Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles
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A look at what it takes to keep a commercial kitchen running. We are going to highlight all of the skilled trades it takes to keep them running.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Episode 174:CFESA Young Professionals Committee and Inside the YPC Symposium

    In this episode, Pat Finley sits down with Olivia Smith, Jimmy Miller, and Ben Neal for a deep dive into the Young Professionals Committee (YPC) of CFESA and the upcoming YPC Symposium. Together, the group breaks down what the YPC is, who it’s for, and why it has become one of the most impactful ways for young professionals in the commercial foodservice equipment industry to grow, connect, and give back. The conversation covers how the committee brings together professionals under 40 from all corners of the industry including technicians, managers, manufacturers, service companies, and office staff to collaborate, learn, and help shape the future of the trade. They also unpack what makes the YPC Symposium different from a typical industry conference. Topics include leadership development, emotional intelligence, mentorship, financial literacy, AI in the workplace, and peer to peer learning. The panel shares real world takeaways from past symposiums, explains how sessions are selected based on feedback from both young professionals and industry leaders, and highlights the strong emphasis on engagement, interaction, and practical growth. Another major focus of the discussion is community service and giving back through CFESA Cares, including hands on service projects tied to the symposium that support local communities and industry scholarships. The group explains why service and purpose matter so much to the next generation of professionals and how companies benefit by investing in their people. Whether you are a technician just starting out, a young leader looking to grow, or a company searching for ways to develop and retain talent, this episode provides a clear look at how CFESA and the YPC are building pathways for long term success in the industry. Learn more about the YPC Symposium and how to get involved athttps://cfesa.com/young-professional-symposium/

    38 min
  2. Episode 173: Viper live from AHR Expo

    6 DAYS AGO

    Episode 173: Viper live from AHR Expo

    Recorded live from AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, this episode brings you inside the Viper booth with special guests Becca Stamey and Ashley Lynds from Refrigeration Technologies. We talk all things Viper and Refrigeration Technologies, including the products technicians rely on every day in HVACR and commercial foodservice, new releases like EZ Dose created by Robert Kraft, and what the expanded booth layout means for hands on demos and better tech experiences on the show floor. We also celebrate a huge industry moment with Jon taking home the Lifetime Achievement Award at the HVAC Tactical Awards and discuss how Refrigeration Technologies continues to show up for technicians through innovation, education, and real world support. If you’re a working tech who cares about staying efficient, keeping systems clean, and using products designed for the field, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 🐍This episode is brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. When it comes to cleaning, maintaining, and protecting HVACR and refrigeration systems, Viper delivers technician trusted solutions built for real world conditions. From coil cleaners and drain treatment to specialty products like EZ Dose, Viper helps you work faster, cleaner, and smarter on every call. Backed by Refrigeration Technologies, these are field tested chemicals you can rely on day in and day out. Ask for Viper at your local supply house and keep your truck stocked with products that work as hard as you do. Thanks for listening to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow tech. Drop your favorite Viper products or questions in the comments and let us know what you thought of this live AHR Expo conversation 👊🔥 https://www.refrigtech.com/ https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

    46 min
  3. Episode 172:CO Safety, New UEi Tech, Ghost Voltage, and an AHR Expo Preview with Louise Kellar of UEi Test Instruments

    30 JAN

    Episode 172:CO Safety, New UEi Tech, Ghost Voltage, and an AHR Expo Preview with Louise Kellar of UEi Test Instruments

    In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley welcomes the one and only Louise Kellar from UEi Test Instruments for a jam packed conversation covering technician safety, new diagnostic tools, real world kitchen scenarios, and what to expect at AHR Expo in Las Vegas. Louise introduces UEi’s newest product, the UEiClip personal CO detector, and explains why every technician working in commercial kitchens, mechanical rooms, food trucks, and confined spaces should consider wearing personal carbon monoxide protection. We break down how the UEiClip works, alarm thresholds, battery life, and why it’s truly a set it and forget it safety tool for techs in the field. We also dive into: ⚠️ Carbon monoxide risks in commercial kitchens🔥 Makeup air and hood operation (and why so many kitchens get this wrong)🍟 Propane equipment, fryers, food trucks, and poor ventilation🧪 Combustion analysis basics and why it matters on cooking equipment🛠️ Entry level vs full featured combustion analyzers🔁 Annual calibration and UEi’s service programs Pat shares real jobsite stories from restaurants where hoods weren’t running, appliances were overgassing, and CO risks were flying under the radar. Louise adds insight from the manufacturer side on how techs can better protect themselves while delivering safer installs and repairs. You’ll also hear a great breakdown on ghost voltage and induced voltage, including how the Low Z meter featurehelps eliminate phantom readings. Pat walks through a recent microwave troubleshooting call, and Louise explains how this often overlooked meter function can save techs time and frustration in electrical diagnostics. The conversation wraps up with: 🎰 AHR Expo booth talk and product previews🏆 HVAC Tactical Awards excitement✈️ Travel stories and cold weather jobsite realities📍 What to expect when you stop by the UEi booth in Vegas Huge thanks to Viper by Refrigeration Technologies for sponsoring this episode 🙌Viper delivers NSF rated cleaners, chemicals, pipe dope, and heat blocking compounds built specifically for commercial kitchens. Whether you’re cleaning coils or servicing equipment in occupied spaces, Viper helps you get the job done without harsh odors or unnecessary mess. Check out their full lineup and see why techs everywhere trust Viper in the field. https://www.refrigtech.com/ If you’re a commercial HVACR or foodservice equipment technician, this episode is packed with practical insight you can take straight back to the job — from CO safety and combustion testing to electrical troubleshooting and real world applications. 🎧 Tune in, share it with a fellow tech, and don’t forget to stop by UEi at AHR to check out the UEiClip and their latest test instruments. 👊 Stay safe out there. Check out UEi online. https://www.ueitest.com/ecommerce/default.aspx Check out our website https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

    55 min
  4. Episode 171:Ambro Controls in the Field: Mobile Brazing, Nitrogen Purging, and AHR Expo Talk with Erick Kaseta

    23 JAN

    Episode 171:Ambro Controls in the Field: Mobile Brazing, Nitrogen Purging, and AHR Expo Talk with Erick Kaseta

    In this episode of the Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Erick Kaseta from Ambro Controls for a wide-ranging, shop-talk-heavy conversation focused on real tools, real field experience, and doing the job the right way. Pat and Erick kick things off by talking about how they first connected at AHR and why Ambro Controls has become such a go-to brand for technicians who value portability, safety, and efficiency. Erick breaks down Ambro’s mission of making the contractor’s life easier and explains how their mobile brazing systems deliver full oxy-acetylene performance in a lightweight, grab-and-go setup that saves time, space, and your shoulders. The conversation dives deep into the Ambro product lineup, including the precision torch, standard torch, and power torch, and how each one fits different applications—from tight reach-ins and TXVs to larger commercial piping on rooftops. They also get into best practices for nitrogen purging, pressure testing, drain clearing, and working safely with flammable refrigerants like R290 and R600. Erick shares why purging isn’t just a “nice to have,” but a critical step in preventing call-backs and protecting components like TXVs. Pat and Erick also talk refrigerants, thread sealants, and why Ambro’s AS-58 sealant stands out for vibration resistance, heat cycling, and cleaner application compared to traditional pipe dope. Education plays a big role in this episode, with discussion around contractor training, counter days, in-field demos, and why continuous learning is one of the biggest value-adds a technician can bring to customers. The episode wraps with plenty of banter about the upcoming AHR Expo in Las Vegas—what makes it the Super Bowl of the trades, what Ambro has planned at the booth, giveaways, live demos, brazing challenges, and why techs should stop by, ask questions, and put tools in their hands. If you’re heading to AHR, this is a must-listen to get you fired up. This episode is brought to you by Ambro Controls. If you’re tired of dragging heavy tanks across rooftops, through kitchens, or into tight mechanical rooms, it’s time to check out Ambro’s mobile brazing, purging, and gas solutions. From their lightweight oxy brazing systems and precision torches to nitrogen purging kits, R290 and R600 refrigerants, and AS-58 thread sealant, Ambro Controls is focused on making your job safer, easier, and more efficient. Built for contractors, tested in the field, and designed to save you time and wear and tear. Learn more and find a distributor near you at https://ambrocontrols.com/ Stay up to date with everything on the website https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #CommercialKitchenChronicles#AmbroControls#HVACR#HVACTech#RefrigerationTech#SkilledTrades#Brazing#NitrogenPurging#R290#R600a#FieldLife#ToolTalk#HVACTools#AHRExpo#TradeShowLife#BlueCollar#TechLife

    36 min
  5. episode 170:Roaches, Grease, and “Nope”: Tech Horror Stories

    16 JAN

    episode 170:Roaches, Grease, and “Nope”: Tech Horror Stories

    What do you do when you open a panel and roaches start crawling out like they pay rent? Or when grease has literally vacuum-sealed a fryer to the wall? Or when you realize the ice machine you’re working on should probably be condemned… and set on fire? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat and Rich sit down together in person from South Carolina ahead of the CFESA Region 4 meeting to talk about the nasty side of the trade that nobody warns you about — but every technician eventually faces. We’re talking real-world, in-the-trenches stories:• Roaches living inside contactors and controllers• Ice cream machines so bad they get declared “throw it away” on the spot• Grease so thick it explodes wiring• Dish machines full of yeast, flour, and nightmares• Dead rats preserved in fryer grease (yes, really)• Ice machines that should absolutely never be used again• And installs so bad they make you question humanity Beyond the horror stories, we also break down the important stuff:How do you professionally address disgusting working conditions?When do you walk away — and when do you push through?How do you talk to customers without losing your mind (or your job)?At what point do you say “this isn’t safe”?And how do you keep roaches, grease, and filth from following you home in your tool bag? If you’re a commercial kitchen equipment technician, HVAC tech, refrigeration tech, service manager, or anyone who’s ever worked behind the scenes in a restaurant — this episode will feel painfully familiar. It’s gross.It’s funny.And it’s 100% real life in the field. Sponsor Spotlight – Viper from Refrigeration Technologies While Viper can’t get rid of roaches (and honestly… some of these stories might be beyond saving), they do help tackle one of the biggest contributors to nasty kitchen conditions: grease, grime, and buildup. Viper from Refrigeration Technologies makes professional-grade cleaners and chemicals designed specifically for HVAC, refrigeration, and commercial kitchen environments. From heavy-duty degreasers to coil cleaners and specialty chemicals, Viper helps techs clean equipment properly, restore efficiency, and leave things better than they found them — even when the surroundings are less than ideal. Because while you can’t always control how nasty a kitchen gets, you can control how well you clean and service the equipment you’re responsible for. https://www.refrigtech.com/ This episode is a must-listen for anyone in:commercial kitchen equipment repairrestaurant service and maintenanceHVAC and refrigerationfoodservice equipment techniciansCFESA-certified techniciansservice managers and trainers Subscribe, follow, and drop your own horror stories in the comments — because if you’ve been in the trade long enough, you’ve definitely got one. Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — the stories they don’t teach in training. https://www.commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

    34 min
  6. Episode 169: Think You’re a Top Tech? CFESA’s Throwdown Is Calling

    9 JAN

    Episode 169: Think You’re a Top Tech? CFESA’s Throwdown Is Calling

    n this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Dan Reese from CFESA to break down one of the biggest technician-focused initiatives our industry has ever launched — CFESA’s Top Tech Throwdown. This isn’t about ego.This isn’t about social media hype.This is about skill, process, safety, and pride in the craft. The Top Tech Throwdown is a skills-based competition built specifically for CFESA Master Certified Technicians, separating hot side and cold side competitors and testing what actually matters in the field — diagnostics, troubleshooting, theory, hands-on ability, documentation, and decision-making. Seven stations.Real-world scenarios.Timed, judged, and scored by CFESA-certified trainers. Regional winners walk away with prize packages, recognition, and an invitation to compete at the National Championship at CFESA Global Headquarters, where the stakes get even higher — including a championship belt, national recognition, and serious bragging rights. If you’re a CFESA Master Tech, this is your moment.Get uncomfortable.Step up.Show what you know. If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this:If you’re confident in your skills, why not prove it? And for owners and managers — this is a chance to showcase the technician who represents your company every single day in the field. Sending a tech to compete says something about your standards, your culture, and your commitment to excellence. 📣 Calling tool manufacturers and industry partners:This competition is about highlighting the best technicians in foodservice equipment repair. Prize donations directly support technician development, recognition, and visibility across the industry. If you want your tools in the hands of top-tier techs — this is where you belong. 👉 Learn more and get signed up at CFESA.com → Events → Top Tech Throwdown Let’s raise the bar.Let’s showcase the trade.Let’s find out who the Top Tech really is. 🔧🏆 More Info Here https://cfesa.com/top-tech-throwdown/ Check out the website https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #CFESA#TopTechThrowdown#CommercialKitchenChronicles#FoodserviceEquipmentRepair#MasterTechnician#CertifiedMasterTechnician#ServiceTechnician#SkilledTrades#BlueCollarPride#TechLife#HotSideTech#ColdSideTech#RefrigerationTech#CommercialRefrigeration#RestaurantEquipmentRepair#TradeSkills#TechnicianTraining#WorkforceDevelopment#ToolsOfTheTrade#BuiltForTheBest

    39 min
  7. Episode 168:Wrenches, Work, and Real Life: A Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Year in Review

    19/12/2025

    Episode 168:Wrenches, Work, and Real Life: A Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Year in Review

    Welcome back to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast. This episode is our official Year in Review, and it’s one of the most real conversations we’ve had all year. Pat Finley is joined by co-hosts Jason Latimer and Rich Ortega as we sit down to reflect on everything that went right, everything that went wrong, and everything we learned along the way. With no guest and no script, we dig into the reality of life in the commercial kitchen equipment repair and HVACR world — from running service companies and managing technicians, to burnout, growth, family, customers, and the hard decisions that shape a career in the trades. In this episode, we talk about:• Wins, losses, and lessons from the past year• Growing a service business and managing technicians• Customers, expectations, and when to fire accounts• Overtime, on-call life, and holiday service realities• Training the next generation of techs• CFESA, Top Tech Throwdown, and industry competitions• Trade shows, AHR Expo, and networking in the trades• Family life, work-life balance, and long-term goals• Why relationships matter more than revenue• What we’re changing — and what we’re doubling down on — next year This is a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to survive and thrive in the skilled trades. If you’re a commercial kitchen technician, HVACR tech, service manager, business owner, or someone thinking about getting into the industry, this episode will hit home. Whether you’re running calls, running a business, or just trying to figure out what’s next — you’re not alone. 🐍 Episode Sponsor: Viper / Refrigeration Technologies This episode is brought to you by Viper / Refrigeration Technologies — the tech-trusted brand behind industry staples like Nylog, Big Blu leak detector, Viper wet rags, and the chemicals and tools technicians rely on every single day. Built by techs, for techs, Viper products help you work cleaner, faster, and smarter in the field. If it’s on our trucks, there’s a reason. Learn more at Refrigeration Technologies and see why Viper continues to support the skilled trades and the technicians who keep kitchens running. 🐍 🎧 Commercial Kitchen ChroniclesReal conversations. Real technicians. Real life in the trades. Refrigeration Technologies https://www.refrigtech.com/ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #CommercialKitchenChronicles#FoodserviceEquipmentRepair#HVACR#CommercialKitchen#KitchenEquipmentRepair#ServiceTechnician#SkilledTrades#BlueCollar#TradeLife#TechnicianLife#FieldService#ServiceIndustry#RefrigerationTech#HVACTech#HotSideColdSide#CFESA#TopTechThrowdown#TradeShows#AHRExpo#TechLife#WorkLifeBalance#YearInReview#TradesPodcast#IndustryTalk#SupportTheTrades#ViperTools#RefrigerationTechnologies 🐍

    1h 10m
  8. Epsiode 167:From 28 Years Behind a Desk to Foodservice Refrigeration | Corrie Phillips

    12/12/2025

    Epsiode 167:From 28 Years Behind a Desk to Foodservice Refrigeration | Corrie Phillips

    What does it really take to walk away from a 28-year corporate career and start over in the skilled trades? In this powerful episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast, host Pat Finley sits down with Corrie Phillips, a commercial foodservice refrigeration technician who made the leap from the corporate world into HVACR and never looked back. Corrie shares her raw, honest journey—from working behind a desk for nearly three decades to enrolling in technical school, taking a massive pay cut, and building a successful career in commercial refrigeration, warewashing, and kitchen equipment service. This conversation dives deep into what it’s really like to start over later in life, overcome imposter syndrome, and find purpose working with your hands in the trades. This episode is packed with insight for: Anyone stuck in an office job dreaming of a career change New and aspiring HVACR or foodservice equipment technicians Women considering a career in the skilled trades Technicians navigating self-doubt, learning curves, and long days in the field Corrie talks about learning the language of refrigeration, adapting to the chaos of commercial kitchens, building trust with customers, and why patience is one of the most important skills a technician can develop. She also shares how communication, customer service, and life experience can be just as valuable as technical knowledge. You’ll also hear why refrigeration “clicked” for her, how mentorship and asking questions accelerated her growth, and why the trades offer financial freedom, job security, and real fulfillment—at any age. Transitioning from a 28-year corporate career into HVACR What it’s like starting over in the trades later in life Learning refrigeration, warewashing, hot side, and bakery equipment Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a technician Why communication skills matter just as much as technical skills The reality of working inside busy commercial kitchens Women in HVACR and foodservice equipment repair Advice for anyone considering trade school or a career change If you’re not using Viper, you’re working too hard. Viper by Refrigeration Technologies is built for the exact messes we deal with every day in commercial kitchens. Viper cuts grease, cleans condenser coils, and melts the nastiest buildup off kitchen equipment. It’s food safe, powerful, and proven in the field by technicians who actually use it. Throw a bottle of Viper on the truck and make your next service call easier.Learn more at https://www.refrigtech.com/ Follow Corrie on social media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coolergirl_corrie?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@coolergirl_corrie?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc If this episode inspired you, share it with someone stuck behind a desk who needs to hear this story. Commercial Kitchen Chronicles https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

    55 min
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About

A look at what it takes to keep a commercial kitchen running. We are going to highlight all of the skilled trades it takes to keep them running.

Information

  • Creator
    Commercial Kitchen Chronicles
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    175
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Commercial Kitchen Chronicles
  • Show Website
    Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

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