Polar King International, Inc., the nation’s leading manufacturer of walk-in refrigerator and freezer units, proudly announces the retirement of Bob Erexson after an illustrious 41-year career. Erexson, a cornerstone of Polar King's success and growth, concluded his tenure on Jan. 14.

“Bob has truly been synonymous with Polar King,” says Polar King President Dave Schenkel. “Over the past four decades, he has been a driving force behind our evolution. His leadership, innovation, and dedication have left an indelible mark on this company. We’re deeply grateful for all Bob and his family have done for Polar King and wish him the very best in this new chapter of his life.”

Erexson’s journey with Polar King began in October 1983, when he joined as a production employee. At the time, Polar King employed just six people and operated a fleet of a dozen walk-in units. Over the years, Erexson’s expertise and commitment propelled him into roles such as final assembly foreman, production supervisor, and plant manager—the position he held until his retirement.

“In the earlier days, we focused primarily on restaurants and foodservice,” recalls Erexson. “Today, we serve diverse industries, including education, forestry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and even military and government agencies. Watching Polar King grow and adapt to new markets has been incredibly rewarding.”

One of Erexson’s proudest accomplishments was his role in streamlining production processes, which proved pivotal when Polar King Mobile launched in 2020. “Improving the assembly line and delivery systems not only boosted efficiency but also laid the groundwork for future innovation,” Schenkel explains.

Unlike competitor panel boxes, every Polar King unit arrives fully assembled, NSF-approved, and requires only a basic electrical connection—features that continue to set the company apart.

As he begins retirement, Erexson plans to dedicate more time to his family and pursue his passion for travel. “Polar King has always felt like family to me,” he says. “It was a place where I could make a difference, be respected, and tackle new challenges every day. I’ve loved every moment of my time here, and while I’ll miss the people, I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

“Bob’s career path exemplifies the opportunities for advancement within Polar King, as he rose through the ranks by consistently demonstrating excellence in each role he held,” Schenkel says. “His comprehensive knowledge of the company's operations and manufacturing processes has been invaluable in maintaining Polar King's high standards of quality.”