Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

From Farming to Freon: The Refrigeration Journey of Jeremiah Johnson 🚛❄️

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Montana-based refrigeration pro Jeremiah Johnson, who shares his inspiring journey from residential HVAC and construction framing to running his own refrigeration business in rural Montana. 🇺🇸

🔥 Jeremiah talks about:

• How the 2009 housing crash led him to HVAC school at 30

• Making the leap from residential HVAC to commercial refrigeration

• Life in the trades: working 7 days a week and loving it

• Supporting small-town grocery stores, restaurants, and dairies

• Tackling walk-in freezers, ice machines, mini splits, and even R290 refrigeration

• The independence (and challenges) of being a one-man operation

• Getting his daughters involved in the trades 👧🛠️

• His love for hunting, BBQ, and quality tools (Testo, Fieldpiece, and more)

Whether you're a seasoned tech, an apprentice, or just curious about starting your own refrigeration business, this is a must-listen!

Brought to you by Viper 🐍 from Refrigeration Technologies

🔥 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

Check out all things Commercial Kitchen Chronicles related.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#commercialrefrigeration #HVACpodcast #foodserviceequipmentrepair #R290refrigeration #refrigerationtechnician #commercialkitchenequipment #icemachinemaintenance #walkinfreezerrepair #HVACtools #Testo550s #Fieldpieceprobes #onemanHVACbusiness #commercialkitchenpodcast #technicianstories #HVACstartup #smallbusinessHVAC #Montanatradesman #refrigerationjourney

In this icy-cool episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Stephanie Wall from True Refrigerationto dive into the cutting-edge world of True Ice Machines. From R290 refrigerant and antimicrobial plastics to advanced Time-of-Flight sensors and near-instant harvest cycles, Stephanie reveals how True has engineered a smarter, more efficient, and technician-friendly ice machine that’s ready to dominate the market.

We cover:
🧊 Why ice is food — and how True keeps it clean
⚙️ Service-friendly features that techs will love
🌡️ Performance in extreme ambient temps (35°F–110°F)
⚡ Up to 37% better than Energy Star standards
📉 How some chains could save $2.3M/year in energy bills
🔧 Real-world install results — including surviving 118°F Vegas heat!

Plus, we talk TrueZone ozone sanitation, built-in filtration tracking, warranty coverage, and how True is investing in hands-on technician training across the country.

🎧 Whether you’re in service, sales, or just an ice nerd like Pat, this episode delivers.

Huge shout out to https://trutechtools.com/ for partnering with us.

Looking for top-quality HVAC/R tools? TruTech Tools is here to help! From instruments to hand tools, in-stock and shipped fast, they have you covered to get the job done right. Visit TruTechTools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!

https://www.truemfg.com/true-ice/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#TrueIce #TrueRefrigeration #CommercialIceMachine #CommercialKitchenRepair #IceMachineTech #FoodserviceEquipment #R290Refrigerant #HVACRPodcast #KitchenInnovation #TechnicianTools #SmartIceMachine #IceIsFood #CommercialKitchenChronicles

🎙️ Episode Title: "20 Years, 2 Countries, 1 Tech: Aidan Lucey's Journey Through the Trades"

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with refrigeration pro Aidan Lucey, whose 20-year journey in the trade spans two continents. From humble beginnings in Ireland installing 80 mini splits, to chasing down leaks in Canadian grocery stores, Aidan shares how a twist of fate steered him into the trades—and how that decision shaped his life and career.

We talk shop on everything from chillers, beer lines, and Taylor ice cream machines to CO₂ rack systems and critical grocery store service calls in -55°C temps (yes, you read that right ❄️). Aidan opens up about the challenges of immigrating and recertifying as a tech in Canada, his passion for the trade, and even how a frozen yogurt machine led him to his future wife.

Whether you're a seasoned tech or just considering the trades, Aidan’s story is a reminder that opportunity is everywhere—and that sometimes the best careers start by accident.

🛠️ Tune in for:

• Racking systems and CO₂ insights

• Field stories from rural service calls

• Advice for aspiring techs and international workers

• A whole lot of laughs and real-world wisdom

🚨 Don’t miss this one—hit play and let’s get into it!

🎙️ This episode is powered by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies! 🐍

Here’s a pro tip from our friends at Viper:
In commercial kitchens, clean coils and evaporators aren’t optional — they’re essential. That’s why the pros reach for Viper’s NSF-registered cleaners. 💪

✅ Safe
✅ Effective
✅ Formulated specifically for foodservice environments

Keep your systems running cool, clean, and compliant — Viper’s got your back!

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Find out more from Aidan Lucey here.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-l-7ba6b1275/

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

https://linktr.ee/commercialkitchenchronicles?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b4250303-dffa-4c70-aaf1-7c21945ffa00

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceRepair #RefrigerationTechnician #HVACRLife #SkilledTradesPodcast #BlueCollarTalk #TechTales #SkilledTradesMatter #TradeLife #FromIrelandToCanada #ImmigrantSuccessStory #GlobalTradesman #JourneymanLife #RedSealCertified #ApprenticeshipJourney #CareerInTrades #RackRefrigeration #CO2Refrigeration #TaylorIceCreamMachine #CommercialRefrigeration #ColdStorageTech #GroceryStoreMaintenance #TrainTheNextGen #TechInTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #TradesEducation #MentorInTrades

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Seth Hiler, Technical Trainer at Viega, to explore how Viega is reshaping plumbing and mechanical training across North America.

From the oilfield and coal mines to Colorado State University and now the classroom, Seth brings real-world experience into Viega’s hands-on, technician-driven programs.

🎯 What we cover:

• The evolution and impact of Viega’s press technology

• Viega's national training centers and upcoming Ohio facility

• How Viega supports plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC pros, and apprentices

• The role of V-TEN (Viega Trades Education Network) in workforce development

• Press fitting do’s and don’ts for safe, reliable installs

• Virtual training, code compliance, and industry outreach

If you're passionate about training, tools, and building up the next generation of skilled trades, this one’s for you. This conversation is only available in podcast format — don’t miss it!

Check out Viega

https://www.viega.us/en/homepage.html

Brought to you by https://trutechtools.com/

Looking for top-quality HVAC/R tools? TruTech Tools is here to help! From instruments to hand tools, in-stock and shipped fast, they have you covered to get the job done right. Visit TruTechTools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!

📲 Subscribe and follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on your favorite platform. 🌐 https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#Viega #SkilledTrades #PlumbingTraining #MechanicalTrades #PressFittings #HVACR #ViegaTraining #TradeSchool #Apprenticeship #CommercialKitchenChronicles #ToolTalk #BlueCollarCareers

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Bryan O’Hern, owner/operator of Coyle Appliance Repair based in the South Metro area of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Bryan shares his incredible path from aviation mechanic to commercial kitchen lone wolf. After starting in aircraft maintenance, 9/11 changed everything—forcing a pivot that eventually led him into the foodservice repair world. From a stint at Hobart to owning and growing his own shop, Bryan unpacks the highs and lows of building a business, the power of knowing when to scale back, and what it's like working side-by-side with his wife. He also shares his thoughts on refrigeration, the new tech True ice machines, solo operations, burnout, managing people, and why schools, churches, and nursing homes are his ideal customers.

👉 Whether you're a tech looking to go out on your own or a shop owner contemplating growth vs. simplicity, this episode is packed with real talk, lessons learned, and a few good laughs.

🎧 Tune in for insights on:

• Transitioning from hot-side to refrigeration

• The grind and freedom of self-employment

• Customer filtering and knowing your worth

• Working with your spouse (yes, really!)

• Ice machine madness, warranty wars, and keeping your sanity

  
  

  This episode brought to you by https://trutechtools.com

  
  

  Looking for top-quality HVAC/R tools? TruTech Tools is here to help! From instruments to hand tools, in-stock and shipped fast, they have you covered to get the job done right. Visit TruTechTools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!

  
  

  Check out Bryan on Reddit

  https://www.reddit.com/r/RestEquipmentRepair/

  
  

  Check out

  https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

  
  

  Huge shout out to the crew at CFESA. You all came in clutch this week. To find out all about what CFESA has to offer for the Foodservice Repair Industry, visit https://cfesa.com

  
  

  #CommercialKitchenRepair
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In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley reconnects with Louise Kellar, National Training Manager at UEi Test Instruments and one of the Top 25 Most Influential Trainers of 2025. Louise shares her unexpected journey from retail management to becoming a nationally recognized leader in HVAC/R education and training, while offering valuable insight into combustion analysis, CO safety, and the real-world applications of test instruments in both commercial kitchens and residential HVAC systems.

💡 Learn how UEi Test Instruments, a second-generation family-owned business, maintains top-tier standards by designing and manufacturing their own tools—from combustion analyzers made in the UK to meters and manometers crafted in South Korea. Louise breaks down UEi’s same-day recertification process, extended 10-year warranty program, and how their ISO-certified lab in Indianapolis makes all the difference for techs in the field.

🔥 Whether you’re testing CO2 on a combi oven or dialing in a furnace, this episode highlights the importance of proper meter usage, preventive maintenance, and staying on top of annual recertifications to keep your tools accurate—and your customers safe.

🔧 Topics Covered:

• CO safety and combustion analysis in commercial and residential environments

• Why recertifying your combustion analyzer yearly is a life-saving best practice

• UEi’s COHU personal ambient CO detector

• Common technician mistakes and training gaps

• Louise’s transition from sales to national training

• The role of trade schools and hands-on learning

• How to engage different learning styles as a trainer

• Cross-industry equipment overlap between HVACR and foodservice repair

🎯 If you’re an HVAC technician, foodservice tech, instructor, or tool nerd, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways, tool talk, and training wisdom from someone who's passionate about educating the next generation of tradespeople.

🛠️ Proudly sponsored by TrueTech Tools – your go-to source for high-quality HVACR tools. Visit truetechtools.com for fast shipping and top-tier support.

Looking for top-quality HVAC/R tools? TruTech Tools is here to help! From instruments to hand tools, in-stock and shipped fast, they have you covered to get the job done right. Visit TruTechTools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!

📍 Learn more about Louise and UEi Test Instruments at ueitest.com

📲 Follow and tag @ueitestinstruments when you’re using UEi gear – they love to feature real techs in action!

Louise Kellar

https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-kellar-bbb659101/

https://www.facebook.com/louise.kellar.5

🎙️ Ever been a guest on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles? 🔧
This podcast is all about the people who keep the world running — from commercial kitchen repair pros to electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and more. We shine a light on real stories from the trades, sharing your journey, lessons learned, and why the skilled trades matter now more than ever.
💪 Proud to feature the backbone of the industry – YOU.

[email protected]

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#CommercialKitchenChronicles
#LouiseKellar
#UEiTestInstruments
#CombustionAnalysis
#COSafety
#CarbonMonoxideAwareness
#HVACTools
#HVACTraining
#TestInstruments
#CombustionAnalyzer
#KitchenTech
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#CODetector
#TradeSchoolTraining
#SkilledTradesMatter
#HVACLife
#CommercialKitchenEquipment
#ToolTalk
#TrueTechTools
#TechnicianTraining
#HandsOnLearning
#HVACCommunity
#FieldServiceTools

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat and special guest cohost Megan McIntosh sit down with Kelsey Whittenberg — better known as The Spicy Sparky — for an unfiltered, powerful conversation about life, the trades, and building a career from the ground up.

Kelsey became an electrician at 30 with zero experience, two kids, and no plan — just a willingness to learn and work hard. Now five years in, she owns her own electrical contracting business, volunteers at trade schools, and is using her voice to inspire women and young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades.

We dig into:

• How a working interview changed her life

• The importance of mentorship over gatekeeping in the trades

• Balancing business ownership with single motherhood

• Teaching apprentices through support — not bullying

• Why women belong in skilled trades (and don’t have to give up being feminine)

• How tradespeople can actually support the next generation

If you're looking for inspiration, real talk, and a deeper look into how the trades can change lives, this episode is a must-listen.

Sponsored by TruTech Tools – your source for top-quality HVAC/R instruments, hand tools, and support. Visit https://trutechtools.com to gear up with tools that get the job done right.

Follow Kelsey here!

https://www.tiktok.com/@thespicysparkykelsey

https://www.instagram.com/thespicysparkykelsey/

https://www.thespicysparkyelectrical.com

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

🎙️ Guest on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles 🔧
The Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Podcast highlights the people behind the tools — from foodservice equipment techs to pros across all skilled trades. Whether you repair walk-ins, fryers, HVAC, or electrical systems, your story helps inspire, educate, and grow the trades.
🔥 Real conversations. Skilled trades. Industry impact.

Reach out at

[email protected]

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley and co-host Jason Latimer are joined by Stuart Reiman, senior technician and field supervisor at Hagar Restaurant Service in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

With over 13 years of experience in the foodservice equipment industry, Stuart shares his incredible journey from managing Tulsa’s longest-running hip-hop and R&B club to becoming a respected leader in commercial kitchen repair and training. We dive deep into:

🔧 His early days as a helper and rapid rise to senior tech
🎥 His passion for POV repair videos and growing presence as Kitchen Cowboy on social media
🔥 Building hands-on training boards that shoot real fire (yes, really!)
💡 His thoughts on training the next generation of techs
🤖 The rise of automation in foodservice and what excites (or frustrates) him
🛠️ The tools he can’t live without—and how Milwaukee Tools won him over
🎯 Why communication is just as important as technical skills in the field
📚 How self-education and initiative have been key to his success

Whether you're a seasoned tech or just considering the trades, Stuart's story is packed with valuable lessons, laughs, and inspiration.

📲 Follow Stuart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchencowboy918/
📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kitchen_cowboy?si=NtkeYbOqzWWxx8BX

Brought to you by Viper 🐍 from Refrigeration technologies.

🔥 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 system maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#FoodserviceRepair
#CommercialKitchenRepair
#KitchenEquipmentTech
#HotSideRepair
#CombiOvenTech
#RestaurantEquipmentRepair
#FieldServiceTechnician
#FoodserviceTechnician
#TechInTheTrades
#TradesCareer
#SkilledTrades
#TechTraining
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#GrowthMindset

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Michael Plezia to explore his unconventional journey into the trades. From dropping out of high school and working in retail and foodservice, to discovering a passion for HVAC, plumbing, and commercial kitchen equipment repair, Mike opens up about what led him to his current role as a Hobart Service technician.

🛠️ We talk career pivots in your 30s, the challenges of starting over, and how hands-on training, mentorship, and curiosity fueled his success. Now working on everything from flight dish machines to rack ovens and mixers, Mike shares what makes the foodservice repair industry such a hidden gem.

💡 Whether you're a tech in training, someone looking to switch careers, or a fan of real stories from the field, this episode is full of hard-won lessons and encouragement to keep pushing forward.

🎯 Topics Covered:
✅ How Mike found purpose in the trades
✅ Hobart training, support, and career growth
✅ Diagnosing commercial appliances (mixers, dish machines, ovens)
✅ Why water quality matters in foodservice repair
✅ How the trades provide direction, community, and a career to be proud of

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by a story of resilience, reinvention, and real-world repair.

This episode is brought to you by TruTech Tools

Looking for top-quality HVAC/R tools? TruTech Tools is here to help! From instruments to hand tools, in-stock and shipped fast, they have you covered to get the job done right. Visit https://trutechtools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!

Mike Plaza on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@Hvacmike

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#CommercialKitchenRepair
#FoodserviceEquipment
#HVACR
#SkilledTrades
#TradeCareers
#CommercialAppliances
#DishMachineRepair
#HobartTech
#BlueCollarLife
#FixItRight
#ServiceTechnician
#TradespersonJourney
#KitchenEquipmentTech
#HandsOnCareer
#TechInTraining
#HVACTech
#FieldServiceLife
#CommercialOvenRepair
#FlightDishwasher
#MixerRepair
#WaterQualityMatters
#LearnTheTrades
#TradeMentorship
#RealWorldSkills
#DontQuit

🎙️35 Years in the Game: Rusty Parke's Legacy in Foodservice Equipment Repair

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley reconnects with a true mentor and industry legend — Rusty Parke, who has been grinding in the foodservice equipment repair industry for over 35 years. From crawling in attics at age 12 to helping shape companies and careers, Rusty’s story is a blueprint for resilience and growth in the trades.

We trace his journey from the early GCS days, where he hired Pat and countless other techs, to his pivotal roles in launching a foodservice repair sector at SafeCare and later joining Vanco, where he played a key role in building and expanding their operations.

🔧 This one’s packed with real-world wisdom and career-defining lessons.

Rusty opens up about:

• His early start in the trades and being mentored by old-school techs

• Transitioning from the field to leadership and mentoring roles

• The strategy and challenges behind building SafeCare’s foodservice division from the ground up

• Helping Vanco grow into a respected name in the service game

• What’s changed — and what still matters most — in technician culture

• Why developing the next generation of techs is the legacy he’s proudest of

💡 With insights on career longevity, mentorship, and industry evolution, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about the foodservice repair industry.

🚀 Sponsored by TrueTechTools.com — trusted HVACR and service tools for pros who get the job done right.

Looking for top-quality HVAC/R tools? TruTech Tools is here to help! From instruments to hand tools, in-stock and shipped fast, they have you covered to get the job done right. Visit TruTechTools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!

https://trutechtools.com/

Rusty Parke on LinkedIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rusty-parke-14670b32/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#foodserviceequipmentrepair #commercialkitchenservice #technicianmentorship #SafeCare #Vanco #HVACRcareer #skilledtradespodcast #RustyParke #PatFinley #CommercialKitchenChronicles #foodservicetechnician #techniciansuccessstory #TrueTechTools #tradescareerjourney #foodserviceindustry #buildthetrades #serviceindustryleaders #repairtechnicianlife #toolsofthetrade #technicianlegacy