Max Van der Aarde, also widely recognized as “Vandy,” is a rising TikTok star whose quirky and one-of-a-kind lingo has taken the internet by storm. Over time, Max’s unique way of speaking evolved into something much bigger—almost like a cultural movement among Gen Z, really resonating with a whole generation. His comedic videos, packed with hilarious expressions and relatable characters, have earned him a loyal following of over 700,000 on his TikTok account, freezertarps. It’s no surprise that Max, or Vandy as fans call him, became a household name in the digital space.
In 2020, Max took things a step further by launching merchandise under the FreezerTarps brand—an organic move, considering how deeply his persona was tied to the content. Then, in 2021, he co-founded Letty Dressing, a hair care product line that quickly gained traction, showing just how versatile and entrepreneurial Max truly is. Behind the humor and viral fame, there’s a driven individual who’s always been focused on building something meaningful.
Before all the spotlight, Max Van der Aarde was laying the groundwork for his future success. He graduated from The University of Tampa’s Sykes College of Business in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing—a solid foundation that likely helped shape his savvy approach to personal branding. While studying, he stayed active in the local scene, working as a nightlife promoter in Tampa for Hoppin Entertainment. That experience probably gave him early insight into audience engagement and event dynamics.
Even before officially launching FreezerTarps, Max held several hands-on roles. He worked as a social media manager and event coordinator at Grand Slam Sports & Recreation Center in Minneapolis, MN, where he likely honed his digital marketing skills. He also served as a pro shop representative at Wentworth Golf Club in Jackson, New Hampshire—roles that, while seemingly unrelated, may have contributed to his work ethic and people skills.
On a more personal note, Max, or Vandy, shared glimpses of his life off-camera in 2022. He posted photos on his Instagram account, vandyy222, in both March and November, featuring heartfelt moments with his parents and other family members. These snapshots offered fans a warmer, more intimate side of Max Van der Aarde—a reminder that behind the viral lingo and online persona, there’s a real person with roots, relationships, and a journey that continues to unfold.
So, the name FreezerTarps actually has a pretty interesting backstory. It all started with this habit—yeah, kind of a quirky one—where he’d stash his shirt in the freezer. Why? Well, apparently it helps prevent or even undo those pesky sweat stains. Honestly, it sounds weird at first, but when you think about it, there’s some logic there. And get this—his nickname “Letty”? That’s just how he says the word “lettuce.” Now, you might be wondering, what does lettuce have to do with anything? Turns out, he calls hair “lettuce,” which is exactly why his hair product line is called Letty Dressing. Clever, right? FreezerTarps really leans into these playful, offbeat ideas, and honestly, it makes sense once you hear him explain it. The whole thing ties back to FreezerTarps’ unique personality and sense of humor. Definitely not your average brand origin story, but then again, FreezerTarps was never trying to be average.