Episode 209:

EVERY TECH THINKS ABOUT GOING OUT ON THEIR OWN. BUT ARE YOU REALLY READY FOR WHAT COMES NEXT?No boss. No guaranteed paycheck. No one else to blame when things go wrong.Being a great HVAC technician doesn’t mean you know how to run an HVAC business. And sometimes, the hardest part isn’t fixing the equipment. It’s keeping the company alive.For Ramon Perez, the journey started when he found out he was going to be a father. He needed a career that could support his family, and the skilled trades gave him that opportunity.Eight years later, he took the leap and started Top Tier Services LLC in Las Vegas, Nevada.🎙️ This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Ramon joins Pat Finley to talk about the REAL side of HVAC business ownership. From leaving the security of a steady paycheck to dealing with customers, hiring technicians, growing commercial HVAC/R work, and learning that running a business takes an entirely different set of skills.IN THIS EPISODE:🔧 How fatherhood pushed Ramon into the HVAC trade💰 The financial realities of leaving a steady paycheck🏢 Building a residential and commercial HVAC/R company🚫 Unethical sales tactics and putting customers before profits📈 Training technicians and building a business that doesn’t depend on you for everything💪 Why attitude and work ethic matter more than technical skills🧠 Managing stress, burnout, and family life as a business owner🔥 The mistakes, setbacks, and lessons nobody talks about when starting a companyThinking about going out on your own? Already running a service company? Or just trying to become a better technician? This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.🐍 PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY REFRIGERATION TECHNOLOGIES!Makers of the Viper line of HVAC/R cleaning chemicals and service products trusted by technicians in the field.https://www.refrigtech.com/CONNECT WITH RAMON:Instagram (Business): https://www.instagram.com/toptierserviceslv_Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/5minutedelay🎙️ COMMERCIAL KITCHEN CHRONICLESThe Original Foodservice Equipment Repair PodcastFOR TECHS. BY TECHS.🌐 https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/Follow, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow tradesperson!The world eats because they fix.

🏆 What does it take to become one of the best commercial foodservice equipment technicians in the country?This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles – The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast, we're joined by Kyle Burkholder, Branch Manager at Clark Service Group in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and one of the industry's rising stars!In 2026, Kyle accomplished something incredible, taking home TWO major industry honors:🏆 2026 CFESA TopTech Throwdown National Hot Side Champion🏆 2026 CFESA Outstanding TechnicianBut Kyle's story goes far beyond championships and awards.After transitioning from automotive repair into HVAC/R and commercial foodservice equipment service in 2020, Kyle earned his CFESA Master Technician certification in just 18 months. Today, he's leading technicians, developing talent, and helping shape the future of the foodservice repair industry.In this episode, we dive into:🔧 The Journey: How Kyle transitioned into commercial kitchen equipment repair and rapidly developed his technical skills.🏆 TopTech Throwdown: What it takes to compete against some of the industry's best technicians and walk away as the national hot-side champion.🧠 Troubleshooters vs. Parts Changers: Are technicians becoming too dependent on troubleshooting guides and technical support? Why curiosity and understanding equipment fundamentals are essential to becoming a great technician.👊 From Technician to Leadership: The challenges of transitioning from fixing equipment to managing people, building relationships, and developing a successful service team.📚 Training & Personal Development: Why technicians must take ownership of their education, continue learning, and invest in themselves beyond employer-provided training.🔥 The Future of Our Industry: What service companies and technicians can do to build stronger teams, improve technical skills, and create better opportunities in the skilled trades.Kyle also shares his perspective on mentorship, customer service, technician development, and the importance of understanding WHY equipment fails instead of simply replacing parts until something works.Whether you're a seasoned CFESA Master Technician, an HVAC/R professional, a commercial kitchen equipment service technician, or someone considering a career in the skilled trades, this conversation is packed with real-world experience and valuable lessons.🐍 THIS EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY VIPER FROM REFRIGERATION TECHNOLOGIES!From Viper coil cleaners and Nylog White to Big Blu leak detector and other professional HVAC/R service products, Refrigeration Technologies continues to support the technicians who keep our industry running.We appreciate Viper's continued support of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles and the skilled trades!https://www.refrigtech.com/🎙️ COMMERCIAL KITCHEN CHRONICLESThe Original Foodservice Equipment Repair PodcastFor Techs, By Techs.We're dedicated to sharing the stories, experiences, knowledge, and perspectives of the technicians, manufacturers, and industry professionals who keep commercial kitchens operating.🎧 ENJOYED THE EPISODE?✅ FOLLOW Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on your favorite podcast platform.⭐ RATE and REVIEW the show to help other technicians discover us.📲 SHARE this episode with a technician, apprentice, service manager, or anyone passionate about the skilled trades.💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION!What separates a great technician from someone who's simply good at replacing parts? Is it experience, curiosity, training, or the willingness to invest in yourself?We want to hear your thoughts!🌐 Visit https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ to connect with us and discover more episodes.The world eats because they fix!#CommercialKitchenChronicles #KyleBurkholder #CFESA #TopTechThrowdown #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialKitchenRepair #HVACR #SkilledTrades #TechnicianTraining #ServiceTechnician #ClarkServiceGroup #Viper #RefrigerationTechnologies

Six Figures at 21: The Next Generation of HVAC/R with KyleDoesHVAC21 years old. Two years in HVAC/R. Six-figure income. And responsible for helping maintain more than 1,100 compressors.Meanwhile, there are technicians who've spent 20 years in the industry and still haven't reached that level of income.So what's Kyle Coleman doing differently? Is it hard work, the right opportunities, or is the next generation of technicians rewriting the rules of success in the skilled trades?This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles – The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast, we're joined by Kyle Coleman, better known as @KyleDoesHVAC, for a conversation that challenges some long-held beliefs about experience, earning potential, and what it really takes to succeed in HVAC/R.Kyle didn't follow the traditional path. From struggling academically and spending his teenage years playing video games to working grueling hours in the oil fields, attending HVAC school, and building a six-figure career in commercial HVAC/R, his journey is anything but ordinary.Today, Kyle helps maintain 32 Braum's Ice Cream locations across Kansas and Oklahoma, covering HVAC, commercial refrigeration, and foodservice equipment. He's also built a social media audience of more than 23,000 followers by sharing his experiences, technical knowledge, and career advice.But here's where the conversation gets interesting.Does experience automatically equal value? Are younger technicians being underestimated? And are employers doing enough to recognize and reward technicians who are willing to put in the work?We're getting into all of it.🔧 Kyle's journey from an uncertain teenager to a six-figure HVAC/R technician.💰 How he reached six figures at 21 and what it actually took to get there.❄️ The challenges of maintaining commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and kitchen equipment across 32 restaurant locations.🎓 HVAC school versus real-world experience and the importance of hands-on training.👊 The generational divide between younger and experienced technicians.📱 Building @KyleDoesHVAC and navigating criticism, social media, and industry recognition.🤝 Why mentorship, humility, and surrounding yourself with the right people matter.🚀 How ambition, work ethic, and recognizing opportunities can accelerate your career.Is Kyle an exception to the rule, or proof that the HVAC/R industry needs to rethink how we measure success?Whether you're a seasoned technician, someone just getting started, an employer struggling to recruit young talent, or someone considering a career in the skilled trades, this is a conversation worth hearing.This episode is brought to you by Ambro Controls, supporting the technicians and professionals who keep our industry moving.https://ambrocontrols.com/📱 Follow Kyle Coleman: @KyleDoesHVAChttps://www.instagram.com/kyledoeshvac🎙️ Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platforms.🌐 https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/⭐ Enjoyed the episode? Follow, leave us a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear that success in the skilled trades isn't determined by age alone.The next generation isn't waiting 20 years to make its mark on this industry. The question is, are we ready to support them?#CommercialKitchenChronicles #KyleDoesHVAC #AmbroControls #HVACR #CommercialRefrigeration #SkilledTrades #HVACTechnician #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #BlueCollar #HVACCareers

You don't have to know everything to belong in the skilled trades. But are we doing enough to help the next generation succeed?In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we head to Ontario, Canada, to sit down with Clara, better known as @HVAC.Clara, for an honest conversation about life as an HVAC service technician, breaking into the skilled trades, and building confidence one service call at a time.After working at McDonald's and being unsure of her career path, Clara stumbled into an HVAC program and discovered a career she loves.Now, with her G2 gas license and refrigeration apprenticeship underway, she's navigating everything from residential furnaces and heat pumps to commercial refrigeration.But this conversation goes well beyond troubleshooting equipment!🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:🔧 Finding Your Place in HVAC: Discovering a passion for service work, troubleshooting, and fixing equipment.🇨🇦 Canada vs. United States: Differences in HVAC licensing, apprenticeships, Red Seal certification, and technician development.💪 Building Confidence: Running your own service van, handling unfamiliar equipment, asking for help, and realizing experienced technicians don't know everything.❄️ Residential vs. Commercial HVAC/R: Transitioning into commercial refrigeration and learning from every service call.👩‍🔧 Women in the Skilled Trades: Working in a male-dominated industry and encouraging more women to pursue HVAC careers.👶 Motherhood & Work-Life Balance: Balancing service work, raising a young child, and personal growth.📱 Social Media & HVAC Content Creation: Building an online presence, dealing with trolls, criticism, and connecting with technicians.🎯 The Future of the Trades: What needs to change to attract, train, and retain the next generation.Clara shares stories from the field, the realities of being an apprentice, and why she's not afraid to admit when she's still learning.Find CLara here:https://www.instagram.com/hvac.clara/?hl=enWhether you're an HVAC apprentice, experienced technician, refrigeration mechanic, instructor, or considering a career in the trades, this conversation is for you!🐍 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY VIPER FROM REFRIGERATION TECHNOLOGIES!If you work in commercial kitchens, you know grease gets everywhere, especially on coils!Viper Coil Cleaners from Refrigeration Technologies offer professional cleaning solutions designed to tackle heavy buildup without relying on harsh acids. Their non-corrosive, technician-friendly formulas help keep HVAC/R and commercial refrigeration equipment clean and operating efficiently.Make sure Viper is on your truck!Learn more: https://www.refrigtech.com🎙️ JOIN THE CONVERSATION!Does the HVAC industry do enough to support apprentices and encourage women to enter the trades? Or are we making it harder than necessary?👇 Share your thoughts!📲 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:Instagram: @HVAC.Clara🎧 FOLLOW COMMERCIAL KITCHEN CHRONICLES:Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and your favorite podcast platforms.🌐 https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com⭐ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review, share it with a fellow technician, and help us highlight the people keeping the skilled trades moving forward!Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast.#CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACClara #WomenInHVAC #WomenInTrades #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACApprentice #CommercialRefrigeration #SkilledTrades #HVACPodcast #Viper #RefrigerationTechnologies #TradeCareers

Are we actually developing skilled technicians, or are we just rushing people through training to fill empty service trucks?In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with 26-year HVAC veteran, instructor, and newly published author Josh Pickel, better known as “Professor Pickel,” for a conversation about training, technician development, leadership, and what it really means to be BUILT DIFFERENT.Josh started his career in HVAC straight out of high school and spent nearly two decades working for a company in Pennsylvania before eventually making his way to Florida. Today, he's a Senior Service Technician and the Director and Lead Instructor of Anthony's Cool School, where he's helping prepare the next generation of HVAC professionals.But Josh isn't interested in simply handing students a certificate and sending them into the field.His approach focuses on building strong fundamentals, developing critical thinking, creating opportunities for hands-on learning, and continuing to support technicians long after they leave the classroom.We get into some important conversations about the future of the skilled trades:Can a six-week accelerated HVAC program really prepare someone for a career in the field?What's the difference between teaching someone technical information and developing a competent technician?Are we doing enough to mentor and support new technicians?Why do refrigeration fundamentals and airflow matter so much in HVAC training?How important are communication, accountability, leadership, and mindset to a technician's success?What responsibility do technicians have for their own continued education and professional growth?We also dive into Josh's newly published book, Built Different: Dirty Hands, Clear Minds, and the Blue Collar Path to a Life Worth Living.Josh shares the personal story behind writing the book, the encouragement he received from his wife, and why he believes the skilled trades offer something much bigger than a paycheck.One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation? You don't have to completely reinvent yourself overnight. Just make an intentional effort to get 1% better every day.Whether you're an HVAC technician, commercial refrigeration technician, foodservice equipment repair professional, instructor, service manager, or someone considering a career in the trades, there's something in this conversation for you.Grease, dirt, and buildup are everyday challenges when servicing commercial kitchen refrigeration and HVAC equipment.Get your copy here https://amzn.to/4emPsXEViper coil cleaners from Refrigeration Technologies are designed to tackle heavy buildup with non-corrosive, technician-safe cleaning solutions that help keep equipment operating efficiently.Keep Viper on your truck and be ready for the next dirty coil.Learn more: https://www.refrigtech.comDo you believe we're doing enough to properly train and develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals?Are we building competent technicians, or just trying to get more people into service trucks?We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts, experiences, and opinions in the comments.Subscribe to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, share this episode with another technician, and help us continue highlighting the people, stories, and challenges shaping the foodservice equipment repair and HVACR industries.Visit: https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast.For Techs. By Techs.#CommercialKitchenChronicles #JoshPickel #BuiltDifferent #HVAC #HVACR #SkilledTrades #HVACTraining #TechnicianDevelopment #CommercialRefrigeration #BlueCollar #TradeEducation #RefrigerationTechnologies #Viper

A clogged drain might look like a simple service call, but there’s a whole lot more happening underground.On this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Dylan Bradley, aka The Sewer Slug, to talk about building a career in plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer diagnostics, and underground repair.Dylan’s path into the trades wasn’t planned. After earning a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and working with children with disabilities, COVID changed his career trajectory. He needed something stable, which eventually led him into drain cleaning. What he initially hated became a career he genuinely enjoys.Now a journeyman plumber with roughly seven years in the trade, Dylan specializes in drain and sewer work, including cable machines, flex shafts, hydro jetting, camera inspections, locating, underground excavation, sewer repair, pipe lining, and trenchless technology.We dive into how technology is changing drain and sewer work. Repairing a sewer line doesn’t always mean destroying a yard, sidewalk, basement, or street. Dylan explains pipe lining, patching, pipe bursting, and other trenchless options that can reduce excavation and restoration.We also discuss why camera inspections matter after clearing a blockage. Clearing the drain fixes the immediate problem, but understanding WHY it backed up can help prevent another service call.And yes—we get into the nasty stuff.Grease traps, commercial kitchens, garbage disposals, backed-up toilets, restaurant drain lines, and things that absolutely should NOT have gone down a drain.We also talk about listening to customers during diagnosis, the physical demands of drain cleaning, choosing the right equipment, continuing education, and where Dylan sees the drain and sewer industry heading.Whether you’re a plumber, drain cleaner, HVAC/R technician, commercial kitchen equipment technician, apprentice, or someone considering a skilled-trades career, this episode gives you a look into just how technical and specialized drain cleaning can be.THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VIPERViper products from Refrigeration Technologies are designed by technicians for technicians.From Viper WetRag Heat Blocking Putty and coil cleaners to Nylog Blue, Big Blu leak detector, Pan & Drain Treatment, and more, Viper makes products designed for the technicians actually doing the work.Check out the complete Viper lineup from Refrigeration Technologies.https://www.refrigtech.com/FOLLOW DYLANInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesewerslug/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dyls.schleighYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSewersSlugSUPPORT CKCFollow or subscribe to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a rating or review, and share this episode with another technician or tradesperson.Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/Merch Storehttps://commercial-kitchen-chronicles-rmq-shop.fourthwall.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUiYZVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAWJyaWQRMUpLdDdzcWtBd2tCQ3ZDMVBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeW3P1nw1woby5PrZ2WJHFkGg4GyLRLNwU35Pv3nwN5dh6JdXF990zeTDz4_M_aem_nunY6SvOarP5_0QXOQUtmw#CommercialKitchenChronicles #DrainCleaning #Plumbing #SewerRepair #DrainCleaner #TrenchlessTechnology #PipeLining #HydroJetting #SkilledTrades #CommercialPlumbing #HVACR #CommercialKitchen

At 28 years old, Mitch Noto is already a licensed HVAC contractor, business owner, technician, installer, and the creator behind Total HVAC.In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Mitch to talk about what it's really like building a career in HVAC while taking on the responsibility of running a business.Mitch grew up around the trade and eventually stepped into the family HVAC business, but his path wasn't as simple as deciding from day one that HVAC was going to be his career. We talk about how his perspective on the trades changed, getting licensed, taking on more responsibility, and realizing just how much opportunity exists in HVAC.But owning an HVAC company isn't just buying a van, filling it with tools, and waiting for the money to roll in.Mitch gets into the reality of finding customers, advertising, quoting work, ordering parts, handling warranties, underbidding jobs, and figuring things out as you go. Sometimes you quote a job wrong, something unexpected happens, and you have to eat some of the cost, keep the customer happy, learn from it, and move on.We also get into a topic that needs more discussion: young technicians entering the skilled trades.There's no shortage of people saying the younger generation "doesn't want to work," yet we're watching 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds buy service vans, start companies, learn the trade, and build businesses. They may not approach the industry exactly like the generation before them—but that doesn't mean they're afraid to work.Mitch has also experienced what happens when a young technician walks into a customer's home and immediately has his knowledge questioned because of his age. Sometimes the best response is doing the job, diagnosing the problem correctly, and letting your work prove what you know.We cover:• Growing up around an HVAC business• Becoming a licensed HVAC contractor• Technician vs. business owner mentality• The realities of starting an HVAC company• Finding customers and advertising• Underbidding jobs and learning from mistakes• Young technicians entering the skilled trades• Service work vs. installation• Digital HVAC tools vs. old-school fundamentals• Social media and the HVAC creator community• Creating content while still getting the work done• Handling criticism from people who only see a short clip🔥 SPONSORED BY VIPERThis episode is powered by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. From Nylog Blue and Big Blu leak detector to coil cleaners, drain treatments, and other chemicals built for HVACR professionals, Viper products are made for technicians who need products that work in the real world.If you're turning wrenches in HVACR, check out the full lineup from Refrigeration Technologies and ask for Viper products at your local HVACR supply house.https://www.refrigtech.com/Mitch represents a generation of technicians who aren't waiting around for someone else to build their careers for them. They're learning, getting licensed, starting businesses, creating content, networking, and finding their own place in the industry.Whether you're an HVAC technician, contractor, apprentice, business owner, instructor, or someone considering the skilled trades, this conversation has something for you.🎧 Check out the full episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles.If you enjoy conversations with the technicians, contractors, manufacturers, trainers, and creators actually working in the trades, FOLLOW the show, leave a review, and SHARE this episode with another technician.Would you rather become a top-level technician or eventually take the risk and start your own company?Follow Mitch on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok: Total_HVAC.https://www.youtube.com/@Total_hvachttps://www.instagram.com/total_hvac/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@total_hvacCommercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

What does it really take to prepare the next generation of HVACR technicians for the field?This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Matthew LeMaster, HVACR instructor at the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College, to talk about what happens between the classroom and that first real service call.Matthew didn’t originally plan on becoming an instructor. After working in commercial HVAC and serving as a field supervisor, a phone call from one of his former instructors opened the door to teaching. Once he stepped into the classroom, he was hooked. Today, he helps lead a nationally accredited HVACR program focused on giving students more than just enough knowledge to pass a test.We get into the realities of HVACR education, including one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry: graduating from trade school doesn’t automatically make someone a fully independent service technician. Matthew explains why his goal is to get students roughly 85–90% of the way there, while internships, mentorship, employer training, and real-world experience finish the job.We also dig into:• Why HVACR theory still matters before touching the equipment• Teaching troubleshooting instead of just memorizing procedures• Why AIRFLOW needs more attention in HVACR training• Why gauges shouldn't always be the first tool out of the bag• Analog gauges vs. digital manifolds and probes• Using technology without letting it replace actual understanding• Building confidence in new technicians• Why soft skills and customer service are critical to a technician's success• What employers should realistically expect from new graduates• Getting manufacturers and contractors more involved with trade schools• Why instructors need to stay connected to the field• The strengths—and challenges—of the next generation of HVACR technicians• ESCO, HVAC Excellence, and Matthew's CSME in Technical Education• What Matthew wants his legacy as an instructor to ultimately beOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple: training technicians isn't just about refrigeration cycles, electrical troubleshooting, superheat, subcooling, airflow, or knowing how to use a meter. It's about developing technicians who can THINK, troubleshoot, communicate with customers, adapt to technology, and continue learning after they leave the classroom.Matthew also shares why he wants every student who comes through his program to know they were seen, heard, and supported—not treated like another number.https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lemaster-3493653a3/https://www.escogroup.org/🐍 THIS EPISODE IS SUPPORTED BY VIPERToday's episode is brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. From coil cleaners and drain treatments to specialty chemicals designed for HVAC/R professionals, Viper products are built for technicians who need products that work in the real world.Whether you're servicing HVAC, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment, check out Viper and the complete lineup from Refrigeration Technologies.https://www.refrigtech.com/If you're an HVACR technician, instructor, contractor, service manager, trade school student, or anyone concerned about where the next generation of skilled trades professionals is coming from, this is a conversation worth hearing.Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast, bringing together technicians, trainers, manufacturers, educators, and industry leaders to have the conversations that move the skilled trades forward.👉 Subscribe and follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles so you don't miss an episode.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/👍 If this episode brought you value, share it with another technician, instructor, student, or service manager.💬 What do YOU think HVACR programs and employers need to do differently to prepare the next generation of technicians? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Commercial refrigeration is changing fast—but the fundamentals still matter.In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Chris Thomas of Heatcraft Refrigeration Products for a deep dive into refrigeration, technician training, troubleshooting, system charging, controls, and where the industry is headed.Chris brings more than four decades of HVAC/R experience, from residential and commercial HVAC to chillers, supermarket rack refrigeration, technical training, field support, and his current role supporting technicians and products at Heatcraft.We get into Heatcraft itself, including the history behind brands like Bohn, Larkin, Chandler, Climate Control, and Magna, along with the evolution of refrigeration controls from Beacon to today's intelliGen platform.One of the biggest themes of this episode is something every technician needs to hear:Understanding how equipment is SUPPOSED to operate is the foundation of troubleshooting it when something goes wrong.Chris explains how modern controls can give technicians valuable system information before they arrive on site—including temperatures, superheat, operating conditions, and even the ability to initiate a defrost remotely. Technology isn't replacing the technician. It's giving a knowledgeable technician better information.But technology can't replace fundamentals.We talk about technician curiosity, asking WHY instead of simply looking for an answer, learning sequence of operation, reaching out for help, and investing as much into training as we invest into tools.Then we get into a conversation guaranteed to get refrigeration technicians talking:How should you actually charge a commercial refrigeration system?Chris breaks down charging problems Heatcraft encounters in the field and why relying on shortcuts, rules of thumb, or a clear sight glass can send technicians in the wrong direction. We discuss receivers, line length, refrigerant differences, manufacturer charging information, and why system design and application matter.We also talk about proper installation and maintenance. Even the best refrigeration equipment depends on correct sizing, installation, commissioning, service, and maintenance.Throughout the conversation, Chris and Pat get into:• Commercial refrigeration troubleshooting• Heatcraft refrigeration equipment• Bohn, Larkin, Chandler & other Heatcraft brands• intelliGen refrigeration controls• Walk-in cooler and freezer systems• Refrigeration system charging• Sight glasses and refrigerant charge• Receivers and liquid-line considerations• Superheat and subcooling• System sizing and application• OEM technical support• Technician training and continuing education• Analog vs. digital refrigeration tools• Troubleshooting without jumping to conclusions• Building strong fundamentals• The future of commercial refrigerationWhether you're a seasoned refrigeration technician, just getting started in HVAC/R, or responsible for training the next generation, there's something in this conversation for you.The biggest takeaway?Stay curious.The technicians who keep asking questions, keep learning, understand the fundamentals, and aren't afraid to admit when they don't know something are the technicians who will be prepared for whatever refrigeration throws at us next.https://www.heatcraftrpd.com/Catch up with Chris Thomas https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thomas-8b12031b2/Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—built by technicians, for technicians.If you work on commercial refrigeration, walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, restaurant equipment, HVAC/R, ice machines, cooking equipment, warewashing equipment, or foodservice equipment, follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles so you don't miss the next episode.If you enjoyed the conversation, leave a rating or review and share it with another technician.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

WE MADE IT TO 200!Commercial Kitchen Chronicles officially hits EPISODE 200!What started as a way to talk shop and shine a light on the foodservice equipment repair industry has somehow turned into 200 episodes of technicians, manufacturers, trainers, business owners, skilled trades conversations, questionable opinions, trash talking, and plenty of completely unscripted moments.For Episode 200, Pat is joined by Jason Latimer and Rich Ortega to celebrate the milestone, look back at the journey, and talk about where everyone — and the industry — is headed next.We get into career changes, growing businesses, training technicians, developing the next generation of tradespeople, and what happens when your career starts taking you in directions you never expected.Pat breaks down the CFESA Top Tech Throwdown and the effort that went into creating a hands-on competition designed to showcase the skills of commercial food equipment service technicians. Refrigeration, brazing, troubleshooting and real-world technical skills were put front and center.That leads into a bigger conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing the skilled trades: developing young technicians.Instead of constantly complaining that nobody wants to work anymore, maybe it's time we ask ourselves what we're doing to teach, mentor and create opportunities for the people entering the industry.Rich also gives us an update on growing his service business, hiring technicians, adding office support and reaching the point where NOT hiring someone becomes a bigger risk than making the investment.And because this is CKC, we eventually get completely sidetracked.Trade shows, AHR Expo, NAFEM, HVAC Tactical Awards, social media, AI-generated content, the future of CKC and plenty of other topics make their way into the conversation.But we couldn't celebrate EPISODE 200 without going BIG.THE CKC EPISODE 200 GIVEAWAY IS HERE!Some incredible companies from across the industry stepped up with tools, equipment, swag and prizes to help us celebrate, including TruTech Tools, UEI Test Instruments, Ambro Controls, Refrigeration Technologies, Kolpak, Kason and more.Watch Commercial Kitchen Chronicles social media for giveaway details and your chance to win.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━VIPER & REFRIGERATION TECHNOLOGIESTwo hundred episodes means a lot of conversations about doing the job right — and that starts with having products you can trust in the field.That's why we're proud to have Viper from Refrigeration Technologies supporting Commercial Kitchen Chronicles.From Viper WetRag Heat Blocking Putty and Venom Packs to Nylog Blue, Big Blu leak detector and the chemicals technicians reach for every day, Refrigeration Technologies builds products specifically for HVAC/R and refrigeration professionals.Whether you're brazing, leak checking, cleaning coils or servicing refrigeration equipment, check out the Viper lineup from Refrigeration Technologies.Support the companies that support technicians and the skilled trades.https://www.refrigtech.com/━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Episode 200 isn't really about a number.It's about everyone who has watched a livestream, downloaded an episode, left a comment, shared a video, stopped us at a trade show, appeared as a guest, supported the show or told another technician about Commercial Kitchen Chronicles.YOU are the reason we made it here.And we're not finished.Listen to the full episode, subscribe, share it with another technician and leave us a comment:How long have you been following CKC, and what do you want to see from us over the next 200 episodes?Thanks for helping us get to 200.Now let's see where this thing goes next.Want to be a guest on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles?Interested? Shoot me a DM and let’s get you on the schedule.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/