On this episode of “Solder & Soot,” we learn the ins and outs of on-site generator service with the Davis brothers of BGR Radiator in Connecticut. Hear how the business has changed over the years, where BGR really shines, and what Jamie and Nick Davis say is one of their biggest challenges in the cooling systems industry.

This episode is sponsored by Johnson Manufacturing.

We learn all about Canada’s West End Radiators and the Feeleus family in this episode of “Solder & Soot.” Wayne Feeleus walks us through the company’s 60+ years of history as a cooling systems service shop and growth as a manufacturer. Hear what Feeleus says drives his success. Plus, we also find out more about West End Radiator’s most recent venture, the launching of its new aluminum manufacturing plant.

This episode is sponsored by Johnson Manufacturing.

In this episode of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with Joel Christianson of American Radiator which is based in Iowa. As we all know, the only constant thing in life is change. And Joel's story is a great example of learning how to adapt in this industry and how to diversify. In addition to learning more about the history of American Radiator, we also discuss what makes business partnerships successful and what opportunities lie in DPF cleaning.

This episode is sponsored by Johnson Manufacturing.

“Fortunes aren't made by the meek. It’s made by the brave.” - Frank Finger

We couldn’t fit all of Frank Finger’s wisdom into one episode, so we continue the conversation with the legend himself in Part 2. Expanding your business can be tricky, and you need the right strategy. In this episode, we hear from Frank about his move into distribution and how he developed the sales business. Frank also talks about his own exit strategy when he sold his company. Plus, hear why Frank Finger says NARSA/IDEA members have to be brave when it comes to business in this episode of “Solder & Soot.”

This episode is sponsored by Johnson Manufacturing.

We are kicking off Season 2 of "Solder & Soot: A NARSA/IDEA Podcast" with a pioneer in the cooling systems world: Frank Finger, whose career spans nearly 80 years. Mr. Frank is not only a dear friend to both Bobby Duran and Mark Taylor, but he's also a wealth of information to everyone in NARSA/IDEA. In Part 1 of this interview, we learn about the early days of NARSA/IDEA in the 1950s, how the radiator industry has changed over time, and the piece of business advice that Frank's father taught him that he will never forget.

This episode is sponsored by Johnson Manufacturing.

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 episode we jump across the pond to speak with Jeff Thorpe of G & M Radiator based in Scotland. G & M’s roots go back all the way to 1919. Not only do we find out about cooling systems industry history overseas, but we learn more about the skilled labor shortage challenges the UK is dealing with. A member of NARSA/IDEA for many years, G & M also shares some exciting breaking news with us about the company’s future plans!

Did you know that 40% of engine downtime is coolant-related? This month on “Solder & Soot,” we dive into the science of coolants with Joe Long of Old World Industries. Joe has more than 40 years of experience in the trucking industry and is definitely an expert in his field. Not only does Joe answer our top questions, but he also explains the most common mistakes technicians make when it comes to coolants, cleaners, and other chemicals in this latest episode.

We discuss current industry trends with Jamie Irvine of The Heavy-Duty Parts Report podcast. Jamie has worked in the heavy-duty parts industry since 1998 and is currently a Sales and Marketing Consultant. Why should businesses focus on service? How can companies eliminate waste and inefficiency? Jamie breaks down how you can succeed against your competition in the latest episode of "Solder & Soot: a NARSA/IDEA Podcast."