Solder and Soot: A NARSA/IDEA Podcast

To wrap up 2022, Solder & Soot's Mark Taylor and Bobby Duran have curated a Cooling Systems Christmas Carol. In this special episode, our hosts reflect on the past, present, and future of NARSA/IDEA and what big events impacted our members. 

In this episode of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with cooling systems industry expert Pat O'Connor, Vice President of Sales at Johnson Manufacturing. Pat will  be inducted into NARSA's Cooling Systems Hall of Fame in 2023. Without a doubt, NARSA would not be what it is today without Pat's influence. In addition to hearing about his successful career, we learn how Pat was instrumental within our association in bridging the gap between manufacturers and service shops. 

In this latest episode of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with three generations of Schelkuns (Mike, Jim, and Andrew) who run Empire Radiator Service. We dive into the past, present, and future plans of the Rochester, New York-based company and dig into what it's really like working with your family. 

We learn all about life in Zimbabwe with Mike Marques and Darren Maboreke of Mike's Radiators in this episode of "Solder & Soot." They are new members to NARSA/IDEA, but they're both experienced in the world of cooling systems. From recruiting employees to finding materials, we discuss the challenges of operating a radiator shop in Africa. Plus, have you heard of the African tiger fish? We learn more about this monster of a fish, and why it's especially tough to catch. 

This week, we chat with cooling systems veteran David Bienvenu of Radiator Service Co., who is based in Houma, Louisiana. He's the go-to guy many of our NARSA/IDEA members call when they have a question. But unlike some, David didn't grow up in the radiator business. Learn how he got into the industry, the most costly mistake he ever made, and how NARSA helped him overcome challenges in this special episode. 

Chuck and Bryan Braswell join us from North Carolina at Rocky Mount Radiator & A/C, which is a fourth-generation family-owned business, and their involvement with NARSA/IDEA runs deep as well. Chuck is a former NARSA/IDEA President and Bryan currently serves as a Board member. Learn how NARSA/IDEA has contributed to their success, about their future goals to expand the business, and what it’s really like working closely with your parents in this latest episode.

How has COVID-19 impacted the global supply chain? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mary Kelly, a renowned economist, author, public speaker, and professor. Dr. Kelly will also be among the speakers at NARSA/IDEA's 2021 Spring Virtual Conference May 20-21. Hear how Dr. Kelly describes the current state of the economy and what business owners need to know about what could happen next. 

In Episode 4, we talk with Steve Hoke of Diesel Emissions Service. After California established new regulations regarding heavy duty trucks and emissions, Hoke seized the opportunity to start his own business. In addition to service shops, Hoke’s empire has grown to include manufacturing and distributing diesel particulate filter accessories and parts. Hear from Hoke about how his business philosophy focuses on relationships and how he’s helping educate other members within our association.

In Episode 3 of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with Joe McGovern whose career spanned more than 40 years in the radiator business. He worked as a salesman with Mangum before starting his own business Tanks ‘N Tabs. He later sold his business to Northern Radiator and retired in 2018. Hear from Joe about his experience traveling throughout the country in his RV, his success in a niche market, and how NARSA played a major role in his career.

In the second episode of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with Don Hart of Don Hart Radiator in Texas. Hart’s ties in the industry actually go back more than 100 years. Hart discusses what he's learned from his mistakes and the role NARSA/IDEA has played in the success of his business. 

In our series premiere, NARSA/IDEA's Executive Director Mark Taylor and President Bobby Duran discuss their journey into the world of radiator repair and DPF service. 

"Solder & Soot" is produced by NARSA/IDEA, an international trade association connecting shops, manufacturers, and distributers in the cooling systems and diesel emissions industries. Each episode, hosts Mark Taylor and Bobby Duran interview entrepreneurs and industry leaders to learn more about their business challenges and success stories.