This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we’re joined by Troy Duff—a Virginia-based tech who’s carved out his own lane in the foodservice repair world. Troy started out as an electrician before taking a leap into the industry with Hobart, working alongside his grandfather who inspired his path. From running installs across Richmond and Norfolk to handling service calls, Troy climbed through the ranks and built a strong foundation in the trade.

Eventually, he broke out on his own and launched Chef’s Choice Restaurant Repair, a company he and his wife have been running since 2017. Like many small businesses, COVID reshaped the way they operated. He downsized, regrouped, and realized that keeping it small—just him and his wife—gave him exactly what he always wanted: more time. More time for his kids, coaching baseball and softball, hunting and fishing, and building a business that fits the life he values.

In this episode, Troy shares his story of growth, hard work, and choosing “memories over money." Take a listen and let us know:

👉 What part of Troy’s journey speaks to you?
👉 What would you have done differently?
👉 How has your own path in this industry shaped what you value today?

Tune in, drop your thoughts, and help shine a light on another great technician making an impact in the foodservice repair industry. 🎧🔥

Looking for the toughest chemicals in the game? Viper from Refrigeration Technologies has you covered. From coil cleaners to leak detection and everything in between, Viper products are designed by techs, for techs — built to handle the nastiest jobs without wrecking your equipment. If you want reliable performance, safer chemistry, and products that actually work the way they should, grab Viper and get after it.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Troy Duff and Chef's Choice Restaurant Repair

https://www.facebook.com/Chefschoiceinc/

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

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In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley and co-host Rich Ortega sit down with John Faust, President & CEO of Troubleshooter Mechanical Services and Electro Freeze of the Carolinas.

John’s journey is one of grit, service, and leadership — from his days in the U.S. Air Force avionics systems to a career in IT for Hilton Hotels, and eventually taking over the family mechanical contracting business that’s been running strong since 1989.

With over 30 years in the HVACR and commercial kitchen repair industry, John shares his story of stepping away, coming back after 9/11, and rebuilding the family brand stronger than ever. He talks about what it’s like to lead a team that services chain restaurants, government facilities, and major commercial kitchens, while also managing the exclusive Electro Freeze distribution for North and South Carolina — providing premium frozen dessert equipment to big names like Sonic, Arby’s, and Whataburger.

You’ll hear about:
• The lessons learned from balancing leadership and family legacy
• How Electro Freeze supports technicians and listens to real-world service feedback
• The evolution of HVACR and foodservice repair over the decades
• Why integrity, attitude, and hands-on leadership matter in this industry
• His thoughts on training, technician development, and the next generation of tradespeople

Plus, we dive into funny field stories, the importance of hiring for attitude over skill, and how to adapt leadership for today’s technicians.

🎧 Tune in and learn from one of the most respected leaders in the Carolinas — a man who’s done it all, from janitor to president.

—

🧪 Powered by Viper – Refrigeration Technologies
From coil cleaners to chemical solutions, Viper products are built by techs, for techs. Trusted across the HVACR and foodservice industry for safe, NSF-rated cleaners that keep systems running clean and mean.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

To learn more about John Faust

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-faust-83674888/

🎧 Want to dive deeper into the world of foodservice repair? Check out CommercialKitchenChronicles.com — the home for all our latest episodes, industry blogs, training resources, and gear we use in the field. It’s your one-stop shop to stay connected with the community that keeps commercial kitchens running!

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#ElectroFreeze
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#ServiceTechnician

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley is joined by returning guest Loretta Mealor from Austin Mealor’s Restaurant Service Equipment Repair — alongside cohost Rich Ortega of On The Rock Services.

The trio dives deep into the CFESA Conference, Loretta’s first year serving on the CFESA Board of Directors, her committee work with CFESA Cares and Education & Training, and the growing impact of technician development programs. Loretta shares her insights on mentorship, technician training, and how she and her team are cultivating the next generation of skilled professionals.

From heartfelt reflections to industry laughs, this episode is full of motivation, leadership, and a genuine passion for moving the foodservice repair industry forward.

💡 Topics include:

• Highlights and key takeaways from the CFESA Conference

• Loretta’s experience as a CFESA board member and liaison

• Technician training, in-house development, and certification standards

• The importance of accountability and communication in the trades

• Building company culture and growing a strong team

This episode is powered by Viper Refrigeration Technologies — the trusted name behind the most advanced cleaners and chemical solutions in the HVACR and foodservice world. Whether it’s their Viper Aerosol Cleaner, Pan & Drain Treatment, or Venom Packs, every product is NSF-rated, safe for kitchens, and built for pros who care about doing the job right.
From coils to condensers, clean it like a pro — clean it with Viper. Learn more at https://www.refrigtech.com/

🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation that keeps commercial kitchens running!

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceRepair #CFESA #WomenInTheTrades #HVACR #RestaurantRepair #Viper #RefrigerationTechnologies #Podcast #IndustryLeaders

Catch up with Loretta

https://www.austonmealer.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-mealer-amres/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/amresllc/about/

Rich Ortega

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-ortega-61460125b/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

This week, Pat sits down with three incredible women who are shaping the future of the HVACR and foodservice industries — Becca Stamey from Refrigeration Technologies, Jessica Slaughter from RLS, and Megan McIntosh from Mechanical Environments.

Fresh off their wins at the Women in HVACR Conference, these leaders share their journeys, the meaning behind their awards, and what drives them to keep breaking barriers. From fieldwork and content creation to marketing and mentorship, each guest brings a unique perspective on what it means to make a difference in the trades.

They dive deep into:
🔥 The impact of Women in HVACR and its mentorship programs
💪 Why visibility and representation matter in the trades
🎓 The power of education, networking, and giving back
🧰 How brands like Viper and RLS are helping reshape the industry
⚙️ The importance of embracing new technologies and promoting the next generation

It’s an inspiring and authentic conversation about community, growth, and the passion that keeps the trades moving forward.

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and see why these three truly are Difference Makers.

Becca Stamey

https://www.refrigtech.com/

https://www.instagram.com/beccashotforhvac/

Jessica Slaughter

https://www.rapidlockingsystem.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jessica_rlsmarketing/

Megan McIntosh

https://mechanicalenvironments.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mechanicalenvironments/

https://www.instagram.com/meggomack/

Women In HVACR

https://www.womeninhvacr.org/

Fundraiser through Refrigeration Technologies

https://givebutter.com/builtgentlestilltough

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #WomenInHVACR #CKCLive #FoodserviceRepair #WomenInTrades #RLS #RefrigerationTechnologies #MechanicalEnvironments #HVACLife

Recorded live at the CFESA Annual Conference at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona, this episode features LeRoy Fearon and Eric Holder from UNOX.

We dive into their paths into the trades, the experiences that shaped their careers, and how they found their way to their current roles at UNOX. They share insights on what drives their passion for the foodservice industry, their commitment to innovation, and the importance of staying hands-on and connected to the field.

We also talk about the new UNOX ChefTop-X oven, exploring how this cutting-edge piece of equipment is pushing the boundaries of technology and performance in commercial kitchens.

Whether you’re an industry veteran, a technician, or just someone who loves seeing how innovation meets craftsmanship, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

🎙️ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast
Stories from the people who keep the world cooking.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Want to be featured as a guest?

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/want-to-be-our-guest%3F

Eighteen years old, outdoorsy, and already wrenching on commercial kitchen gear like a pro — meet James McCanless. In this Young Gun Spotlight, James shares how he went from mowing grass and slinging lattes to climbing McDonald’s rooftops and fixing fryers. From being laid off by the city at 15, to landing an apprenticeship through Austin & Loretta Mealer’s program at Dyersburg State, James proves you don’t need a college degree to find a rewarding, hands-on career.

We talk hunting season, getting smacked by a bowstring (ouch), coil cleaner horror stories, airport pat-downs, and what it really feels like to walk into a restaurant knowing the whole place is counting on you. James also lays out why TikTok may be the secret to attracting the next generation of techs (sorry, Loretta — looks like he just volunteered).

👉 He may be young, but James has big goals: become a master tech, keep learning every day, and eventually be one of Austin Miller’s top technicians. With mentors like Corey Miller and Zach Hampton in his corner, and a genuine love for the trade, he’s well on his way.

💡 Pro Tip Break – Brought to You by Viper
This episode is powered by our friends at Viper HVACR cleaners from Refrigeration Technologies. Grease, grime, and coil gunk don’t stand a chance. NSF-certified, safe, and strong — Viper keeps your equipment efficient, reliable, and service-ready. 🐍 Because clean coils = happy techs (and happy restaurants).

https://www.refrigtech.com/

If you’re a young gun thinking about jumping into the trades, or a seasoned tech who wants a reminder of why you fell in love with the work in the first place, this episode’s got it all.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Jay Maiden, Director of Service at Kolpak/RDI and Retired Navy Chief, to cut through the noise surrounding A2L refrigerants in commercial refrigeration. With so much hype, fear, and misinformation out there—especially in the HVAC comfort cooling space—this conversation is all about facts, not scare tactics.

Jay explains Kolpak’s transition to R-454C for PolarPak self-contained units and the upcoming move to R-454A for split systems, breaking down what these changes mean for technicians, contractors, and end users. He shares candid insights into the supply chain struggles with A2L refrigerants, the challenges of getting parts approved, and the practical realities service companies face when refrigerant isn’t readily available.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Kolpak chose R-454C and R-454A for their walk-in refrigeration systems

• The impact of EPA and DOE mandates on manufacturers and technicians

• How refrigerant availability issues are already affecting service calls nationwide

• The role of refrigerant sensors in walk-in boxes and how Kolpak designs them for safety

• What A2L refrigerants really mean for service procedures, training, and safety

• The future of walk-in refrigeration installs, including outdoor-only condensing units and solenoid placement changes

• How service companies should prepare now by stocking refrigerants, updating tools, and training technicians

This episode is packed with insights for anyone in foodservice equipment repair, commercial refrigeration, or HVACR who wants to stay ahead of the A2L curve. Whether you’re worried about safety, curious about regulations, or just want to know how to prepare your service company for the refrigerant transition, Jay lays out exactly what you need to know.

Tune in for real talk, expert perspective, and no-nonsense advice from one of the most experienced voices in the industry.

Brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies

💡 Quick tip from our friends at Viper!
In commercial kitchens, dirty coils and evaporators mean higher costs and breakdowns. Viper’s NSF-registered cleaners are safe, tough on grease, and designed to keep refrigeration and HVAC systems running smooth.

👉 Trust Viper for professional-grade kitchen maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Find Jay Maiden here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-maiden-13618510/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#Kolpak #A2L #Refrigeration #FoodserviceRepair #CommercialKitchenChronicles #WalkInCooler #HVACR

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Mike Horbach to explore his unique journey from the fast-paced life of a chef to building a rewarding career in foodservice equipment repair. Mike’s story proves that your next career opportunity could be right in front of you—and you might not even realize it.

Mike opens up about his years working long, grueling hours in kitchens ranging from concession stands to hotels, and how a simple connection through family and friends led him into the appliance and restaurant equipment repair trade. What started as a chance opportunity turned into a lifelong career, one that gave him better balance, growth, and purpose.

We talk about:

• The reality of burnout and tough schedules in the restaurant industry

• How transferable skills from the kitchen apply to foodservice repair

• Why mentorship and training are key to breaking into a new trade

• The importance of recognizing opportunities when they appear in unexpected places

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your current role or wondered what other opportunities exist in the skilled trades, Mike’s transition is proof that sometimes the best path forward is hidden in plain sight.

🔥 Pro Tip for Commercial Kitchen Pros! 🔥
Brought to you by our friends at Viper HVAC Cleaners — when it comes to keeping your commercial kitchen equipment running at peak performance, clean coils and evaporators are non-negotiable.
That’s where Viper’s NSF-registered cleaning products come in! 🧼
They're safe, powerful, and specifically designed to tackle the grease and grime found in busy foodservice environments. Keep your refrigeration and HVAC systems efficient, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime.
👉 Trust Viper — the name the industry relies on for professional-grade kitchen system maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley sits down with Mallory David from Parker Sporlan to talk all things ZoomLock MAX and ZoomLock Push fittings—the game-changing press and push technology that’s transforming the HVACR and refrigeration industries.

With the rise of A2L refrigerants (and even A3s on the horizon), technicians are quickly realizing the value of press fittings to save time, reduce leaks, and improve safety on the job. Mallory shares her background as a chemical engineer, her years in the field with Parker Sporlan, and her current role helping contractors, wholesalers, and technicians adopt the latest HVAC press connection technology.

We cover:

• What makes ZoomLock MAX press fittings and ZoomLock Push fittings different

• Why A2L refrigerants are changing how we think about installs and service

• How press connections improve speed, reliability, and safety vs. traditional brazing

• Real technician feedback and lessons learned from the field

• Tips for HVAC and refrigeration pros thinking about making the switch

Whether you’re a foodservice equipment tech, HVAC technician, refrigeration pro, or service manager, this episode gives you the inside scoop on Parker Sporlan’s ZoomLock product line and how it can help your business stay ahead of refrigerant changes and safety standards.

🎧 Tune in to hear how press technology is reshaping the future of HVACR!

To learn more about Parker Sporlan, Zoomlock Max and Push, check them out here

https://discover.parker.com/zoomlockmax

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

In this special Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Live Hangout, Pat Finley is back with Jason Latimer and Rich Ortega for a no-filter, laid-back conversation straight from the heart of the foodservice repair industry. 🍳🔧

This episode isn’t your typical interview—it’s an open mic where we shoot the breeze, talk about the ups and downs of being technicians, running businesses, and balancing the chaos of service calls with real life. From lighting up a cigar after a brutal day to joking about who’s “actually working” when the cameras are off, it’s all about community, camaraderie, and keeping it real.

Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories from the world of commercial kitchen equipment repair, HVAC, and refrigeration, plus plenty of laughs, friendly banter, and even some unexpected drop-ins from the audience. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hang out with the techs after hours—or if you just need a break from your own hectic service schedule—this is the episode for you.

Why tune in?

• Get an inside look at the daily grind of commercial kitchen technicians.

• Hear unfiltered conversations about the realities of the trade.

• Learn how community and connection help keep techs motivated.

• Discover why these hangouts have become a fan-favorite “chill spot” in the industry.

So grab a drink, kick back, and join us as we bring the foodservice repair community together in true CKC fashion. Whether you’re a seasoned HVACR pro, an up-and-coming kitchen cowboy, or just curious about the world that keeps restaurants cooking—this hangout will leave you laughing, nodding, and feeling like part of the crew.

🚀 Quick Kitchen Tip from our friends at Viper! 🚀
If you work in commercial kitchens, you already know — dirty coils and evaporators are the silent killers of performance. Grease, grime, and buildup mean higher energy costs, shorter equipment life, and costly breakdowns.

That’s why the pros trust Viper’s NSF-registered coil and evaporator cleaners. 🧼
Formulated for foodservice environments, they’re safe, powerful, and proven to keep refrigeration and HVAC systems running at peak efficiency. Less downtime, better airflow, and equipment that lasts.

👉 Keep your kitchen running smooth — go with Viper, the industry leader in commercial kitchen coil cleaning and maintenance solutions.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Check out our website!

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/