Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

You don't have to know everything to belong in the skilled trades. But are we doing enough to help the next generation succeed? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we head to Ontario, Canada, to sit down with Clara, better known as @HVAC.Clara, for an honest conversation about life as an HVAC service technician, breaking into the skilled trades, and building confidence one service call at a time. After working at McDonald's and being unsure of her career path, Clara stumbled into an HVAC program and discovered a career she loves. Now, with her G2 gas license and refrigeration apprenticeship underway, she's navigating everything from residential furnaces and heat pumps to commercial refrigeration. But this conversation goes well beyond troubleshooting equipment! 🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: 🔧 Finding Your Place in HVAC: Discovering a passion for service work, troubleshooting, and fixing equipment. 🇨🇦 Canada vs. United States: Differences in HVAC licensing, apprenticeships, Red Seal certification, and technician development. 💪 Building Confidence: Running your own service van, handling unfamiliar equipment, asking for help, and realizing experienced technicians don't know everything. ❄️ Residential vs. Commercial HVAC/R: Transitioning into commercial refrigeration and learning from every service call. 👩‍🔧 Women in the Skilled Trades: Working in a male-dominated industry and encouraging more women to pursue HVAC careers. 👶 Motherhood & Work-Life Balance: Balancing service work, raising a young child, and personal growth. 📱 Social Media & HVAC Content Creation: Building an online presence, dealing with trolls, criticism, and connecting with technicians. 🎯 The Future of the Trades: What needs to change to attract, train, and retain the next generation. Clara shares stories from the field, the realities of being an apprentice, and why she's not afraid to admit when she's still learning. Find CLara here: https://www.instagram.com/hvac.clara/?hl=en Whether you're an HVAC apprentice, experienced technician, refrigeration mechanic, instructor, or considering a career in the trades, this conversation is for you! 🐍 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY VIPER FROM REFRIGERATION TECHNOLOGIES! If you work in commercial kitchens, you know grease gets everywhere, especially on coils! Viper Coil Cleaners from Refrigeration Technologies offer professional cleaning solutions designed to tackle heavy buildup without relying on harsh acids. Their non-corrosive, technician-friendly formulas help keep HVAC/R and commercial refrigeration equipment clean and operating efficiently. Make sure Viper is on your truck! Learn more: https://www.refrigtech.com 🎙️ JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Does the HVAC industry do enough to support apprentices and encourage women to enter the trades? Or are we making it harder than necessary? 👇 Share your thoughts! 📲 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Instagram: @HVAC.Clara 🎧 FOLLOW COMMERCIAL KITCHEN CHRONICLES: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and your favorite podcast platforms. 🌐 https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review, share it with a fellow technician, and help us highlight the people keeping the skilled trades moving forward! Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast. #CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACClara #WomenInHVAC #WomenInTrades #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACApprentice #CommercialRefrigeration #SkilledTrades #HVACPodcast #Viper #RefrigerationTechnologies #TradeCareers

Are we actually developing skilled technicians, or are we just rushing people through training to fill empty service trucks? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with 26-year HVAC veteran, instructor, and newly published author Josh Pickel, better known as “Professor Pickel,” for a conversation about training, technician development, leadership, and what it really means to be BUILT DIFFERENT. Josh started his career in HVAC straight out of high school and spent nearly two decades working for a company in Pennsylvania before eventually making his way to Florida. Today, he's a Senior Service Technician and the Director and Lead Instructor of Anthony's Cool School, where he's helping prepare the next generation of HVAC professionals. But Josh isn't interested in simply handing students a certificate and sending them into the field. His approach focuses on building strong fundamentals, developing critical thinking, creating opportunities for hands-on learning, and continuing to support technicians long after they leave the classroom. We get into some important conversations about the future of the skilled trades: Can a six-week accelerated HVAC program really prepare someone for a career in the field? What's the difference between teaching someone technical information and developing a competent technician? Are we doing enough to mentor and support new technicians? Why do refrigeration fundamentals and airflow matter so much in HVAC training? How important are communication, accountability, leadership, and mindset to a technician's success? What responsibility do technicians have for their own continued education and professional growth? We also dive into Josh's newly published book, Built Different: Dirty Hands, Clear Minds, and the Blue Collar Path to a Life Worth Living. Josh shares the personal story behind writing the book, the encouragement he received from his wife, and why he believes the skilled trades offer something much bigger than a paycheck. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation? You don't have to completely reinvent yourself overnight. Just make an intentional effort to get 1% better every day. Whether you're an HVAC technician, commercial refrigeration technician, foodservice equipment repair professional, instructor, service manager, or someone considering a career in the trades, there's something in this conversation for you. Grease, dirt, and buildup are everyday challenges when servicing commercial kitchen refrigeration and HVAC equipment. Get your copy here https://amzn.to/4emPsXE Viper coil cleaners from Refrigeration Technologies are designed to tackle heavy buildup with non-corrosive, technician-safe cleaning solutions that help keep equipment operating efficiently. Keep Viper on your truck and be ready for the next dirty coil. Learn more: https://www.refrigtech.com Do you believe we're doing enough to properly train and develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals? Are we building competent technicians, or just trying to get more people into service trucks? We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts, experiences, and opinions in the comments. Subscribe to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, share this episode with another technician, and help us continue highlighting the people, stories, and challenges shaping the foodservice equipment repair and HVACR industries. Visit: https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast. For Techs. By Techs. #CommercialKitchenChronicles #JoshPickel #BuiltDifferent #HVAC #HVACR #SkilledTrades #HVACTraining #TechnicianDevelopment #CommercialRefrigeration #BlueCollar #TradeEducation #RefrigerationTechnologies #Viper

A clogged drain might look like a simple service call, but there’s a whole lot more happening underground. On this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Dylan Bradley, aka The Sewer Slug, to talk about building a career in plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer diagnostics, and underground repair. Dylan’s path into the trades wasn’t planned. After earning a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and working with children with disabilities, COVID changed his career trajectory. He needed something stable, which eventually led him into drain cleaning. What he initially hated became a career he genuinely enjoys. Now a journeyman plumber with roughly seven years in the trade, Dylan specializes in drain and sewer work, including cable machines, flex shafts, hydro jetting, camera inspections, locating, underground excavation, sewer repair, pipe lining, and trenchless technology. We dive into how technology is changing drain and sewer work. Repairing a sewer line doesn’t always mean destroying a yard, sidewalk, basement, or street. Dylan explains pipe lining, patching, pipe bursting, and other trenchless options that can reduce excavation and restoration. We also discuss why camera inspections matter after clearing a blockage. Clearing the drain fixes the immediate problem, but understanding WHY it backed up can help prevent another service call. And yes—we get into the nasty stuff. Grease traps, commercial kitchens, garbage disposals, backed-up toilets, restaurant drain lines, and things that absolutely should NOT have gone down a drain. We also talk about listening to customers during diagnosis, the physical demands of drain cleaning, choosing the right equipment, continuing education, and where Dylan sees the drain and sewer industry heading. Whether you’re a plumber, drain cleaner, HVAC/R technician, commercial kitchen equipment technician, apprentice, or someone considering a skilled-trades career, this episode gives you a look into just how technical and specialized drain cleaning can be. THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VIPER Viper products from Refrigeration Technologies are designed by technicians for technicians. From Viper WetRag Heat Blocking Putty and coil cleaners to Nylog Blue, Big Blu leak detector, Pan & Drain Treatment, and more, Viper makes products designed for the technicians actually doing the work. Check out the complete Viper lineup from Refrigeration Technologies. https://www.refrigtech.com/ FOLLOW DYLAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewerslug/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dyls.schleigh YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSewersSlug SUPPORT CKC Follow or subscribe to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a rating or review, and share this episode with another technician or tradesperson. Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ Merch Store https://commercial-kitchen-chronicles-rmq-shop.fourthwall.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUiYZVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAWJyaWQRMUpLdDdzcWtBd2tCQ3ZDMVBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeW3P1nw1woby5PrZ2WJHFkGg4GyLRLNwU35Pv3nwN5dh6JdXF990zeTDz4_M_aem_nunY6SvOarP5_0QXOQUtmw #CommercialKitchenChronicles #DrainCleaning #Plumbing #SewerRepair #DrainCleaner #TrenchlessTechnology #PipeLining #HydroJetting #SkilledTrades #CommercialPlumbing #HVACR #CommercialKitchen

At 28 years old, Mitch Noto is already a licensed HVAC contractor, business owner, technician, installer, and the creator behind Total HVAC. In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Mitch to talk about what it's really like building a career in HVAC while taking on the responsibility of running a business. Mitch grew up around the trade and eventually stepped into the family HVAC business, but his path wasn't as simple as deciding from day one that HVAC was going to be his career. We talk about how his perspective on the trades changed, getting licensed, taking on more responsibility, and realizing just how much opportunity exists in HVAC. But owning an HVAC company isn't just buying a van, filling it with tools, and waiting for the money to roll in. Mitch gets into the reality of finding customers, advertising, quoting work, ordering parts, handling warranties, underbidding jobs, and figuring things out as you go. Sometimes you quote a job wrong, something unexpected happens, and you have to eat some of the cost, keep the customer happy, learn from it, and move on. We also get into a topic that needs more discussion: young technicians entering the skilled trades. There's no shortage of people saying the younger generation "doesn't want to work," yet we're watching 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds buy service vans, start companies, learn the trade, and build businesses. They may not approach the industry exactly like the generation before them—but that doesn't mean they're afraid to work. Mitch has also experienced what happens when a young technician walks into a customer's home and immediately has his knowledge questioned because of his age. Sometimes the best response is doing the job, diagnosing the problem correctly, and letting your work prove what you know. We cover: • Growing up around an HVAC business • Becoming a licensed HVAC contractor • Technician vs. business owner mentality • The realities of starting an HVAC company • Finding customers and advertising • Underbidding jobs and learning from mistakes • Young technicians entering the skilled trades • Service work vs. installation • Digital HVAC tools vs. old-school fundamentals • Social media and the HVAC creator community • Creating content while still getting the work done • Handling criticism from people who only see a short clip 🔥 SPONSORED BY VIPER This episode is powered by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. From Nylog Blue and Big Blu leak detector to coil cleaners, drain treatments, and other chemicals built for HVACR professionals, Viper products are made for technicians who need products that work in the real world. If you're turning wrenches in HVACR, check out the full lineup from Refrigeration Technologies and ask for Viper products at your local HVACR supply house. https://www.refrigtech.com/ Mitch represents a generation of technicians who aren't waiting around for someone else to build their careers for them. They're learning, getting licensed, starting businesses, creating content, networking, and finding their own place in the industry. Whether you're an HVAC technician, contractor, apprentice, business owner, instructor, or someone considering the skilled trades, this conversation has something for you. 🎧 Check out the full episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles. If you enjoy conversations with the technicians, contractors, manufacturers, trainers, and creators actually working in the trades, FOLLOW the show, leave a review, and SHARE this episode with another technician. Would you rather become a top-level technician or eventually take the risk and start your own company? Follow Mitch on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok: Total_HVAC. https://www.youtube.com/@Total_hvac https://www.instagram.com/total_hvac/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@total_hvac Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

What does it really take to prepare the next generation of HVACR technicians for the field? This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Matthew LeMaster, HVACR instructor at the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College, to talk about what happens between the classroom and that first real service call. Matthew didn’t originally plan on becoming an instructor. After working in commercial HVAC and serving as a field supervisor, a phone call from one of his former instructors opened the door to teaching. Once he stepped into the classroom, he was hooked. Today, he helps lead a nationally accredited HVACR program focused on giving students more than just enough knowledge to pass a test. We get into the realities of HVACR education, including one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry: graduating from trade school doesn’t automatically make someone a fully independent service technician. Matthew explains why his goal is to get students roughly 85–90% of the way there, while internships, mentorship, employer training, and real-world experience finish the job. We also dig into: • Why HVACR theory still matters before touching the equipment • Teaching troubleshooting instead of just memorizing procedures • Why AIRFLOW needs more attention in HVACR training • Why gauges shouldn't always be the first tool out of the bag • Analog gauges vs. digital manifolds and probes • Using technology without letting it replace actual understanding • Building confidence in new technicians • Why soft skills and customer service are critical to a technician's success • What employers should realistically expect from new graduates • Getting manufacturers and contractors more involved with trade schools • Why instructors need to stay connected to the field • The strengths—and challenges—of the next generation of HVACR technicians • ESCO, HVAC Excellence, and Matthew's CSME in Technical Education • What Matthew wants his legacy as an instructor to ultimately be One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple: training technicians isn't just about refrigeration cycles, electrical troubleshooting, superheat, subcooling, airflow, or knowing how to use a meter. It's about developing technicians who can THINK, troubleshoot, communicate with customers, adapt to technology, and continue learning after they leave the classroom. Matthew also shares why he wants every student who comes through his program to know they were seen, heard, and supported—not treated like another number. https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lemaster-3493653a3/ https://www.escogroup.org/ 🐍 THIS EPISODE IS SUPPORTED BY VIPER Today's episode is brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. From coil cleaners and drain treatments to specialty chemicals designed for HVAC/R professionals, Viper products are built for technicians who need products that work in the real world. Whether you're servicing HVAC, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment, check out Viper and the complete lineup from Refrigeration Technologies. https://www.refrigtech.com/ If you're an HVACR technician, instructor, contractor, service manager, trade school student, or anyone concerned about where the next generation of skilled trades professionals is coming from, this is a conversation worth hearing. Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast, bringing together technicians, trainers, manufacturers, educators, and industry leaders to have the conversations that move the skilled trades forward. 👉 Subscribe and follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles so you don't miss an episode. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ 👍 If this episode brought you value, share it with another technician, instructor, student, or service manager. 💬 What do YOU think HVACR programs and employers need to do differently to prepare the next generation of technicians? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Commercial refrigeration is changing fast—but the fundamentals still matter. In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Chris Thomas of Heatcraft Refrigeration Products for a deep dive into refrigeration, technician training, troubleshooting, system charging, controls, and where the industry is headed. Chris brings more than four decades of HVAC/R experience, from residential and commercial HVAC to chillers, supermarket rack refrigeration, technical training, field support, and his current role supporting technicians and products at Heatcraft. We get into Heatcraft itself, including the history behind brands like Bohn, Larkin, Chandler, Climate Control, and Magna, along with the evolution of refrigeration controls from Beacon to today's intelliGen platform. One of the biggest themes of this episode is something every technician needs to hear: Understanding how equipment is SUPPOSED to operate is the foundation of troubleshooting it when something goes wrong. Chris explains how modern controls can give technicians valuable system information before they arrive on site—including temperatures, superheat, operating conditions, and even the ability to initiate a defrost remotely. Technology isn't replacing the technician. It's giving a knowledgeable technician better information. But technology can't replace fundamentals. We talk about technician curiosity, asking WHY instead of simply looking for an answer, learning sequence of operation, reaching out for help, and investing as much into training as we invest into tools. Then we get into a conversation guaranteed to get refrigeration technicians talking: How should you actually charge a commercial refrigeration system? Chris breaks down charging problems Heatcraft encounters in the field and why relying on shortcuts, rules of thumb, or a clear sight glass can send technicians in the wrong direction. We discuss receivers, line length, refrigerant differences, manufacturer charging information, and why system design and application matter. We also talk about proper installation and maintenance. Even the best refrigeration equipment depends on correct sizing, installation, commissioning, service, and maintenance. Throughout the conversation, Chris and Pat get into: • Commercial refrigeration troubleshooting • Heatcraft refrigeration equipment • Bohn, Larkin, Chandler & other Heatcraft brands • intelliGen refrigeration controls • Walk-in cooler and freezer systems • Refrigeration system charging • Sight glasses and refrigerant charge • Receivers and liquid-line considerations • Superheat and subcooling • System sizing and application • OEM technical support • Technician training and continuing education • Analog vs. digital refrigeration tools • Troubleshooting without jumping to conclusions • Building strong fundamentals • The future of commercial refrigeration Whether you're a seasoned refrigeration technician, just getting started in HVAC/R, or responsible for training the next generation, there's something in this conversation for you. The biggest takeaway? Stay curious. The technicians who keep asking questions, keep learning, understand the fundamentals, and aren't afraid to admit when they don't know something are the technicians who will be prepared for whatever refrigeration throws at us next. https://www.heatcraftrpd.com/ Catch up with Chris Thomas https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thomas-8b12031b2/ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—built by technicians, for technicians. If you work on commercial refrigeration, walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, restaurant equipment, HVAC/R, ice machines, cooking equipment, warewashing equipment, or foodservice equipment, follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles so you don't miss the next episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, leave a rating or review and share it with another technician. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

WE MADE IT TO 200! Commercial Kitchen Chronicles officially hits EPISODE 200! What started as a way to talk shop and shine a light on the foodservice equipment repair industry has somehow turned into 200 episodes of technicians, manufacturers, trainers, business owners, skilled trades conversations, questionable opinions, trash talking, and plenty of completely unscripted moments. For Episode 200, Pat is joined by Jason Latimer and Rich Ortega to celebrate the milestone, look back at the journey, and talk about where everyone — and the industry — is headed next. We get into career changes, growing businesses, training technicians, developing the next generation of tradespeople, and what happens when your career starts taking you in directions you never expected. Pat breaks down the CFESA Top Tech Throwdown and the effort that went into creating a hands-on competition designed to showcase the skills of commercial food equipment service technicians. Refrigeration, brazing, troubleshooting and real-world technical skills were put front and center. That leads into a bigger conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing the skilled trades: developing young technicians. Instead of constantly complaining that nobody wants to work anymore, maybe it's time we ask ourselves what we're doing to teach, mentor and create opportunities for the people entering the industry. Rich also gives us an update on growing his service business, hiring technicians, adding office support and reaching the point where NOT hiring someone becomes a bigger risk than making the investment. And because this is CKC, we eventually get completely sidetracked. Trade shows, AHR Expo, NAFEM, HVAC Tactical Awards, social media, AI-generated content, the future of CKC and plenty of other topics make their way into the conversation. But we couldn't celebrate EPISODE 200 without going BIG. THE CKC EPISODE 200 GIVEAWAY IS HERE! Some incredible companies from across the industry stepped up with tools, equipment, swag and prizes to help us celebrate, including TruTech Tools, UEI Test Instruments, Ambro Controls, Refrigeration Technologies, Kolpak, Kason and more. Watch Commercial Kitchen Chronicles social media for giveaway details and your chance to win. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ VIPER & REFRIGERATION TECHNOLOGIES Two hundred episodes means a lot of conversations about doing the job right — and that starts with having products you can trust in the field. That's why we're proud to have Viper from Refrigeration Technologies supporting Commercial Kitchen Chronicles. From Viper WetRag Heat Blocking Putty and Venom Packs to Nylog Blue, Big Blu leak detector and the chemicals technicians reach for every day, Refrigeration Technologies builds products specifically for HVAC/R and refrigeration professionals. Whether you're brazing, leak checking, cleaning coils or servicing refrigeration equipment, check out the Viper lineup from Refrigeration Technologies. Support the companies that support technicians and the skilled trades. https://www.refrigtech.com/ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Episode 200 isn't really about a number. It's about everyone who has watched a livestream, downloaded an episode, left a comment, shared a video, stopped us at a trade show, appeared as a guest, supported the show or told another technician about Commercial Kitchen Chronicles. YOU are the reason we made it here. And we're not finished. Listen to the full episode, subscribe, share it with another technician and leave us a comment: How long have you been following CKC, and what do you want to see from us over the next 200 episodes? Thanks for helping us get to 200. Now let's see where this thing goes next. Want to be a guest on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles? Interested? Shoot me a DM and let’s get you on the schedule. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

What actually makes great HVAC training? It isn't memorizing a PowerPoint, following a checklist, or teaching technicians to become parts changers. Great training should teach technicians how to THINK, troubleshoot, ask questions, find reliable information, and understand why a system is doing what it's doing. This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with HVACR trainer, consultant, researcher, and longtime technician Eric Kaiser for a conversation focused heavily on HVAC training, technician development, building performance, troubleshooting, and the future of the skilled trades. Eric started in the HVAC trade more than 20 years ago as a residential service technician. Early in his career, training wasn't optional. Before working independently on fuel-fired equipment, he went through an intensive combustion analysis class. That emphasis on education helped develop something that would shape his entire career: curiosity. That curiosity took Eric from residential service into commercial and industrial HVACR, distributor technical support, industry engagement, HVAC education, consulting, research, building science, and building performance. A major focus of this conversation is HOW we train technicians. Hands-on training is important, but sometimes we need "brains on" training too. Are we teaching technicians how to diagnose a system, or just giving them procedures to follow? Can they understand airflow, refrigeration, combustion, electrical systems, and building performance well enough to recognize when something doesn't make sense? More importantly, are we teaching technicians how to find the answer? Pat and Eric discuss combustion analysis, airflow, air balancing, belts and sheaves, pulley alignment, lubrication, makeup air, refrigeration, HVAC maintenance, building science, indoor air quality, human comfort, troubleshooting, technical support, and why experienced technicians should never stop learning. They also tackle one of the biggest challenges facing today's HVACR technician: information. Technicians now have YouTube, social media, forums, manufacturer documentation, technical support, Google, online training, and artificial intelligence at their fingertips. But having more information doesn't mean that information is correct. Knowing how to research, verify technical information, read manufacturer literature, ask better questions, and recognize bad advice may be one of the most important skills we can teach the next generation of technicians. Eric also discusses his evolution as an instructor and moving away from "death by PowerPoint." Effective HVAC education should be interactive. Ask questions. Encourage discussion. Challenge technicians to think. Adapt the training to the people in the room. The goal isn't simply helping someone pass a test. It's developing better technicians. https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ https://www.instagram.com/hvac_elk/?hl=en The conversation also explores mentorship, building performance, indoor comfort, manufacturer consulting, product development, research, and helping technicians understand the relationship between HVAC equipment and the building it's conditioning. And when you're putting that knowledge to work in the field, the products you use matter. Viper products from Refrigeration Technologies are built around the work HVACR and refrigeration technicians perform every day. From cleaning and maintenance products to Nylog, leak detection, and other technician essentials, Viper gives technicians products designed to help get the job done right. https://www.refrigtech.com/ If you're an HVAC technician, refrigeration technician, commercial HVACR technician, foodservice equipment repair technician, instructor, trainer, service manager, contractor, or manufacturer, this conversation is for you. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Are we really struggling to find the next generation of technicians… or are we struggling to TRAIN them? On this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, I sit down with Ty Branaman, CMHE — Head of Training for The GRIT Foundation, Field Trainer for Kalos Services, Love2HVAC edutainer, Aether Training consultant, and the one and only Banana Man. https://www.love2hvac.com/ www.youtube.com/@love2hvac https://www.instagram.com/love2hvac https://www.tiktok.com/@love2hvac This conversation goes way beyond the usual “Gen Z doesn’t want to work” argument. Ty has spent years working with technicians, students, instructors, companies, and young people entering the skilled trades. We talk about what he’s actually seeing from the next generation and whether some of the problems we blame on Gen Z might really be problems with how we recruit, teach, mentor, and develop technicians. Are we training them wrong? We get into: Why curiosity is one of the most powerful tools in training Using questions instead of simply giving technicians the answer Allowing trainees to make controlled mistakes and learn from them Why great technicians don’t automatically make great trainers Hands-on training versus simply reading a textbook Teaching troubleshooting instead of memorizing answers Why different technicians need concepts explained in different ways Airflow, refrigeration, electrical, brazing, piping, tools, and diagnostics How teaching can make the instructor a better technician The role YouTube, social media, and industry educators play in HVAC/R education Our responsibility to pass knowledge to the next generation We also dive into The GRIT Foundation and its hands-on camps, where young people get the opportunity to actually experience the trades. https://www.thegritfoundation.com/ Ty pushes back against the idea that young people simply don’t want to work. Give them an opportunity to build something, troubleshoot, use tools, and understand how things work, and that curiosity is still there. Maybe Gen Z isn’t the problem. Maybe we need to rethink how we reach them. Whether you're an HVAC technician, refrigeration technician, commercial kitchen equipment technician, apprentice, instructor, service manager, or anyone responsible for technician development, this conversation is for you. Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is proud to be sponsored by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. HVAC/R and commercial kitchen technicians know what grease, dirt, and harsh environments can do to coils and equipment. Viper offers professional cleaning products developed with technicians in mind, helping us tackle condenser coils, evaporators, and some of the nastiest equipment we encounter in the field. Professional products for professional technicians. https://www.refrigtech.com/ https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast — sharing the stories, knowledge, and experiences of the technicians, trainers, manufacturers, service companies, and industry leaders keeping commercial kitchens running. Follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with another technician. Want to be a guest or know someone whose story needs to be heard? Visit Commercial Kitchen Chronicles online to apply or nominate a future guest. The future of the trades isn’t going to build itself. We have to teach it. #HVAC #HVACR #SkilledTrades #HVACTraining #CommercialKitchenChronicles

What does it take to build the service company you always wished existed? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Joe Sharp returns for his third appearance, and as always, he doesn't hold back. From his days as a restaurant facilities manager to becoming a service technician, business owner, and YouTube creator, Joe shares the lessons he's learned from every side of the commercial foodservice industry. The conversation dives into what separates average service companies from exceptional ones, why customer trust is earned—not expected—and how technicians can raise the standard of professionalism. Joe also shares his thoughts on overly engineered equipment, the importance of accountability, creating content without filters, and why authenticity matters more than polished production. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a service company that customers want to call back, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest conversation. Joe Sharp https://www.youtube.com/@restaurantrepairs https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-sharp-13743978/ Whether you're a technician, service manager, business owner, or simply passionate about the skilled trades, there's something here for you. A special thanks to our episode sponsor, AMBRO Controls. Stay tuned—later this week, the team at AMBRO is launching their new Oxy Kits... and brazing just got better. They've replaced the popular Oxyset Kit with the new Oxy Precision Kit. It delivers the same portability technicians already love, now paired with a dedicated Precision Torch for greater control during detailed HVAC/R repairs and work in tight spaces. Also joining the lineup is the new OxyMax Kit, a complete commercial HVAC/R brazing solution featuring a larger caddy and three torch options—Precision, Pro, and Power—giving you the versatility to braze everything from 1/8-inch to 3-inch pipe while also welding, cutting, and heating with one portable system. Whether you need pinpoint precision or maximum performance, Ambro Controls has you covered. Visit their website and check out the new range. https://ambrocontrols.com/ Enjoyed this episode? There's plenty more where that came from. Visit CommercialKitchenChronicles.com to watch past episodes, listen to the podcast, read industry content, and stay up to date on what's happening across the foodservice service industry. Know someone with a story worth sharing? Or want to be a guest yourself? We're always looking for technicians, trainers, manufacturers, service leaders, and industry professionals with real-world experience to educate, inspire, and connect the trades. Visit the website to nominate a guest or submit your own story. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACR #FoodserviceEquipment #SkilledTrades #CommercialRefrigeration

The Evolution of Commercial Kitchen Service with Rich Griffin | 50 Years of Experience, Electrical Fundamentals & Technician Development What does nearly 50 years in the commercial foodservice industry teach you? This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Rich Griffin, a respected industry veteran whose career has taken him from service technician, to business owner, to Regional Service Manager at Frymaster. Rich has spent decades training technicians, supporting Authorized Service Agents (ASAs), working alongside engineering teams, and helping shape the future of commercial kitchen equipment service. In this episode, Rich shares lessons that only come from a lifetime in the field. From the evolution of commercial kitchen service to why today's technicians are struggling with electrical fundamentals, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for technicians, trainers, service managers, and anyone passionate about the skilled trades. Rich's journey through nearly five decades in the trades Owning and operating a successful commercial kitchen service company The transition from independent service company owner to Frymaster The relationship between manufacturers and Authorized Service Agents (ASAs) Why electrical fundamentals are the foundation of every great technician How commercial kitchen equipment has evolved over the years Technician training, mentorship, and developing the next generation Common mistakes technicians make when troubleshooting The future of commercial foodservice equipment service Whether you're a seasoned technician or just getting started in commercial kitchen repair, HVAC/R, refrigeration, or foodservice equipment service, this episode delivers valuable insight from someone who's seen the industry evolve firsthand. Today's episode is brought to you by Viper by Refrigeration Technologies. When you're working in commercial kitchens, grease, carbon, and grime are part of the job. That's why technicians trust Viper for professional-grade coil cleaners, drain treatments, lubricants, sealants, and specialty chemicals designed specifically for the HVAC/R and commercial foodservice industries. From condenser coil maintenance to leak prevention and system protection, Viper products help you get the job done right the first time. Learn more about the complete Viper lineup and ask your local distributor to stock Viper products. https://www.refrigtech.com/ If you enjoyed this conversation: ✅ Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. ✅ Leave a 5-star review—it helps more technicians discover the show. ✅ Share this episode with a coworker, apprentice, or anyone looking to grow in the skilled trades. ✅ Interested in being a guest or partnering with the show? Reach out through our social media channels or email us—we're always looking to highlight great people making an impact in the foodservice equipment repair industry. Real Techs. Real Stories. Real Solutions. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceEquipment #CommercialKitchenRepair #HVACR #Refrigeration #RestaurantEquipment #SkilledTrades #TechnicianTraining #ElectricalTroubleshooting #Frymaster #FoodserviceRepair #TradesPodcast

How the Trades Changed My Life | Jameson Lolos | Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Sometimes the path to the skilled trades isn't a straight line. In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Jameson Lolos to discuss a journey that started in a technical high school HVAC program, detoured through college and student debt, and ultimately led him back to the trades he was meant to be in. https://www.instagram.com/jameson_jude/?hl=en Jameson shares how a temporary residential HVAC installation job turned into a rewarding career in commercial foodservice equipment repair. From surviving layoffs and navigating career changes during the pandemic to becoming a service manager helping build a brand-new service department at Gillette Restaurant Equipment, his story is one of resilience, growth, and finding purpose through hard work. The conversation also dives into fatherhood, leadership, continuing education, technician development, and why the skilled trades continue to provide incredible opportunities for those willing to learn. Whether you're an experienced commercial kitchen technician, HVACR professional, apprentice, service manager, or someone considering a career in the trades, this episode is packed with honest conversations, career advice, and motivation. In this episode you'll hear about: Finding your way back to the skilled trades Trade school vs. college and lessons learned Residential HVAC compared to commercial kitchen equipment repair Overcoming layoffs and career setbacks Building a commercial foodservice service department Leadership, technician growth, and continuous learning Balancing family life with a demanding service career Why commercial kitchen equipment repair is such a rewarding career A huge thank you to our episode sponsor, Viper by Refrigeration Technologies. From trusted coil cleaners and leak detection products to Nylog, WetRag heat-blocking gel, lubricants, and system protection solutions, Viper manufactures products designed by technicians for technicians. Learn why professionals across the HVACR and commercial refrigeration industries trust Viper every day. https://www.refrigtech.com/ 🎙️ Enjoying the show? Help us continue growing the foodservice equipment repair community by: Subscribing on your favorite podcast platform Leaving a 5-star review Sharing this episode with another technician Following Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on YouTube and social media https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ Want to be a guest on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles? We're always looking for technicians, trainers, manufacturers, service managers, business owners, and industry leaders with a story worth sharing. If you're passionate about the skilled trades and want to inspire the next generation, we'd love to have you on the show. Reach out through our social media channels or contact us to be featured on a future episode. #CommercialKitchenChronicles #CommercialKitchenEquipment #FoodserviceEquipment #HVACR #CommercialRefrigeration #RestaurantEquipment #SkilledTrades #HVACTechnician #RefrigerationTechnician #TradesLife

What does it take to build a 27-year career in HVAC while overcoming addiction, traveling the country as a startup and commissioning technician, and becoming one of the most recognizable personalities in the skilled trades? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Bobby Armstrong, better known as Blue Collar Code, for an honest, hilarious, and inspiring conversation about life in the HVAC industry. From residential installations in Florida to commercial service in Arizona and now traveling nationwide commissioning equipment, Bobby shares the lessons he's learned from nearly three decades in the trade. He also opens up about his journey to 12 years of sobriety, proving that your past doesn't have to define your future. The conversation covers everything from technical growth and industry changes to social media, Construction Confessions, and why having fun on the job doesn't mean sacrificing professionalism. In this episode, we discuss: • Bobby's 27-year HVAC career • Life as a traveling startup and commissioning technician • Residential vs. commercial HVAC • The story behind Blue Collar Code • The success of Construction Confessions • Addiction recovery and 12 years of sobriety • Mental health in the skilled trades • Social media and content creation for technicians • Lessons learned from decades in the field • The future of the HVAC industry • Favorite tools, guns, and a few laughs along the way https://www.tiktok.com/@blue_collar_code https://www.instagram.com/blue_collar_code/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarcodeuncut Whether you're an HVAC technician, refrigeration mechanic, foodservice equipment technician, contractor, apprentice, or simply passionate about the skilled trades, this episode delivers real conversations, real experiences, and plenty of laughs. This episode is brought to you by Viper Refrigeration Technologies. When the job demands products you can trust, reach for Viper. Whether it's Nylog White Gasket & Thread Sealant for leak-free threaded connections, WetRag Heat Blocking Putty to protect valves and components while brazing, or Viper's industry-leading coil cleaners that keep systems running efficiently, Viper has products built by technicians, for technicians. Learn more at https://www.refrigtech.com/ If you enjoyed this episode: • Subscribe to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen. • Leave a 5-star review to help more technicians discover the show. • Share this episode with a coworker, apprentice, or friend in the trades. • Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X for more interviews, training content, and behind-the-scenes stories. Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—bringing together the technicians, manufacturers, trainers, and industry leaders who keep commercial kitchens running every day. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future | Lessons on Trades, Business & Wealth Building Can your past become your greatest strength? In this inspiring episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley and co-host Rich Ortega are joined by Michael Hess and Darin Branch for a powerful conversation about overcoming adversity, finding purpose, building a successful career in the skilled trades, and creating long-term financial freedom. Michael shares his remarkable journey from growing up in poverty and carrying tools at just 14 years old to overcoming decades of poor decisions, discovering his purpose, and building a life he can be proud of. His story is a reminder that your circumstances don't define your future—your decisions do. Darin Branch, founder of Whitewood Tax Solutions, brings a different perspective by explaining how blue-collar entrepreneurs and tradespeople can stop simply earning a paycheck and start building real wealth. From tax strategy and business growth to creating generational wealth, Darin shares practical advice that every technician, contractor, and business owner can apply. https://www.taxproblemsgone.com Whether you're an HVAC technician, commercial kitchen equipment technician, refrigeration mechanic, electrician, plumber, contractor, or anyone working in the skilled trades, this episode is packed with motivation, business insight, and real-world lessons that can help you grow both personally and professionally. In this episode we discuss: • Overcoming adversity and difficult beginnings • Finding purpose through the skilled trades • Lessons learned from failure and success • Building a profitable service business • Tax strategies for small business owners • Financial planning for tradespeople • Entrepreneurship and business growth • Creating generational wealth • Developing discipline and the right mindset • Why your decisions—not your past—determine your future A special thanks to our episode sponsor, Ambro Controls. When you're working with nitrogen, you want gear that just makes sense. Ambro Controls has expanded their Nitrogen Purge Kit by adding a new Blowout Gun and Flow Regulator to go along with the Extended Refillable Cylinder Adaptor—all at no additional cost. Whether you're flowing nitrogen during brazing, flushing drain lines, or pressure testing small systems, you've got everything you need in one kit. Available in 200, 400, and 870 PSI options. Ask for it at your local supplier and check out what's new from Ambro Controls. https://ambrocontrols.com/ If this episode encouraged you or taught you something new, please help support the show by: • Following Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on your favorite podcast platform • Leaving a 5-star rating and review • Sharing this episode with another technician, business owner, or entrepreneur • Subscribing on YouTube for future livestreams and exclusive content https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—built by technicians, for technicians—bringing you real conversations, expert insights, and inspiring stories from across the skilled trades. #CommercialKitchenChronicles #SkilledTrades #FoodserviceEquipment #CommercialKitchen #HVACR #Refrigeration #RestaurantEquipment #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Motivation #BlueCollar #SmallBusiness #TaxStrategy #GenerationalWealth

From Navy Veteran to HVACR Technician: David Weeks (HVACR Panda) Shares His Story What happens when military service doesn't translate into the skilled trades the way everyone says it will? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with David Weeks, better known online as HVACR Panda, for an honest conversation about life after the Navy, entering the HVACR industry, and building a career in commercial refrigeration and foodservice equipment repair. David served six years in the U.S. Navy as a Fire Controlman specializing in ballistic missile defense systems before transitioning into civilian life. Like many veterans, he was told his military experience would prepare him for success in the trades. The reality? It wasn't quite that simple. Now, just three and a half years into the industry, David has already worked on walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, reach-in refrigerators, ice machines, rooftop units (RTUs), exhaust systems, commercial kitchen equipment, dishwashers, mixers, and more while working alongside his father in the family business. In this episode, we discuss: • Military life and service in the U.S. Navy • Transitioning from military service to HVACR • Why military experience doesn't always directly translate to the trades • Commercial HVACR and refrigeration careers • Working in a family-owned service company • Ice machine training and factory education • Learning commercial kitchen equipment repair • Challenges facing new technicians • The future of the skilled trades • Social media and the HVACR Panda journey • Advice for veterans considering HVAC, refrigeration, or foodservice equipment repair Whether you're a veteran, apprentice, service technician, HVAC contractor, refrigeration mechanic, foodservice equipment technician, or business owner, this episode offers valuable insight into what it really takes to build a successful career in the skilled trades. Find David here https://linktr.ee/hvacrpanda A huge thank you to our episode partner, Viper Products from Refrigeration Technologies. If you're working on commercial kitchens, refrigeration systems, or HVAC equipment, you already know grease, dirt, and buildup can destroy system performance. Viper Coil Cleaners are designed to cut through heavy buildup while remaining technician-safe and non-corrosive. From coil cleaners and leak detectors to industry favorites like Nylog Blue, Nylog White, WetRag Heat Shield, and Big Blu Leak Detector, Viper continues to provide products trusted by technicians across the industry. https://www.refrigtech.com/ Enjoying the show? ✅ Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube ✅ Leave a review to help more technicians find the show ✅ Share this episode with a veteran, apprentice, or technician ✅ Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on social media ✅ Visit commercialkitchenchronicles.com for more episodes Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast, bringing together technicians, manufacturers, trainers, and industry leaders to share real-world experiences from the field. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #HVACR #CommercialRefrigeration #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialKitchenEquipment #WalkInCooler #WalkInFreezer #IceMachines #HVACTechnician #SkilledTrades #VeteransInTrades #NavyVeteran #RestaurantEquipmentRepair #CommercialHVAC #HVACLife #HVACTraining #RefrigerationTechnician #ServiceTechnician #TradesLife #HVACRPanda #CommercialKitchenChronicles

Commercial HVAC/R in the Real World | Featuring Joe Blanchard What does it take to succeed as a commercial HVAC/R technician in today's industry? How do you balance real service calls, troubleshooting complex equipment, and building a social media presence that educates and inspires thousands of technicians? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with HVAC/R technician and content creator Joe Blanchard for an honest conversation about life in the skilled trades, the rise of HVAC social media, and the future of technician-driven content. Joe shares his journey in commercial HVAC and refrigeration, how he got started creating content on TikTok and Instagram, and why a new generation of technicians is using social media to educate, entertain, and attract more people to the trades. From real-world service calls and troubleshooting strategies to content creation, industry trends, and the importance of building community, this episode is packed with valuable insights for technicians at every stage of their career. Topics discussed include: 🔧 Commercial HVAC service and refrigeration repair ❄️ HVAC/R troubleshooting and diagnostics 📱 Building a following as a trade content creator 🎓 Training and developing the next generation of technicians 💡 The impact of social media on the skilled trades 🛠 Real-world service call experiences and lessons learned 🚀 The future of HVAC, refrigeration, and technician education A special thanks to our friends at Viper from Refrigeration Technologies for supporting this episode. Whether you're sealing a system with Nylog, protecting components with WetRag, tracking down leaks with Big Blu, or cleaning coils with Viper's industry-leading products, Refrigeration Technologies continues to provide technicians with solutions that work in the real world. Trusted by HVAC/R and refrigeration professionals across the industry, Viper products are designed by technicians, for technicians. https://www.refrigtech.com/ Follow Joe Blanchard: 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joe_blanchard1 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_blanchard1/?hl=en 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another technician. Every share helps us continue highlighting the people, stories, and opportunities that make the HVAC/R, refrigeration, foodservice equipment repair, and skilled trades industries stronger. #CommercialHVAC #HVACR #CommercialRefrigeration #RefrigerationTechnician #HVACTechnician #SkilledTrades #BlueCollar #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACTraining #HVACTroubleshooting #ServiceTechnician #TradeLife #IndustrialRefrigeration #ContentCreator #CommercialKitchenEquipment #HVACPodcast

From working on F-14 Tomcats in the U.S. Navy to running service calls around the Washington D.C. beltway, leading technicians, managing facilities, and ultimately moving into business development, Anthony Dileo has experienced nearly every side of the service industry. In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Anthony joins Pat Finley and Rich Ortega to share his incredible career journey through the skilled trades. What started in a high school vocational program led to military service as an avionics technician, years in the commercial foodservice equipment repair industry, leadership roles, facility management, factory experience, and eventually a transition into business development. Along the way, Anthony opens up about career growth, leadership challenges, burnout, lessons learned from both successes and setbacks, and how each chapter of his career prepared him for the next. Topics covered in this episode: • Growing up in vocational education and entering the trades • Working on F-14 Tomcats in the U.S. Navy • Life as a service technician in the D.C. market • Transitioning from technician to leadership • Recognizing and overcoming burnout • Working as an in-house dining service technician • Facility management and operational leadership • Career pivots and learning from failure • Moving from the tools into business development • Advice for the next generation of technicians Whether you're a new technician, a seasoned veteran, or someone considering a move into leadership, this episode is packed with real-world experience and valuable insight from someone who has lived every stage of the journey. A special thank you to our sponsor, Viper Products by Refrigeration Technologies. From Nylog and WetRag to Big Blu and industry-leading coil cleaners, Viper continues to provide technicians with products they can trust every day in the field. https://www.refrigtech.com/ 🎙️ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast 📲 Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles: Website: https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CommercialKitchenChronicles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_kitchen_chronicles TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@pfinley1982 X:https://x.com/ComKitchenChron #CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceRepair #HVACR #SkilledTrades #ServiceTechnician #Leadership #BusinessDevelopment #NavyVeteran #F14Tomcat #FacilityManagement #RestaurantEquipmentRepair #TechnicianLife #CareerGrowth #TradesLife

From New York to Atlanta. From established business to starting over from scratch. What would you do? This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Brent Hall, founder and owner of Favored Mechanical Solutions (FMS), for an honest conversation about risk, entrepreneurship, commercial foodservice equipment repair, and what it really takes to build a service company people trust. Brent shares his journey of building a successful commercial foodservice equipment repair company in New York, making the bold move to Atlanta, Georgia, and starting all over again. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just hard work, relationships, and betting on yourself. The crew dives into building customer trust, growing a commercial refrigeration and cooking equipment service business, creating content in the trades, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and lessons learned from building a company from the ground up. If you own a service company, dream about starting one, or want to level up in commercial foodservice equipment repair, this episode hits home. Topics include: • Building Favored Mechanical Solutions from the ground up • Leaving New York and relocating to Atlanta • Entrepreneurship in the skilled trades • Customer relationships and business growth • Commercial refrigeration and cooking equipment service • Creating content as a technician • Service company lessons learned the hard way • Family, sacrifice, and chasing bigger goals Whether you're fixing fryers, chasing refrigeration calls, working on commercial kitchen equipment, or building your own service business, this episode is packed with insight from someone out there grinding every day. Big thanks to Viper by Refrigeration Technologies for supporting Commercial Kitchen Chronicles. From coil cleaners and leak detection products to trusted chemicals technicians depend on every day, Viper helps keep service professionals working smarter in the field. https://www.refrigtech.com/ Subscribe, follow, and share Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast built by technicians for technicians. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ Drop a comment: If you had to start over tomorrow from zero, would you do it differently? #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialRefrigeration #HVACR #SkilledTrades #CommercialKitchenEquipment #Entrepreneurship #RestaurantEquipmentRepair #RefrigerationTech #CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceIndustry #ServiceTechnician #TradesLife #CommercialHVAC #BusinessGrowth #FavoredMechanicalSolutions

This week on the Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Jay McDonough of Restaurant Appliance Repair out of Kansas City, Missouri for a real-world conversation about what it takes to build a name in the Foodservice Equipment Repair Industry. 🔥 Jay started RAR at just 25 years old and has spent the last 11 years grinding through commercial kitchen equipment repair, refrigeration, walk-in cooler and freezer installs, electrical troubleshooting, equipment sales, and building solutions for restaurants across the KC market. https://www.816kitchen.com/ https://www.instagram.com/restaurant_appliance_repair/?hl=en This episode dives deep into: ✔️ Commercial kitchen equipment repair ✔️ Refrigeration and HVACR service ✔️ Walk-in cooler and freezer installs ✔️ Starting and growing a service company ✔️ Social media and content creation in the trades ✔️ The future of foodservice equipment repair ✔️ Building a new line of food equipment products If you’re a technician, business owner, installer, refrigeration mechanic, or someone trying to grow in the skilled trades, this episode is loaded with insight from someone actually out there doing the work every single day. Huge thanks to our sponsor Viper by Refrigeration Technologies 🐍 This episode is brought to you by Viper products built for real technicians. From Big Blu leak detector and Venom packs to Nylog White, Viper continues making products that belong on every service truck. Nylog White is NSF registered and perfect for refrigeration, food equipment, gas piping, water lines, and more. Whether you’re working on restaurant equipment, HVACR systems, or refrigeration repairs, Viper has products designed to help techs work smarter and cleaner. https://www.refrigtech.com/ 🎙️ Watch now and join the conversation. Drop a comment below: What’s the biggest challenge facing the Foodservice Equipment Repair Industry right now? Make sure to like, subscribe, share the episode, and tag another tech who needs to hear this one. Stay up to date with all things CKC related. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialKitchen #HVACR #Refrigeration #RestaurantEquipment #WalkInCooler #TechnicianLife #CommercialKitchenChronicles #SkilledTrades #HVACTech #RefrigerationTech #KitchenEquipmentRepair

What happens when Pat, Jason, and Rich get together with zero agenda and full permission to go off the rails? This episode right here 🔥 The crew is back for one of the most unfiltered Commercial Kitchen Chronicles episodes yet. We’re talking commercial kitchen equipment repair, HVACR, refrigeration tech life, service call chaos, career moves, burnout, leadership, the realities of the trades, and all the random BS that happens when technicians start talking shop. Jason jumps back in after grinding through his new role, Rich brings the heat like always, and the entire episode feels like hanging out after work with the guys who actually understand what life in the field is like. No corporate filter. No polished nonsense. Just real tech talk from people actually doing the job. If you’re tired of fake trade content made by people who haven’t touched a tool in years, this episode is for you. Huge shoutout to 🐍 Viper from Refrigeration Technologies for sponsoring the episode. If you work in commercial kitchens, you already know grease destroys coils and wrecks efficiency. Viper coil cleaners are technician safe, non corrosive, and actually cut through the nasty buildup without destroying the equipment you’re trying to save. No gimmicks. Just products that work when the pressure is on. https://www.refrigtech.com/ Drop a comment with your favorite part of the episode Share it with your crew And if this sounds like your kind of chaos, subscribe and join the movement 🔧🔥 https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #HVACR #CommercialKitchen #Refrigeration #FoodserviceEquipment #ServiceTechnician #BlueCollar #HVACLife #RefrigerationTech #TradesLife #CommercialKitchenChronicles