Cool Times Podcast

Cold Storage is Going Higher—Literally!
Automation, ASRS, and smart warehouse design are reshaping cold storage—and Steve Wilson of Slate River Systems (SRSI) is at the center of it all. Vince and Jenna Free sit down with Steve to break down how data-driven automation is making cold storage operations more efficient, cost-effective, and ready for the future. From pallet shuttles to warehouse management systems, Steve shares how SRSI is helping businesses build smarter, not just bigger.
Cool Takeaways:
❄️ Why ASRS is the hottest trend in cold storage
❄️ How data (not guesswork) drives smarter automation decisions
❄️ The #1 mistake companies make when planning automation
❄️ Why early collaboration can save $$$ on warehouse design
Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of cold storage. Chill out with the full episode at www.cooltimespodcast.com

Sponsored by Rytec High Performance Doors

https://www.rytecdoors.com/

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Hosts Vince and Jenna talk with Maggie Christiansen, Regional Sales Manager at Kingspan Insulated Panels. Maggie has been in the industry for almost 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share. Maggie shared her story of how she got into the industry, starting with her dad’s independent manufacturer's rep business. Maggie worked for her dad for 10 years prior to Kingspan hiring her as the Regional Sales Manager.
Maggie explained Kingspan is the largest manufacturer of insulated metal panels globally and has 198 manufacturing facilities around the world. Kingspan has three panel divisions in North America, the Controlled Environments division, the Commercial Industrial division, and the Benchmark high-end architectural division. Maggie also discussed Kingspan's Light and Air division, which provides translucent panels and daylighting to allow natural light into certain buildings.
Finally, Maggie explained there are 6 employees and 2 independent reps that cover the USA market for Kingspan and shared some exciting new products and inititives from Kingspan, including their Quad Core
foam panel with higher thermal performance, fire performance, low smoke development, and health and wellness certifications.
Kingspan is a trusted leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-performance building products and solutions for the global property and construction industry, servicing abroad range of
market sectors for over 40 years. Kingspan Insulated Panels offer the widest product set in the market, including commercial and industrial, cold storage, and Benchmark premium customized architectural
insulated metal panels and accessories.

Story Notes:

• Who is Maggie Christiansen
• About Kingspan Insulated Panels
• How Maggie started in the Construction Industry
• Kingspan has Three Divisions: Controlled Environments, Commercial Industrial, and Benchmark High-end Architectural
• Kingspan's QuadCore Foam Panel
• CEBA & GCCA

Sponsored by Rytec High-Performance Doors

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In this episode of The Cool Times Podcast, hosts Vince and Jenna Free welcome Gary O'Donnell to the show. Gary, a seasoned professional with 26 years of experience in the industry, recently joined the team at Karis Cold, a leading developer specializing in cold storage and spec buildings. As Gary shares his journey and insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic world of cold storage development and the role of a VP of Construction.

Gary provides insights into Karis Cold's role in the construction industry. Karis Cold is primarily a developer that specializes in building cold storage spec buildings. While Gary's roots are in general contracting, he's excited about the opportunity to contribute his experience to the development side of the business.

Karis Cold is known for constructing buildings without tenants in advance a unique approach in the industry. They currently have numerous sites ranging from 50 to 250 acres, with multiple buildings under construction in the Midwest and East Coast.

Throughout the discussion, Gary emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, adaptability, and the value of building strong relationships in the construction industry. He believes that one's ability to listen, ask questions, and collaborate with others can significantly impact success in the field.

Story Notes:

❄️Getting to Know Gary O'Donnell

❄️Exploring Karis Cold and Its Vision

❄️Analyzing Location Choices and Development Strategies

❄️Gary's Journey in the Construction Industry

❄️Gary's Unforgettable Construction Story

Sponsored by Rytec High-Performance Doors

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In this episode of the Cool Times podcast, Vince and Jenna Free, the dynamic duo and business partners, sit down with Jake Stefan, President at ARCO Design Build Companies Inc. As they explore all things cool about cold storage, they dive deep into Jake's journey, experiences, and insights that have shaped his successful career.

Jake Stefan's inspiring journey in the cold storage industry is showcased, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and cultivating a thriving culture in the workplace.

Story Notes:

❄️ Jake Stefan's Background

❄️ The Midwest Roots

❄️ About ARCO Design Build Companies Inc.

❄️ Finding Passion in Construction

❄️ The Atlanta Connection

❄️ Learning from a Mentor

❄️ Building a Culture of Trust

Sponsored by Versi-Foam & Rytec High-Performance Doors

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In this episode of the Cool Times Podcast, Vince Free and Jenna Free interviewed John Howell, Senior Project Manager at Fisher Construction Group Thermal Division. John has been in the Cold Storage Industry since 2010. He was a Territory Sales Representative at Rite Hite/Arbon Equipment Corporation from 1999 to 2010. He helped develop the FasTrax and Barrier Glider doors, which are still Rite Hite’s flagship high speed door products out in the market. In 2010 John joined Iso-Quip Corporation as a Project Manager eventually becoming Vice President. Under the leadership of Dave Reinhardt they tripled Iso-Quip’s revenue between 2010 and 2017.

Fisher Construction Group has completed projects across the US, most recently completing ASRS Freezer projects in Indiana and Georgia as well as a 500,000+ sf combination freezer/processing facility in California. Fisher's team of builders, architects, structural engineers, and food processing experts are known for building innovative facilities that are highly efficient and deliver on investment.Story Notes:

• John Howell Background
• Selling High Speed Doors
• Creating High Speed Doors
• Starting in Iso-Quip
• What does Fisher do
• Cool Moments in the Cold Storage Industry
• Innovation in the Cold Storage Industry
• What Excites you in Fisher
• Why Buy from Fisher

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