Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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…
Author: Vince & Jenna Free
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify 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…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode of the Cool Times podcast, Hosts Vince and Jenna Free interviews Dwight Clark, the President and CEO of Jamison Door Companies. They discuss Dwight’s background, the history of Jamison, and the various products the company offers, including cold storage doors, high-speed roll-up doors, and specialty doors for performing arts centers and jet engine test cells. Dwight also talks about his involvement with the Global Cold Chain Alliance and the importance of staying current with industry trends and advancements in technology. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round of fun questions. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/P39-WeAVIR8 Story Notes:…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode, Hosts Vince and Jenna Free interview Vince Humphreys, Senior Construction Sales at Ahern Fire Protection about fire protection in cold storage construction. They discuss the history and background of Ahern, the different types of fire protection systems, and the importance of product classification and flu spacing. They also touch on the challenges of protecting different types of products and the impact of thermal issues in cold storage facilities. The conversation covers market trends in the controlled environment industry, the importance of working with trusted partners, and the legacy of honesty and teaching. The main market trends…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify In this episode of The Cool Times Podcast, hosts Vince and Jenna Free welcome the team from Weiland Doors, including Carl Weiland, Calvin Mueller, and Christina Sirek, to discuss the company’s recent growth and developments. They highlight Weiland Doors’ focus on meeting the specific needs of the cold storage industry, emphasizing the introduction of CS grade hardware. The team shares success stories and reflects on the company’s supportive and collaborative culture, emphasizing gratitude and teamwork. They also discuss their unique approach to celebrating successes and commend the Weiland Doors team for their dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction. Watch…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / RSS In this episode of The Cool Times podcast hosted by Vince and Jenna Free, they welcome Will Nelson, Principal Investment Portfolio Manager at BGO. Will discusses BGO’s focus on cold storage investments globally, highlighting their approach and motivation. He explains the process of partnering with localized development teams and the factors influencing project locations. The conversation delves into assessing viability and returns on investment, considering rising costs and market uncertainties. Will shares insights on the impact of macroeconomic factors like interest rates and the potential challenges ahead. He emphasizes the importance of humility, respect, and collaboration for newcomers entering…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / RSS In this episode of The Cool Times podcast hosted by Vince and Jenna Free, they welcome guest Colin Williams from Williams Company, a project manager in the cold storage industry. Colin discusses his company’s journey from its founding in 1920 to its recent resurgence in the cold storage sector. He highlights pivotal projects, including a major renovation for Cisco after a tornado, showcasing their ability to thrive in operational facilities. The conversation delves into industry dynamics, the importance of conferences like SIBA and GCCA, and the significance of Williams Company’s ESOP structure, emphasizing employee ownership and commitment to client…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / RSS In this episode of The Cool Times podcast, hosts Vince and Jenna Free sit down with guest McKenna Migas, Project EngineerProject Engineer at Fisher Construction Group to discuss her experiences in the construction industry. McKenna shares insights from her challenging yet exciting job site projects, highlighting the importance of confidence and boldness, especially for women entering the field. The conversation delves into the unique challenges of construction, including navigating limited space and managing diverse personalities. McKenna emphasizes the need for thick skin and a focus on the end goal, despite the noise and doubts that may arise along the…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / RSS In this episode of Cool Times Podcast, hosted by Vince and Jenna Free, Kathryn MacMillan, Director of Business Development at FCL Builders, joins the conversation to share her experiences and insights as a woman in the construction industry. Kathryn traces her interest in construction back to childhood experiences with architecture and construction-related activities. She discusses her role at FCL Builders and the company’s commitment to customer service and excellence in construction projects. Throughout the episode, Kathryn reflects on the challenges she has faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, emphasizing the importance of confidence, professionalism, and continuous learning.…