Engel Coolers – Finalist in the 2017 Loggerhead Marinelife Center Go Blue Awards

Engel Coolers & Go Blue Awards

The Blue Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that has made outstanding contributions toward promoting and encouraging conservation, restoration, or preservation of marine life and/or marine ecosystems through their business practices, products or technology.

For the past 50 years, people who’ve needed to keep things cold – whether they’re on the water, on the road, or even off road – have turned to ENGEL, the pioneer in portable refrigeration and cooling. With ENGEL’s strong connection to the outdoors, the Jupiter-based company has become involved in promoting and supporting many various marine conservation efforts. As ENGEL has enjoyed great success and growth over the years, they have embraced philanthropic efforts as primary goals. ENGEL is an exemplary representative of a prevailing corporate culture that seeks to contribute to the future enjoyment of our marine ecosystems through their involvement with pro staff, tournaments, NGOs, and associated marine industry companies; which is why they should be nominated for the Blue Business of the Year Award. ENGEL is an official member and sponsor of many organizations, including a State Sponsor of Coastal Conservation Association for Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, California, Oregon and Washington, as well as the American Sportfishing Association.

ENGEL is a proud donor for the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, in support of their Lionfish Removal incentive programs and events. In addition, ENGEL is currently finalizing a corporate sponsorship of an Everglades restoration group, BullSugar.org, and an active supporter of the Now or Neverglades Declaration. ENGEL sponsors a plethora of events to benefit conservation efforts, most notably the Miami Sportfish Tournament. ENGEL’s pro staff is largely comprised of strong advocates for marine conservation, many of which have championed a litany of topics such as circle hook adoption, gill net ban, sport fish designations, and education on the proper handling of marine life (such as effective catch-and-release fishing). ENGEL’s well-known brand ambassadors, including Jack Hanna, George Poveromo, Mike Anderson, Robert Arrington and many others, are leading purveyors of conservation-minded practice and resource management.

Most notably, ENGEL has partnered with country music star Kenny Chesney to facilitate awareness and funding for coral reef tract health through No Shoes Reefs. By generating funding through the sale of “No Shoes” branded merchandise from ENGEL, No Shoes Reefs donates and supports appropriate groups to further support marine conservation efforts. The Andrew “Red” Harris Foundation, an organization committed to the building of artificial reefs, recently deployed 100 of their unique four-ton “Coral Head” artificial reef modules, 34 of their four-ton “Fish House” modules, and 1000 tons of boulders offshore of the Jupiter Inlet in South Florida through the support of ENGEL Coolers, Kenny Chesney, and No Shoes Reefs. This is the largest artificial reef deployment to date, and is part of the continuing quest to create new reefs and spawning habitats that are a fundamental piece of marine ecosystems. ENGEL continues to support the Andrew “Red” Harris Foundation, as well as many others, through monetary donations and lending additional energy and support for public relations efforts to drive awareness.

Behind each of ENGEL’s various involvements are the people of ENGEL Coolers. Founded in 1962 by an ecology/marine biology graduate, Paul Kabalin, the company culture is reflective of a cumulative desire to be proactive. In addition, ENGEL’s Vice President, Mike Dixon, and Vice President of Sales, Rob Bowie, are both dedicated to raising awareness and supporting initiatives for a healthier ecosystem. With an extensive history of active involvement in recreational fishing, Dixon is currently serving a tenure on the SEFCRI (South East Florida Coral Reef Initiative) board. Dixon recently traveled to our nation’s capital with other respected representatives of the marine industry to speak to senators and congressman about the importance of a healthy marine ecosystem, as well as clean water to support vibrant, sustainable fishery stocks and public enjoyment. Working closely with a nationwide network of Coastal Conservation Associations, Rob Bowie spends a significant amount of time with managers and directors to ensure timely activation of regional issues of importance when needed. The company’s passion for marine conservation only starts with Kabalin, Dixon, and Bowie. Each of ENGEL’s employees are invested and dedicated to marine conservation efforts across the United States, making ENGEL a deserving candidate for the Blue Business of the Year Award.

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