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In this episode, we're walking you through how refrigeration technicians can transition into leadership roles with Ben Boyer of The Arcticom Group. Ben covers the mindset shifts, skills development, and practical steps necessary for career advancement and shares personal anecdotes and essential advice on building confidence, conscious leadership, handling emotional responses, and continuous learning. This episode is packed with guidance and inspiration for any refrigeration technician looking to advance into a management or leadership role.

In this episode, we discuss:

(1:36) How to transitioning to a leadership roles

(5:12) Handling emotions in leadership

(9:49) How to ask for a promotion

(20:43) Overcoming fear of public speaking

(26:09) Personal development for tradespeople

(36:37) How to build relationships with dispatch

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 286. Leadership Training for Technicians with Jim Pape of The Arcticom Group

Episode 125: Next Generation Leadership and Management for HVACR Professionals w/ James Bailey

Episode 187: Making The Leap From Technician To Service Manager - Learning Leadership Skills with Scott Farley of The Arcticom Group

The Arcticom Group

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Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode, we're talking about electrical troubleshooting. This topic comes up so often in our training programs and it's one that challenges both new and experienced refrigeration technicians. Here, we cover everything from proper voltage, to reading and understanding manuals, and tips for using systematic approaches to solve problems. We also discuss proper calculation of refrigerant charge, electrical safety measures and how to be more efficient in the field.

In this episode, we cover:

(0:04) Refrigeration Electrical Troubleshooting Basics (3:24) Understanding Refrigeration Wiring Diagrams (7:20) Electrical Safety (14:09) Resourcefulness in the Field

Helpful Links & Resources:

VIDEO: Electrical Troubleshooting 101: How to Diagnose & Fix Refrigeration Problems Like a Pro

Episode 259. CO2 Experts Live: Electrical Troubleshooting with Rusty Walker

Episode 327. Electrical Troubleshooting Strategy

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Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This episode is another of our live "Morning Coffee" sessions inside our Refrigeration Mentor Community with longtime refrigeration technician, Andrew Freeburg and fellow refrigeration prefessionals. This discussion covers a variety of technical topics including inspecting compressors, proper sensor placement and insulation, particularly for gas cooler outlet sensors, as well as diagnosing system issues such as liquid line frosting due to low refrigerant charge. Interested in joining the next meetup live? Join our FREE Refrigeration Mentor Community today.

In this episode, we cover:

(1:57) Importance of Asking Questions (8:49 Refrigeration Compressor Maintenance (20:57) CO2 Refrigeration System Best Practices (25:07) Importance of Accurate Sensor Readings (26:16) Sensor Placement and Insulation Guidelines (27:42) Manufacturer Recommendations and Testing (29:18) CO2 Refrigeration in Supermarkets and Industrial Settings (30:33) Troubleshooting Frosted Liquid Lines (35:02) Understanding Thermodynamics in Refrigeration (45:45) Community Knowledge Sharing and Training

Helpful Links & Resources:

VIDEO: Scroll Compressor Teardown: What to Watch For

VIDEO: Troubleshooting CO2 Gas Coolers with BAC Part 1: Sensors, ECM Fans, Water Issues & Setup Tips

Episode 17. Troubleshooting the Gas Cooler of a Transcritical CO2 Refrigeration System with Lars Hørup Jensen

Episode 133. Your Compressor Success Guide

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This episode is another of our "Morning Coffee" sessions inside our Refrigeration Mentor Community with longtime refrigeration professionals Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland, discussing challenges and solutions for the refrigeration workforce. We share experiences and insights into technician shortages, training new technicians, and the evolving landscape of refrigeration. We also get into a technical deep dive on oil analysis, detailing how to read lab reports, assess moisture, contaminants, and acidity in refrigeration systems. Interested in joining the next meetup live? Join our FREE Refrigeration Mentor Community today.

In this episode, we discuss:

(0:38) Challenges in the Refrigeration Industry (1:12) Importance of Mentorship in the Trades (6:15) Global Perspectives on Refrigeration (12:01) Hands-On Refrigeration Troubleshooting Tips (18:30) Safety and Efficiency in Refrigeration (22:41) Career Opportunities in Refrigeration (30:46) Understanding Oils in Compressors (32:35) Moisture Control in Refrigeration (36:52) Analyzing Oil Samples (46:40) Dealing with High Acidity Levels (51:24) Practical Advice for Technicians

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 363. A Look Ahead to 2026 in Refrigeration

Episode 112: Refrigeration Workforce Development and CO2 Training w/NASRC

Episode 085: Generation Z with love2hvac

RENISO

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This episode is another in our "Morning Coffee" series inside our Refrigeration Mentor Community featuring longtime refrigeration professionals Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland. Here, we reflect on achievements from 2025 and set goals for 2026, highlighting the importance of planning and proactive goal setting. We also cover some technical topics like case wiring, defrost heaters, and electrical diagrams. Interested in joining the next Morning Coffee live? Join our FREE Refrigeration Mentor Community today.

In this episode, we cover:

(1:29) Reflecting on 2025 Achievements (2:36) Andrew's Journey and Achievements (8:16) Setting Goals for 2026 (30:26) Analyzing High Pressure Valve Issues (31:52) Fine-Tuning Refrigeration Systems (36:20) Understanding Refrigeration Electrical Diagrams (48:35) Troubleshooting Frozen Cases (53:28) Importance of Research and Documentation

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 210. Mastering Goal Setting to Skyrocket Your Professional Growth

Episode 358. Trend Graphs and CO2 System Troubleshooting with Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland

Episode 350. Supermarket Refrigeration Tips and Tricks with Robert Ochs

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Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this special episode, we feature an original song we created using AI titled "Built in the Field"' illustrating the experiences and challenges faced by refrigeration field technicians, while celebrating our hard work and dedication. Listen, add to your playlist and let us know your thoughts!

Links & Resources:

Lyric Video on Facebook

Cory Cruz "The Refrigeratin Man"

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In this special episode, we feature an original song we created using AI titled "Built In The Field"' paaying tribute to the experiences and challenges faced by refrigeration field technicians and celebrating our hard work and dedication. Listen, add to your playlist and let us know your thoughts!

Links & Resources:

Lyric Video on Facebook

Cory Cruz "The Refrigeratin Man"

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Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

In this episode, I'm sharing ways you can bring more value to your customers, and in turn, the breakthroughs that come back in the form of new skills, job opportunities, pay raises etc. It starts with investing in professional growth and leveraging a community of fellow refrigeration professionals for support, learning and networking. I also share a couple inspiring stories of technicians who have rapidly advanced their skills through dedication and taking action on training programs.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Importance of growth and motivation

-Professional development in the trades

-Overcoming challenges

-Success stories

-Soft skills that make a big difference

-Communication skills development

-Building relationships in the refrigeration industry

-How to get more work in refrigeration

-Leadership skills

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 216. How to Become a Better Technician By Creating More Value

Episode 139. 7 Tips For Building Good Training And Development Habits

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Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This episode is about the importance of curiosity when your out on service calls to help in troubleshooting. Curiousity is a trait that will open doors to dig deeper, leverage resources, inspect things more thoroughly and get to know the complex systems we work on so much more. Here, we cover troubleshooting techniques, specifically focusing on dealing with proof failures and SLA alarms. The more you learn, the more refrigeration technicians will fast-track your careers and become confident, skilled professionals.

In this episode, we cover:

-Importance of curiosity in refrigeration

-Refrigeration training programs

-Proof failure troubleshooting example

-Advice for on-call technicians

-Investing in yourself and continuous learning

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 250. Service Call Stories and Troubleshooting Tips with Andrew Freeburg

Episode 333. Training and Troubleshooting Tips to Level Up Your Career

Episode 295. A Compressor Story: The Key to Faster Troubleshooting

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Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

This episode is is on oil management for CO2 refrigeration systems, another of our "Morning Coffee" sessions with longtime refrigeration professionals Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland. We cover the intricacies of oil separators, the role of velocity in oil management systems, the significance of net oil pressure, the impact of variable frequency drives (VFDs), and common troubleshooting techniques. Interested in joining the next Morning Coffee live? Join our FREE Refrigeration Mentor Community today.

In this episode, we cover:

-Challenges in oil management

-Components of oil management systems

-Practical tips and troubleshooting

-Oil management in compressors

-Oil sensor issues

-VFDs and compressor rotation

-Gauges and proper wiring

-Scroll compressor lockups

-Pressure differentials in oil separators

-Maintenance and efficiency in CO2 systems

-Advancements in CO2 technology

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 105: Oil Management w/ Philip Walker Arneg Systems

Episode 253. CO2 Experts: Designing an Oil Management System with Nabil Cook

Episode 358. Trend Graphs and CO2 System Troubleshooting with Andrew Freeburg and Erik Holland