In Part 2 of this Cool Times Podcast special, hosts Vince and Jenna Free dig deeper with Eric Finnerty, President and CEO of Vapor Armor, to get into the science, skepticism, and energy savings that make his system so revolutionary. Eric breaks down how Vapor Armor challenges conventional thermodynamics, why traditional frost ribbon details fall short, and how a properly designed perimeter seal can save customers millions.

From debates with roofers and thermal contractors to 40 million square feet of real-world results, this episode is a no-BS look at why Vapor Armor isn’t just a product—it’s a new standard for cold storage construction.

❄️ Cool Takeaways:

• Rethinking Thermodynamics – Eric explains why traditional frost ribbon and thermal leg details are just masking the real issues.
• The Two-Part Detail Advantage – Learn how Vapor Armor’s inside-and-out solution tackles both vapor drive and thermal transfer—guaranteed.
• The Polyiso Problem – Why XPS insulation outperforms polyiso in cold environments and what the industry often gets wrong.
• Energy Efficiency Pays – Vapor Armor-backed buildings are proven to lower energy usage by up to 25%, with ROI in as little as 22 months.
• Perimeter Seal Matters Most – The #1 failure point in cold storage buildings and how Vapor Armor solves it with bulletproof precision.
• From Skepticism to Standard – With 40M+ square feet installed and zero systemic failures, Vapor Armor is proving the doubters wrong.
• National Growth, Legendary Team – From quality control to leadership hires like Mike Petros, Eric shares what’s next for the fast-growing company.

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 Armor
Protect your envelope. Preserve your product. Seal your success.
🔗 www.vaporarmor.com

In Part 1 of this two-part Cool Times Podcast special, Vince and Jenna sit down with Eric Finnerty, President and CEO of Vapor Armor, to unpack the origin story of one of the cold storage industry’s most impactful innovations. Known across the industry as “The Beard,” Eric shares how a roof failure and a bold idea launched Vapor Armor, a company now synonymous with ice-free cold storage and cutting-edge vapor barrier solutions.

From roofing jobs in the Pacific Northwest to forensic investigations and a 15-year condensation-free guarantee, Eric takes us through the early battles, industry skepticism, and game-changing breakthroughs that helped Vapor Armor grow from an idea into an industry standard.

❄️ Cool Takeaways:

• Origins of Vapor Armor – Born from a failed roof install and a hunch that things could be done better, Eric built Vapor Armor with a handshake and a mission: eliminate ice, for good.
• Long Road to Yes – After years of rejection, Vapor Armor began proving itself through field results—and a lawsuit that ironically cemented its credibility.
• Detail-Obsessed Design – From the roof-to-wall interface to corner joints and pipe penetrations, Eric and his team have developed more details than he ever imagined possible.
• Science Meets Passion – Eric’s obsession with thermodynamics, R-values, and forensic analysis has made him a trusted voice in solving cold storage failures.
• Cold Chain Purpose – The mission runs deep: 48 million people suffer foodborne illnesses each year. Vapor Armor is part of the fight to make food facilities safer.
• From Skeptic to Standard – Once dismissed as “another vapor barrier company,” Eric now sees Vapor Armor used in new construction specs thanks to advocates like Freeze and others who gave the product a shot.

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 Armor
Protect your envelope. Preserve your product. Seal your success.
🔗 www.vaporarmor.com

Get ready for a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and loyalty in cold storage construction. Vince and Jenna welcome back industry legend and now author Bret Wedding, EVP at Fricks, to talk about his new book Not a Commodity: A True Story of Relational Leadership. With humor, heart, and honesty, Brett shares powerful lessons from the battlefield to the boardroom—reminding us that trust, care, and character are what truly set businesses apart. If you're ready to lead with purpose and connect on a deeper level, this episode is not to be missed.

❄️ Cool Takeaways:

• You Are the Brand: Bret breaks down how personal branding reflects company values—and why everyone in your company should live it.
• Trust + Legitimate Care: The two core pillars of Bret’s leadership philosophy, forged through decades of military command and C-suite experience.
• Don't Race to the Bottom: Powerful insight into how pricing wars damage long-term trust and why top-tier partnerships prioritize value over cost.
• Client Relationships Beyond the Contract: From sleepovers to vacations, Bret shows how treating clients like family leads to loyalty that lasts.
• Lessons from the Military: Learn how battlefield leadership translates to cold storage construction—and how Bret honors fallen heroes in his work and writing.
• Create Experiences, Not Just Transactions: Why memorable moments matter more than sales meetings, and how that approach has made Fricks a standout.
• The Power of Passion: Brett shares how to spot someone who isn’t living their “why”—and how to reignite your purpose if you've lost it.
• The Cold Storage Market Forecast: Brett weighs in on Q2 2025 industry trends, spec build slowdowns, and emerging opportunities in data centers and food processing.
• Publishing a Book with a 2.0 GPA: The surprising (and hilarious) journey of writing Not a Commodity, why he used a ghostwriter, and what’s next for the audiobook version.
• Bonus Round Banter: From tacos to invisible superpowers, Bret answers fan-favorite “This or That” questions—and proves he’s as sharp with jokes as he is with strategy.

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

📘 Pick up Brett’s book: Not a Commodity on Amazon
You’ll laugh, reflect, and rethink what leadership really means in the cold storage world and beyond.

Sponsored by:

🚪 Sponsored by Rytec High Performance Doors
High-speed. High-tech. High performance.
➤ www.rytecdoors.com

🔩 Sponsored by Fastener Systems Inc. (FSI)
Your go-to source for high-performance fasteners and thermal supplies.
➤ www.fastenersystems.com