If You Build It, They Will Come...

10/03/23 • 51 min

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

Visit: www.cooltimespodcast.com

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

Visit: www.cooltimespodcast.com

Previous Episode

Exploring Captive Insurance and Risk Management with Carson Miller

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Cool Times podcast! This week, hosts Vince and Jenna Free are joined by the industry expert Carson Miller, a true friend of the show and an integral part of the Assured Partners team. Carson's journey into the world of insurance and risk management is not just a career, but a passion that runs in his DNA. Tune in as they dive into the captivating world of captive insurance, real estate risk management, and how Carson's unique approach to partnership is transforming the way businesses manage their risks.

Carson Miller, is known for his expertise in risk management and insurance, especially in the cold storage and construction sectors. Carson's background is steeped in insurance, being a third-generation practitioner. He explains Assured Partners' distinctive approach, emphasizing a narrow but deep focus on specific industry verticals.

Carson delves into Assured Partners' specialization in various sectors, including construction, real estate, and alternative risk finance solutions. He highlights the importance of tailored risk management strategies that span several years rather than focusing solely on immediate needs. The hosts and Carson discuss the rising rates and premiums in the industry and the significance of putting long-term strategies in place.

Story Notes:

❄️ Getting to Know Carson Miller

❄️ The World of Captive Insurance

❄️ Choosing the Right Captive

❄️ The Role of Assured Partners in Various Industries

❄️ The Personal Touch in Client Relationships

❄️ Captive Insurance Unveiled

❄️ Choosing Offshore Captives

Sponsored by Rytec High-Performance Doors
Visit: www.cooltimespodcast.com

To connect with Carson Miller, you can reach him at:

Phone: (214) 404-2900

Email: [email protected]

Next Episode

The FCL Experience

In this episode of The Cool Times podcast, hosts Vince and Jenna Free are joined by a special guest, Cory Singer, the Vice President of Business Development and Pre-Construction at FCL Builders. Cory shares his insights into the cold storage and industrial construction industry, discussing challenges, market trends, and strategies for managing growth.
Cory discusses the booming demand in the warehousing and e-commerce sectors, emphasizing the lack of overbuilding and sustained demand in the market.Challenges in obtaining capital due to fluctuating interest rates and lending restrictions are discussed, posing potential difficulties in closing deals.Vince and Cory also explore the complexities of managing budgets amidst price fluctuations in materials like insulated metal panels. Strategies like open communication, transparency, and leveraging strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are vital in overcoming challenges.
Cory explains his involvement in creating the Icon Cold Storage conference, highlighting the necessity for the cold storage industry to have its own platform for discussion and collaboration.Icon Cold Storage serves as a hub for industry professionals to exchange ideas, addressing the unique needs of the cold storage sector within industrial real estate.
Story Notes:
❄️ Cory Singer's Background and Journey
❄️ Challenges in the Market
❄️ NAIOP and Icon Cold Storage Conference
❄️ Challenges in Securing Capital
❄️ The Birth of Icon Cold Storage
Sponsored by Rytec High-Performance Doors & Jamison Doors
Visit: www.cooltimespodcast.com