Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

🔧👨‍🔧 Imagine this: Adam, a 17-year-old with a knack for fixing things, sparks a love affair with HVAC while helping out his family. 🌟 From those humble beginnings, he dives deep into the world of heating and cooling, earning recognition for his stellar work and winning personality. 💼 But that's just the beginning! Adam's journey takes a turn towards food-service repair, where his passion truly ignites. 🔥 For 15 years, he hones his craft with a company, mastering the art of service and installation. Then, a brief detour into helping a dealer launch their install department reveals his true calling: service. Adam takes the leap and launches Elite Kitchen Services, a testament to his commitment to excellence. 🌟 Dedicated to delivering the top-notch service his customers deserve, Adam is a force to be reckoned with in Iowa City! 🔍 Keep your eyes peeled for Adam and Elite Kitchen Services—you won't be disappointed! 🍽️ #EliteKitchenServices

Adam Roberts on LinkedIN

🎉🔥 Get ready for an electrifying episode as we welcome Josh Cober to the Young Guns series! 🌟 At just 26 and hailing from Ontario, Josh's journey is anything but ordinary. 🍁 From high school to HVACR hero, he defied the traditional path, opting for hands-on experience over university. 💪 With a knack for fixing everything from fryers to grills, he's the go-to guy for restaurant repairs! 🍔 But wait, there's more! Now diving into industrial and controls, Josh shares the ins and outs of certification in Canada vs. the USA. 📚 Join us for an eye-opening discussion on his adventure into the foodservice repair industry and beyond! 🚀 Thanks, Josh, for sharing your incredible journey with us! 👏🎙️

This episode is brought to you by our friends over at Rapid locking system.

If you want fast, reliable HVACR joints, choose RLS press fittings. With RLS, you get the most

trusted, most proven press fittings on the market…and the only ones with more than 9 years of

field use in HVACR, and more than 20 million fittings installed. No other company comes close.

Right now, for a limited time, you can get two free jaws with the purchase of a Klauke 19kN tool

and 5-jaw set. That’s two bonus jaws – 1/4” and 3/4” – absolutely free. Offer ends April 30th, so

I caught up with Ben poole at the RLS Open-house in St. Louis Missouri. We sat down and broke down a recent video of his that seemed to stir up quite a bit of controversy over using a premade, press on, ACR flare connection for mini splits. Between Facebook and instagram there was over 500 comments. The majority of them show that people were uneducated on the products that Rapid locking System put out.

We go over a handful of the comments and get a few laughs in along the way. We try to educate along there way as well.

We were at RLS for their open house. It featured their new Demo/Training truck that will be traveling the nation soon. Keep an eye out for when it will be in your area. It also showed off the new training center and showroom. We even got a tour of the facility where they make all of their fittings right here in the USA.

Check out Rapid Locking System. Let them know you heard about them on the Commercial kitchen Chronicles Podcast

🎙️✨ Get ready for an exhilarating rollercoaster ride as we delve deep into Josh's extraordinary journey, from chasing Hollywood stuntman dreams to orchestrating the future of Windy City Equipment! 🌟 Alongside his father, Josh's dedication to hard work and unwavering determination has propelled him to remarkable heights.

In his groundbreaking book, "Blue Is The New White," 📘 and its equally captivating podcast counterpart, Josh showcases the artistry and importance of skilled trades like never before. But his impact doesn't stop there! We unravel his pivotal roles at CFESA, where his visionary leadership is revolutionizing the landscape for both business owners and technicians alike.

Join us for a spellbinding exploration into the essence of grit, passion, and innovation. 🛠️ Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring technician, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity and leave you brimming with newfound knowledge! Don't miss out on this electrifying conversation that's bound to inspire and enlighten. #Podcast #WindyCityEquipment #SkilledTrades #CFESA #Inspiration

More information on Blue Is The New White Academy

I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Fraser Duffy, a lead tech for Duffy's AIS nestled in upstate New York. Our conversation delved into the dynamic world of food service repair, where Fraser's lifelong passion for the industry shines through.

From the moment Fraser could wield a wrench, he knew he belonged in the heart of the food service repair industry. Our discussion encapsulated the exhilarating experiences that await technicians like Fraser and me on a daily basis. Each day brings forth a new adventure, a fresh challenge, and an array of equipment to tinker with.

What truly sets this field apart is the boundless opportunities for growth and specialization. Whether you aspire to master the art of combi ovens or prefer to be a jack-of-all-trades in a bustling commercial kitchen, the horizon is yours to explore.

But wait, there's more! Joining the ranks of food service technicians unlocks a treasure trove of perks. Picture yourself cruising in your very own take-home van, fueled by the promise of endless possibilities and a gas card to match. Equipped with the latest gadgets, like a cell phone and tablet, you're armed and ready to conquer any challenge.

Let's not forget about the rewards that come with the territory. From competitive pay to comprehensive benefits, this industry values its skilled technicians. And the learning never stops! Whether you're honing your craft on the job or diving deep into specialized training programs, every moment of education is a paycheck in itself.

Above all, it's the sense of camaraderie and teamwork that truly sets this industry apart. Joining a team like Fraser's at Duffy's AIS isn't just a job – it's a family united by a passion for excellence.

So, if you're seeking a career that's as rewarding as it is exhilarating, look no further than the world of food service repair. Your journey starts here, where the only limit is your own ambition.

🎤 Get ready for a high-energy episode as we bring back the dynamic Joe Sharp! 🔥 Running a top-notch facilities repair company tailored for restaurants, Joe's earned a reputation as the ultimate go-to guy. What sets him apart? His unwavering honesty and upfront attitude. When he makes a misstep, he owns it and goes above and beyond to make things right. With a proactive stance on preventative maintenance, Joe's slashing downtime and knocking out those pesky service calls left and right. Tune in as Joe spills the beans on his game-changing operational shift and how it's paying dividends. Plus, discover his secrets to nurturing new technicians and leveling them up one equipment type at a time. Don't miss out – Joe's insights could revolutionize your approach! 🛠️🚀

🐍This episode is sponsored by Viper HVACR products. Did you know that Viper's NSF registered coil cleaners are a must-have for kitchen maintenance? No rinsing required. Plus, Viper's HVACR products were created by technicians, for technicians, ensuring top-notch quality. Viper believes in performance without hazardous ingredients. 🐍

Join us for an electrifying episode as we delve into the dynamic world of HVACR with none other than Brett Wetzel, the Mentor of the Year at the prestigious HVAC Tactical awards. Brett's impact on the HVACR community is unparalleled, and in this episode, we uncover the secrets behind his well-deserved accolades.

Ever been in a tight spot and had Brett Wetzel bail you out? Well, you're not alone! In this conversation, we explore Brett's remarkable ability to rescue professionals from sticky situations, drawing on his wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Discover how Brett's insights and guidance turned a potential disaster into a triumph as we dissect a recent equipment sizing dilemma faced by our Pat.

But that's not all! Prepare to be amazed as we unveil Brett's groundbreaking Paid To Train program at CoolSys, a revolutionary initiative transforming the landscape of technician training. Through a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, hands-on lab sessions, and real-world field experience, Brett and his team are shaping the next generation of HVACR experts, instilling confidence and competence in every technician who walks through their doors.

Don't miss out on this captivating episode filled with invaluable insights, inspiring anecdotes, and a glimpse into the future of HVACR training. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in the industry, Brett Wetzel's wisdom and passion will leave you feeling energized and empowered to take your career to new heights.

Tune in now and join us on this exhilarating ride through the world of HVACR excellence! 🌟

This episode is brought to you by our Friends over at Rapid Locking System

If you want fast, reliable HVACR joints, choose RLS press fittings. With RLS, you get the most

trusted, most proven press fittings on the market…and the only ones with more than 9 years of

field use in HVACR, and more than 20 million fittings installed. No other company comes close.

Right now, for a limited time, you can get two free jaws with the purchase of a Klauke 19kN tool

and 5-jaw set. That’s two bonus jaws – 1/4” and 3/4” – absolutely free. Offer ends April 30th, so

Get ready to dive into the whirlwind world of Jennifer, the powerhouse behind Valeriani Air Conditioning in Naples, Maine. In this electrifying episode, we peel back the layers of Jennifer's dynamic life as an entrepreneur, educator, and advocate in the HVACR industry.

Join us as we uncover the secrets of how Jennifer and her husband balance ownership of their HVACR company while navigating the challenges of homeschooling multiple students across various grades. Discover the inspiration behind Jennifer's creation of the HVAChicks Coalition, a groundbreaking initiative providing crucial support and resources for women in HVACR, including training, tech assistance, and more.

But wait, there's more! Jennifer's involvement as an ambassador and trainer for the innovative SkillCat app adds another layer to her already bustling schedule, aiding individuals in obtaining EPA 608 certification and advancing their HVACR careers. And let's not forget about the invaluable FREE tech support line she manages alongside a team of dedicated experts.

Amidst her myriad responsibilities, Jennifer still manages to shine, earning the prestigious title of Lady of the Trade at the esteemed 2024 HVAC Tactical Awards. Tune in as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and sheer determination that define Jennifer's journey, all while juggling the most important role of all: being a mom. Get ready for an episode packed with inspiration, insights, and a healthy dose of #HVAChicks power!

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

We are back with another Young Guns episode, This time we have Gary Beaver with RED LLC. Gary has put some time and work in on becoming the best tech he can. He has made lead tech and is only 25! Take a listen as Gary talks about his take on the skilled trades and food service repair industry.

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

Matt Brunty's journey began as an in-house technician for an independent franchise owner, where his dedication and thirst for knowledge drove him to excel. Eager to expand his horizons, he transitioned to Fesco, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. Yet, his heart remained in West Virginia, where he recognized a significant need for a reliable foodservice company. Determined to fill this gap, Matt established his own venture, prioritizing quality service, customer satisfaction, and a familial atmosphere for his team. From humble beginnings with just two technicians, he has since expanded to 17 technicians across three branches. Matt's inspiring story illustrates the boundless opportunities within the foodservice industry.

Matt Brunty and RED LLC

We have Ash and Becca on, AKA The Viper Vixens, from Refrigeration Technologies on live at AHR Expo. We talked all things related to Refrigeration Technologies. There products are top notch and American made, by a family owned company. The team at Refrigeration Technologies prides themselves on making great products that are safe to use. We also talked about the infamous thumb wrestling battle in their booth. Only a small injury, but Becca did lose a nail. Give this a listen and let us know if you have any questions for them about any of their products.

Refrigeration Technologies

Mike Voss has a pretty cool way into the food service repair industry. He spent many years as a chef in various levels.Eventually he became sick of the long hours and wanted a change. He was taking some HVACR classes and found a flyer for a food service repair company and thought, I know how to use the equipment, and took a chance. After starting as a jr tech, then PM, trainee and finally a full fledged tech. He enjoys a challenge and understands what the customer is going through. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

I got to catch with Becky and Maddie from RIDGID and Greenlee, as well as Antonio a past RIDGID Experience participant. I am super excited to have been chosen to be a guest, and I look forward to building new friendships and making some memories.

We talk all about some of the cool things that happens in Elryia OH. From factory tour, the Schoolhouse, baseball game, and more.

If any of this sounds like something you would like to do, make sure you sign up by March 15th, 2024.

Sign Up Here

We are back with another part of our Young Guns series. This time we have Zane Smith. He is 22 years old and is from Indiana. He has been in the hvacr/restaurant industry since he was 16. He start off taking care of some light stuff at a restaurant he was working at and ended up making it a career. Zane is full of energy and ready to learn everything he can. Give this a listen and let us know what you guys think.

As always, if you or someone you know would like to be a guest, have them reach out and let us schedule them on to tell their story.

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Website

This was a lot of fun. I will warn you, the audio broke up a bit but it does come out of it. Rachel was great to talk with. We hear about her going from being a waitress, to owning an HVAC company. She does full installations, as well as PMs, maintenance and repairs. It was great talking with her and we look forward to seeing her grow. We have attached her social media accounts for you to follow her.

TikTok

This episode was a blast. It is refreshing to see someone like Ryan in the trades. He did his homework on what industry he wanted to go into. Then, he checked out several trade schools before finding the perfect fit for himself. His outlook on his future as well as the HVACR industry is truly a great thing to see. Listen to this episode to find out what Ryan has in store for himself.

TradesOverCollege

Instagram

We had the pleasure of having Jessica Slaughter with Rapid Locking System and Michael Provenzano with Ridgid join us live at AHR Expo record an episode. Welcome to an episode that's all about revolutionizing the ACR industry! Picture this: the powerhouse combination of RLS, the pinnacle in ACR press fittings, and Ridgid, the gold standard for press tools. It's a match made in industry heaven, and they've unleashed the ultimate ACR pressing setup. In this episode, we're diving deep into the RP241 and RLS jaws, a dynamic duo designed to perfection. Need to navigate tight spots in pressing refrigeration lines? The RP241 is your go-to tool. Join us as we unpack the incredible benefits of pressing ACR and discover why this collaboration is changing the game. Get ready for insights, expertise, and a closer look at the future of ACR pressing. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of the art and science of ACR pressing!

If you are a small to medium sized food service repair company, you want to hear this. Ray and his brother started Roopairs to help restaurant operators and turned it into one of the smoothest running software that a service company can run. It is very user friendly for the technicians out in the field. It is intuitive in how it flows and processes. It also ties into 3rd party platforms and eliminates the need for extra steps for your technicians to check in and out of calls.

Give this a listen and see what you think about Ray and Roopairs.

If you haven't had the pleasure of encountering Aiden, you're truly missing out on an individual whose fervor for all things HVACR is unmatched. Currently enrolled at the University of Northwestern Ohio, Aiden is wholeheartedly dedicated to the study of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR). Beyond his academic pursuits, Aiden leads a multifaceted life, balancing his educational journey with hands-on experiences. In addition to his scholarly endeavors, he is actively engaged in collecting water samples, showcasing his commitment to environmental awareness. Furthermore, Aiden extends his talents beyond the classroom and laboratory by officiating track events across the state of Ohio, demonstrating his diverse skill set and passion for community involvement.

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Commercial kitchen Chronicles

Michael entered the industry and never looked back. Despite facing initial challenges, he remained resilient and unwavering. Driven by a relentless thirst for knowledge, he sought to absorb as much information as possible. Eventually, he founded his own company and has since found immense joy in the industry. Michael openly discusses the keys to success, the hurdles he overcame, and the importance of fearlessly tackling new endeavors.

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

You asked where he was and we have the answers. We catch up with Dusty, finally! Dusty talks about work, life and more. I am not going to lie, this is was a lot of fun. We just caught up and BS'd a while.

Thanks for all the support

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles website

What a year 2023 has been for the show. We have grown to 4 members, each one is considered a brother. We talk about struggles and accomplishments, favorite guests and more. Give it a listen and we just might talk about you on here.

Thanks for all of your support. You all have encouraged us and help us make this what it is.

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

John Reese is the VP of Pressing Technology with Ridgid and Greenlee. We discuss all sorts of products, development, testing, safety and more. John has been involved in the pressing business for a while and he knows his stuff. Check out this episode to learn all about the offerings from Ridgid and Greenlee tools.

Kenny has a great channel on TikTok and I recommend checking it out. He is all about learning and perfecting his skills in the RHAVC industry. You can catch him making videos on repairing equipment, the latest craze in filters, or putting in work at the gym. You never know what he is up to, but he will be putting 100 percent into it. Kenny also has a great story of overcoming your past and not giving up on yourself. We at Commercial Kitchen Chronicles just want to thank Kenny for everything he does to shine a light on the RHVAC industry.

This episode is brought to you by Viega. As an industry leading manufacturer, Viega not only provides training support for their press fittings and systems but are also dedicated to continuing support for trades education.

We welcome back out friend, Joey Hall. If you haven't had the pleasure of talking with Joey, you are missing out. He owns a small shop in the Montgomery Alabama area. He has been taking on new challenges and growing his business. So much in fact, he is looking to add another tech to the mix. If you are in the Montgomery AL area, hit him up! We talk about mistakes and overcoming them, TikTok and more. Give this one a listen and let us know what you think.

Joey Hall's Website

Its been a while since we just had a simple BS session and here it is. We talk work, Jason's HOA compliance problems and more.

If you would like to be a guest on the Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, let us know and we would love to hear your story.

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

We are back with our Young Guns series #2 with Toby Overton. Toby is 24 years old and is in Northern Arizona. He started off as a helper in high school. Once he graduated, he attended a 9 month program at a local trade school and has been killing it ever since. Toby works on restaurant refrigeration, cooking equipment and anything else he can get his hands on. He talks about what drives him and some future goals. Toby also runs a great Facebook group call HVACR Component Teardowns. He takes parts from recent calls and breaks them down step by step, explains what failed and why it happened. We will leave a link below if you would like to check it out.

This episode was brought to you by Ridgid tools.

Upgrade your pipefitting game with Ridgid Press Tools – the pinnacle of efficiency and reliability. Engineered for professionals, these tools revolutionize pipe connections, slashing installation time and boosting productivity. With their ergonomic design, Ridgid press tools offer ease of use, ensuring a comfortable and efficient workflow. Versatility is key – tackle various pipes and fittings effortlessly, from copper to stainless steel and PEX. Experience clean, quiet, and flame-free operations, prioritizing safety without compromising on performance. Trust in the consistency of every connection, as Ridgid press tools deliver sealed, high-quality results every time. Make precision your standard and elevate your projects with Ridgid – where innovation meets reliability in every press.

This is the first episode in a series we have dubbed Young Guns, and it is a good one. Our guest is Mason King from Greenville South Carolina. He is 23 years old and does refrigeration, hvac, and restaurant equipment. He has been in the industry for a little over 3 years and is killing it. Listen in to his journey into the trades and why he is enjoying success at a young age. If you are a Young Gun or not, we would love to have you on to talk about your journey into the trades. Please reach out to us. Don't forget to like, subscribe and share the podcast. It really helps us grow.

This episode is brought to you by Viega. As an industry leading manufacturer, Viega not only provides training support for their press fittings and systems but are also dedicated to continuing support for trades education.

We all have been following Omar for a while and were able to talk him into coming on the show. He has been in this industry since 1999. It all happened by running into someone at the right place and time. He started off running parts, but quickly began installing bakery ovens. After a few years, he made the jump to cooking equipment and has bee in love with this industry since. Omar is a real team player for his organization, helping out with tech support and training are a passion of his. He also fits in nicely with us with his technical story telling. He breaks down the calls so anyone can understand what he did, and that builds tremendous amounts of trust with your customers. Give this a listen and let us know what you think!

I don't even know where to start with this one. Matthew is a ball of energy and puts a lot of passion into everything he does. We talk about what Centrotherm Eco Systems has to offer for venting solutions. He covers his roles with them and more. Talk about previous and upcoming events they are planning at South Beach. He even plays some music for us. We appreciate Matthew for taking the time to come on and talk with us. Check out this episode and please consider leaving a comment and review. it really helps us in growing the channel.

#safeventing

Centrotherm Eco Systems

This was one of our favorite episodes to record. Cory just has this contagious attitude about him that makes you want to run through a wall! Cory is owner of Alpha and Omega restaurant equipment repair. Him and his business partner, Edgar, have built a thriving business. It wasn't always easy but once they figured out their roles, the became great. Cory talks about being an entrepreneur, building several businesses, and best of all, trusting your people. He is full of advice and is willing to talk to anyone about business and growth.

This episode is brought to you by Viega. As an industry leading manufacturer, Viega not only provides training support for their press fittings and systems but are also dedicated to continuing support for trades education.

A year in the field, featuring Amanda Widmeyer from General Parts. It was great to catch up with Amanda. I had her on the show last year to talk about her transition from the office to a technician in the field. A year later and we needed an update. She is excelling in the field and starting to take on some refrigeration as well. We talk about her favorite, and least favorite things to work on and what she is excited to learn next.

If you are thinking about making a big change, take Amanda's advice and do it! Don't for get to check out her first visit on the show!

Her first visit

Charlie is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to water filtration. He talks about the science behind it and more. I know i will be using Charlie for water testing and sourcing proper filtration for foodservice equipment in the future. Check this episode out and let us know what you think.

Website for show

Jason, Rich, and myself talk about fryers. We discuss some of the things we have come across in the field. Some gas and electrical talk, as well as filtration.

Please leave a rating and review. It really helps us grow the channel.

Joe has a different journey into the food-service repair industry. He is not your normal technician. He started out working for an owner of 8 locations but his approach has taken off and business is growing. Honestly, we could have went on for hours, and I fully expect to have Joe back for round 2 soon. Listen to him explain service from a different vantage point and you can't help but learn some things.

This episode is brought to you by Viega. As an industry leading manufacturer, Viega not only provides training support for their press fittings and systems but are also dedicated to continuing support for trades education.

I am a huge fan of everything Adrian does. This man runs a business, fixes units all day, does social media, has 3 YouTube pages, and more. I think he may be a robot at this point. We talk about working in the commercial food service environment, owning a business and working with family. Give this a listen and let me know what you think.

This episode is brought to you by Viega. As an industry leading manufacturer, Viega not only provides training support for their press fittings and systems but are also dedicated to continuing support for trades education.

We get the run down on all the fine products from Refrigeration Technologies from Ashley, HVAC_Ash. They have a ton of great products that are specifically designed for the HVACR industries. Jason, Rich and myself break down our favorite products as well as some alternative uses we may have. Also, we had to discuss her red carpet interviews from the 2023 HVAC Tactical awards show. Tune in and let us know what you think. Consider leaving a review as it helps us grow the channel.

We sit down and talk with Matt and Megan from Mechanical Environments in Denver Colorado. We discuss proper verbage in notes of a call. From the dispatcher inputting complaints, to location and unit information, and troubleshooting and repair. Proper communication of work done can make or break a service call. We need to be proactive as possible to ensure everyone understands all aspects of the call.

Give this a listen and let us know what you think. Please consider leaving a review to help us grow the channel.

This was an absolute blast to do We invited guest on the stream to join the show. The topics were open and we had a blast. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Jason, Rich and myself talk a lot of different things when it comes to refrigeration. We cover some non-evasive testing. cleaning issues, charge related issues and more.

This episode was brought to you by our friends over at Rapid locking System. RLS press fittings for HVAC/R offer unparalleled convenience – just press, and you’re done. No flames, no mess, and absolutely no hassle. Whether it’s commercial spaces, residential installations, or complex industrial setups, RLS Press Fittings deliver the strength and precision you need, all in one compact design. Upgrade your connections, elevate your projects – with RLS Press Fittings.

Make sure to visit the website to stay up to date with all things Commercial Kitchen Chronicles related.

This episode we invited guests from the live stream to join the show. We have Jesus, Brian, and Quentin step up and we had a blast. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

If you would like to be a guest on The Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, let us know. Show topics or ideas are always appreciated as well.