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/

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