcome Dan Crist, the President of A M King, to discuss the intricacies of the cold storage construction industry. Dan shares his journey from a large international contracting firm to becoming a key player in A M King, emphasizing the importance of the design-build approach and the challenges faced in cold storage projects. The conversation also delves into the role of technology in enhancing efficiency and safety on job sites, as well as the significance of building trust with clients and subcontractors. In this conversation, Dan Crist discusses the early challenges of building a business, the importance of market forecasting, and the dynamics of client relationships. He reflects on the evolution of cold storage building, offers advice for newcomers in the industry, and emphasizes the significance of community and mentorship. The conversation also touches on balancing personal values with business decisions and the corporate responsibility of giving back to the community. Finally, Dan shares personal insights through a rapid-fire question segment.

Story Notes:

❄️ Meet Dan Crist: President of A M King

❄️ Dan's Journey in the Cold Storage Industry

❄️ The Design-Build Approach in Cold Storage

❄️ Leveraging Technology in Cold Storage Construction

❄️ Challenges in Cold Storage Construction

❄️ Building Trust with Clients and Subcontractors

❄️ Navigating Early Challenges in Business

❄️ Market Forecasting and Client Dynamics

❄️ Evolution of Cold Storage Building

❄️ Advice for Newcomers in the Industry

❄️ The Importance of Community and Mentorship

❄️ Balancing Personal Values and Business Decisions

Sponsored by Iceberg Mechanical

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In this episode of the Cool Times Podcast, hosts Vince and Jenna Free welcome Frank Siedler from Wagner Group, a leading fire protection company specializing in low oxygen systems for cold storage facilities. Frank shares insights into the evolution of Wagner Group, its innovative fire protection solutions, and the challenges faced in the cold storage industry. The conversation delves into the importance of education regarding fire safety, the technical aspects of oxygen levels, and the future of fire protection in an increasingly automated world. Frank emphasizes the need for prevention and adaptation to local markets as Wagner continues to grow globally.

Story Notes:

❄️ Meet Frank Siedler and Wagner Group

❄️ Wagner Group's Fire Protection Solutions

❄️ Challenges in Cold Storage Fire Protection

❄️ Understanding Oxygen Levels and Fire Safety

❄️ Global Operations and Market Adaptation

❄️ Cost Comparison: Low Oxygen vs. Sprinkler Systems

❄️ Future of Fire Protection in Cold Storage

Sponsored by Jamison doors

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In this episode of the Cool Times Podcast, Vince and Jenna Free speaks with Kurt Liebendorfer, Vice President of Industrial Refrigeration Business Development at EVAPCO. Kurt shares his extensive journey in the refrigeration industry, detailing his experiences from the food and beverage sector to significant projects in the petrochemical and energy industries. The conversation delves into innovative refrigeration technologies, particularly the rise of CO2 systems, and the challenges faced in designing effective refrigeration systems for cold storage. Kurt emphasizes Evapco's commitment to quality and customer service, highlighting the importance of project management in delivering successful refrigeration solutions. The episode concludes with light-hearted questions, showcasing Kurt's personality and insights into the industry.

Story Notes:

❄️ Kurt's Journey in Refrigeration

❄️ Innovative Projects in Dubai

❄️ Transition to EVAPCO and New Technologies

❄️ Challenges in Refrigeration System Design

❄️ The Rise of CO2 Refrigeration

❄️ Future Trends in Cold Storage

❄️ EVAPCO's Commitment to Quality and Service

Sponsored by Versi-Foam Insulation

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In this episode of the Cool Times Podcast, host Vince and Jenna Free interviews Russell Leo, CEO of RLS Logistics. They discuss the current state of the logistics industry, the growth and services of RLS, and the importance of family legacy in business. Russell shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the cold storage sector, as well as his personal journey in the family business. The conversation also touches on future plans for RLS, advice for the next generation, and the significance of being a family-owned business in today's market.

Story Notes:

❄️ Russell Leo: Background and Family Business

❄️ RLS Logistics: Services and Growth

❄️ Cool Moments in the Industry

❄️ Future Plans for RLS Logistics

❄️ Family Legacy and Business Philosophy

❄️ Advice for the Next Generation

❄️ Recognition and Differentiation in the Market

❄️ The Long Game: Business Strategy and Legacy

❄️ Rapid Fire Questions: Personal Preferences

Sponsored by Vapor Armor

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In this episode of Cool Times Podcast, Bobby Degregorio, VP of Business Development at ESI Group Design Build, discusses his background in the military and his transition to the cold storage industry. He highlights the importance of relationships and integrity in the industry and shares his experiences and challenges in business development. Bobby D emphasizes the need for a positive attitude, discipline, and realistic expectations in the long sales process. He also talks about the strong culture and community in the cold storage industry and the importance of face-to-face interactions. Bobby D shares his cool moments in the industry and the lessons he has learned from being out of his comfort zone. Bobby D discusses his superpower, why people should choose ESI, the importance of communication, and his core values of commitment, integrity, and relationships.

Story Notes:

❄️ ESI Group Design Build

❄️ Military Background and Connection with Brett

❄️ Utilizing Military Experience in Construction

❄️ ESI Group's Focus and Culture

❄️ Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

❄️ Bobby D's Superpower: Invisibility

❄️ Why Choose ESI: Commitment, Transparency, and Communication

❄️ The Importance of Effective Communication

❄️ Bobby D's Legacy: A Positive and Caring Individual

❄️ Core Values at ESI: Commitment, Integrity, and Relationships

Sponsored by Ritech High Performance Doors

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Burnie Taylor, Chief Development and Solutions Officer at Arcadia Cold, joins the Cool Times podcast hosted by Jenna and Vince Free, to discuss the new age of cold storage construction. Arcadia Cold is a growing cold storage company that focuses on customer service and building a strong culture. Burnie shares insights into their strategy for selecting facility locations, their approach to building design, and the importance of people and processes in delivering exceptional customer service. He also highlights the role of the Control Environment Building Association (CEBA) in standardizing the industry and developing professionals. Burnie emphasizes the value of networking and mentorship in the cold storage industry and encourages those interested in the field to gain hands-on experience in the field. He also shares information about upcoming industry events and where to find more information about Arcadia Cold.

Story Notes:

❄️ The New Age of Cold Storage Construction

❄️ Selecting Facility Locations and Building Design

❄️ The Importance of People and Processes in Customer Service

❄️ The Role of CEBA in Standardizing the Industry

❄️ Networking and Mentorship in the Cold Storage Industry

❄️ This or That Questions

❄️ Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Sponsored by Rytec High Performance Doors

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