Cool Times Podcast

❄️ Cool Takeaways:

• The Ghost Rodents Band Revelation — Dave reveals he's been drumming in a band for decades, completely transforming the conversation from professional to personal.

Sponsored by:

Vapor Armor

Advanced vapor barrier systems designed to protect cold storage facilities from moisture and condensation.

🔗 www.vaporarmor.com

Fastener Systems Inc. (FSI)

High-performance fasteners and thermal solutions trusted across the cold storage industry.

👉 www.cooltimespodcast.com

Welcome back to Cool Times — where we talk all things cool in the cold storage construction world. And this week, we’re celebrating one of our favorite things: Women in Construction Month (yes, we’re claiming the whole month 🔥).

In this episode, we’re joined by Brenttnie Smith, Business Development Lead at Reeves Young, who proves that the road into construction doesn’t have to be traditional to be powerful. From sports broadcasting to leading BD in industrial and cold storage, Brenttnie shares how betting on herself — and diving into the unknown — led to a career she truly loves.

We talk:

• Her pivot from the Golf Channel and Miami Dolphins to construction
• Reeves Young’s growth and strategy in cold storage and industrial markets
• The grind of building trust in a new space — and finally hearing “yes”
• Women in construction: the wins, the challenges, and why the future looks bright
• And yes... we also unpack fantasy football, martinis, and a little Bama vs. Big Ten banter 🏈

Whether you're a rising pro or a seasoned vet, this one’s full of insights, energy, and inspiration.

Episode Highlights:

❄️ How Brenttnie found her calling in construction — without a plan B
❄️ Reeves Young’s footprint in the Southeast and cold storage expansion
❄️ What it takes to break into an industry that says “we’ve used the same GC for 25 years”
❄️ Why women are crushing it in construction (and what they uniquely bring to the table)
❄️ The impact of mentorship, community outreach, and giving back

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube — trust us, this one’s more fun with the visuals

👉 www.cooltimespodcast.com

🎯 Sponsored By:

AFAB - Applied Fabricators

🔗 https://www.appliedfabricators.com/

Jamison Door Company

🔗https://jamisondoor.com/

#WomenInConstruction #ColdStorage #CoolTimesPodcast #ReevesYoung #MissionMattersMedia #FSI #IndustrialConstruction #BuildWithPurpose

In this episode of Cool Times, Jenna and Vince sit down with David Sours, Senior Vice President at CBRE, for a deep dive into the evolution of cold storage real estate—and how one man’s obsession with buildings turned into a national platform.

With 23 years at CBRE and a reputation for being famous for something, David unpacks how he became a go-to expert in refrigerated warehousing, why mentors matter, and what the data really says about speculative cold storage growth.

From brine refrigeration systems to raising industrial roofs, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and tactical advice for anyone in real estate, cold storage, or just trying to carve out their own niche.

❄️ Cool Takeaways:
Find Your Niche – David shares the early days of his career and how a single cold storage listing launched a national specialty practice at CBRE.

“Be Famous for Something” – A mentor’s advice that became a career-defining principle—and why standing out in your field matters more than ever.

Cold Storage: Then vs. Now – From 17 available buildings in 2003 to national-level data tools today, hear how the game has changed (and what hasn't).

Raising the Roof—Literally – David recalls a deal where they lifted the roof on a 1970s building to make space for a 33-degree cooler.

Spec Builds & Market Nuance – Why cookie-cutter doesn't cut it, and how understanding tenant demand by region is critical in today's landscape.

Mentorship & Data – David talks about building a team, training the next generation, and the real value of curated, industry-specific data.

Bonus Wisdom – Want better sleep? Write down your stress. David's TED Talk dream is all about the power of rest and organization.

🎧 Listen to the episode:
👉 www.cooltimespodcast.com

🎯 Sponsored By:
Rytec High Performance Doors
🔗 https://www.rytecdoors.com

Versi-Foam by RHH Foam Systems
Portable, easy-to-use spray foam kits for cold storage insulation and beyond.
🔗 https://www.rhhfoamsystems.com

In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode, Vince and Jenna Free close out Season 5 of The Cool Times Podcast with an honest recap of 2025 and their hopes for 2026. From industry lessons and personal growth to podcast highlights and burpee challenges, the dynamic duo reflects on the wins, the hard leadership moments, and what it really means to slow down. Plus, they announce a special Cold Storage Nation challenge that gives back.
Whether you're here for industry insights or relationship real talk, this one's for you.

Cool Takeaways:
❄️ 2025 in One Word – For Jenna, it was refined; for Vince, release. Growth comes from both sharpening and letting go.

❄️ Leadership Lessons – Hard conversations matter. Vince and Jenna get candid about learning to lead better by addressing challenges head-on.

❄️ Promoting from Within – Vince shares why Freez Construction is doubling down on growing leaders internally instead of just hiring experience.

❄️ Industry Trends – Faster schedules and stricter safety standards are top of mind heading into 2026.

❄️ Podcast Highlights – From recording with Eric Finnerty to Josh Lewis' “world-class” mindset, Season 5 was packed with unforgettable guests.

❄️ The Burpee Challenge – Join the Cold Storage Nation 1,000 Burpees in January Challenge! Proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research in honor of Matt Brower’s son.

❄️ Reflections on Loss – After losing their longtime dog Sophie, Vince and Jenna talk about what it truly means to slow down and prioritize what matters most.

❄️ Looking Ahead – Exciting plans for ICON Cold, CEBA, and GCCA conferences. Plus, new guests, new products, and even more thermal talk coming in Season 6.

Don’t miss this final episode of the year — equal parts business, personal, and inspiring. Catch the Season 5 wrap-up now at:
🎧 www.cooltimespodcast.com

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Vince and Jenna Free sit down with Matt Brower, VP of Development at BCCG, to talk about playing the long game in cold storage construction. Matt shares his journey from general construction into the cold space, how BCCG is growing as an ESOP-driven company, and why culture and trust are the cornerstones of their client relationships.

From leadership lessons to launching a burpee challenge for charity, this episode proves that construction isn’t just about building buildings—it’s about building people, purpose, and partnerships.

❄️ Cool Takeaways:

• From General Construction to Cold Chain – With 20+ years in construction, Matt found his cold storage calling in 2022 and has been scaling BCCG’s national presence ever since.
• BCCG’s Growth Strategy – As an employee-owned company, BCCG is expanding by focusing on culture, trust, and entering underserved regional markets.
• Culture-Driven Company – Matt shares how BCCG fosters a small-town, roll-up-your-sleeves vibe, prioritizing trust and teamwork over bureaucracy.
• Never Been to Court – A testament to BCCG’s integrity: they’ve never had a job go to litigation in company history.
• Rapid Response Payments – BCCG pays subcontractors within 48 hours of getting paid, building long-term loyalty and trust with partners.
• Field-First Mentality – Success is driven by the team on-site, and BCCG emphasizes investing in superintendents and project managers as the face of the company.
• Cold Storage Burpee Challenge – Matt and the Freeze team are launching a 1,000-burpee challenge in January to raise money for pediatric cancer. 💪
• Genuine Relationships > Flashy Sales – Matt’s mantra: lead with honesty, serve with humility, and prioritize long-term partnerships over short-term gains.

Sponsored by:

Vapor Armour
🔗 www.vaporarmour.com

Versi-Foam by RHH Foam Systems
🔗 https://www.rhhfoamsystems.com

In this laid-back and info-packed episode, Vince and Jenna Free welcome Glen Oltmanns Vice President at Senneca Holdings at Senneca Holdings—and longtime friend of the show. Glen shares his decades of experience in cold storage construction and door solutions, unpacking how Senneca’s portfolio of brands has evolved and adapted with the industry.

From traffic doors to high-performance insulated doors, Glen walks us through how Seneca became a one-stop-shop for the cold chain. You'll hear stories from job sites, bacon factories, and even a naval island—plus some laughs about California traffic, foam chemistry, and Glen’s secret life as the company historian.

❄️ Cool Takeaways:

• What Is Senneca Holdings? – A holding company with 10+ brands, 17 locations, and 1,100+ employees, focused on specialty door solutions for cold storage, retail, fire stations, and data centers.
• Decades of Experience – Glen has seen it all—from selling bakery equipment to innovating door designs for cooler and freezer environments.
• Cold Storage Door Innovations – Senneca’s Gen II sliding door and CR1400 interior door show how the company is modernizing tried-and-true products.
• Understanding DOE Compliance – Glen breaks down how Department of Energy regulations impact walk-in coolers and freezer doors under 3,000 sq. ft.
• Traffic Doors & Sustainability – Rotationally molded polyethylene doors offer R-values, sanitation, and durability in food processing applications.
• Field-Driven Feedback – Glen emphasizes the importance of job site experience in improving product design and training future reps.
• Fun Fact – Glen once had to sleep on a remote island while inspecting cold storage doors for a military facility… dedication!
• People First – Whether it’s treating jobsite laborers with respect or mentoring future leaders, Glen lives by the lesson: “Show up, and do what you say you’re going to do.”

🎧 Listen to the episode:
👉 www.cooltimespodcast.com

🎯 Sponsored By:

• Senneca Holdings
  Industry leader in specialty door solutions for cold storage and beyond.
  🔗 https://www.senneca.com

In this dynamic episode, Vince and Jenna Free sit down with Thomas Gubbins, Director of Business Development, and Sean Doherty, Senior Project Manager, of Layton Construction to talk about building more than just cold storage facilities. From Sean's journey from owner to GC, to Thomas’ sports agency beginnings with Green Bay legends, the episode blends industry insight with some serious laughs.

The Layton team opens up about how they broke into the cold market, what sets them apart from other national builders, and how they’re pushing toward $100M+ in cold storage projects this year—all while keeping company culture and team relationships at the center of it all.

❄️ Cool Takeaways:

• Layton’s Cold Momentum – With over $100M in cold storage projects in 2025, Layton is quickly becoming a major national player.
• From NFL Players to RFPs – Thomas Gubbins’ unique background in sports marketing gives him a relationship-first edge in business development.
• Owner-Turned-Builder – Sean Dohorty brings a dual perspective from years at Cisco and a cold storage developer, now driving projects at Layton.
• Building with Intentionality – Layton’s cold storage success stems from building trust, hiring experienced teams, and focusing on predictable outcomes.
• National Reach, Local Feel – Though part of STO Group ($13B+), Layton offers a flat structure, flexible culture, and close access to leadership.
• Future-Focused Growth – Layton’s vision includes expanding across the Southeast and potentially opening a Texas office—driven by local demand and returning talent.
• Culture Over Everything – Whether it’s setting up camp in a trailer or celebrating team birthdays, Layton’s people-first mindset shows in everything they do.

Don’t miss this architecture-meets-cold-storage deep dive with one of the most passionate leaders in the biz. Chill out with the full episode at
🌐 www.cooltimespodcast.com

🎯 Sponsored By:

Vapor Armour
🔗 https://vaporarmour.com/

Rytec High Performance Doors
🔗 https://www.rytecdoors.com

In this high-energy episode, Vince and Jenna Free dive into the fascinating world of cold storage automation with Alex Reed, Sales Director at Swisslog. From high-bay warehouses to software-powered solutions, Alex breaks down how Swisslog has been revolutionizing automation in the cold chain—especially in challenging environments like deep freeze. With 125 years of experience, Swisslog is no rookie, and Alex shares stories that are both hilarious (think conveyor mishaps involving women’s underwear) and insightful (like the real challenges of retrofitting brownfield facilities).

Whether you're a 3PL, operator, or just automation-curious, this episode will give you a front-row seat to what’s next in cold storage tech—and why it’s not just about robots anymore, but smarter, leaner, and greener systems.

❄️ Cool Takeaways:

• Swisslog has over 250 automation systems in deep-freeze environments—and a long track record of figuring it out as they go
• Vibe coding and AI-driven dashboards are cutting dashboard build time from six months to six seconds
• Automation isn't one-size-fits-all—companies need to be cautious when retrofitting existing brownfield buildings
• Labor shortages and lack of space are top drivers for automation; Swisslog helps clients densify without expanding
• Emerging tech is shifting from "automate everything" to focused solutions that do one thing extremely well
• Real-world installs can take 12–18 months, with Swisslog working hand-in-hand with GCs and end users from day one
• Software is king—Swisslog’s global single-platform approach ensures smoother integration and fewer headaches
• Cold storage automation helps with sustainability by reducing energy use and building footprint
• Culture at Swisslog is all about ownership, trust, and excellence—and they plan to keep customers happy for the next 125 years

Don’t miss this architecture-meets-cold-storage deep dive with one of the most passionate leaders in the biz. Chill out with the full episode at
🌐 www.cooltimespodcast.com

🚧 Sponsored by :

Senneca Holdings
🔗 https://www.senneca.com

Applied Fabricators (AFAB) 
🔗 https://appliedfabricators.com

After over two years in the making, Brian Benson finally joins Vince and Jenna in the studio—and the wait was worth it. As Director of Solutions Engineering at Voxel, Brian brings a wealth of experience from his decades in cold storage, combined with cutting-edge AI technology designed to make warehouses safer and smarter. From managing one of the most dangerous warehouses in the western U.S. to partnering with Voxel to prevent injuries and save operational costs, Brian shares how proactive visibility is transforming the cold chain. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can reduce injuries, improve energy efficiency, and optimize workflows, this episode is your blueprint.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Voxel is helping warehousers know the unknown and why visibility is the real superhero in today’s logistics landscape.

❄️ Cool Takeaways:

• Voxel’s AI technology turns passive security camera footage into real-time, actionable safety insights
• Brian’s journey from warehouse GM to tech leader was inspired by a mission to protect his team during the pandemic
• Cold storage energy bills can skyrocket due to simple issues like open doors—Voxel caught one left open for 8 hours overnight
• Existing cameras can be retrofitted—no need to install new hardware to get started
• Real-world results: 12 indemnities down to zero, and 91% incident reduction for clients like Michaels
• AI use cases go far beyond safety: workflow optimization, ergonomic assessment, trailer inspection, and door cycle analytics
• Voxel supports both new builds and retrofits, helping with camera placement and system design from the ground up
• Emphasizing culture: successful AI adoption requires communication, transparency, and training—not fear of “big brother”

Don’t miss this architecture-meets-cold-storage deep dive with one of the most passionate leaders in the biz. Chill out with the full episode at
🌐 www.cooltimespodcast.com

🚧 Sponsored by :

 Fastener Systems Inc. (FSI)

https://www.fastenersystems.com/

 Iceberg Mechanical & Refrigeration

https://icebergmechanicalusa.com/

In this episode of the Cool Times Podcast, hosts Vince and Jenna Free sit down with Jeremy Bentley, Director of Architecture at Power Construction's Cold and Food Group. Jeremy shares his journey from Lincoln Logs to leading some of the industry’s most innovative cold storage designs. With nearly two decades of experience—starting with United Insulated Structures and now shaping the future at Power—Jeremy offers deep insights into evolving building standards, design/build collaboration, and the quirks that make the cold storage world so unique.

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at how smarter drawings, better field communication, and industry camaraderie are pushing cold construction to the next level.

Cool Takeaways:

❄️ Built Different – Jeremy blends math and art, GC and architect, design and jobsite hustle for a holistic cold storage approach.

❄️ Learning in the Field – His experience as a carpenter and superintendent shaped how he draws, solves problems, and trains others.

❄️ Cold Design Evolution – Jeremy explains the shift from repetitive freezer boxes to tall, automated, energy-efficient facilities.

❄️ Merger Success – The Power Construction acquisition brought tools like AR, VR, and a 0.48 EMR—without losing small-team culture.

❄️ Details Matter – From door shifts to vapor barriers, Jeremy emphasizes hands-on field feedback and refining every drawing.

❄️ Spec Building Challenges – Why flexibility in spec cold storage is harder than it sounds—and how developers can get it right.

❄️ Community Over Competition – Jeremy champions the collaborative spirit of cold storage pros, from vendors to architects.

❄️ Oregon Trail & Sam Adams – Yes, there’s also talk of RVs, fish stick cocktails, and the Bentley of all drawings.

Don’t miss this architecture-meets-cold-storage deep dive with one of the most passionate leaders in the biz. Chill out with the full episode at
🌐 www.cooltimespodcast.com

🚧 Sponsored by VersiFoam
https://www.rhhfoamsystems.com/

🚧 Sponsored by Jamison Door Company
https://jamisondoor.com/