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. 5d ago

    Episode 198:

    Are we really struggling to find the next generation of technicians… or are we struggling to TRAIN them? On this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, I sit down with Ty Branaman, CMHE — Head of Training for The GRIT Foundation, Field Trainer for Kalos Services, Love2HVAC edutainer, Aether Training consultant, and the one and only Banana Man. https://www.love2hvac.com/ www.youtube.com/@love2hvac https://www.instagram.com/love2hvac https://www.tiktok.com/@love2hvac This conversation goes way beyond the usual “Gen Z doesn’t want to work” argument. Ty has spent years working with technicians, students, instructors, companies, and young people entering the skilled trades. We talk about what he’s actually seeing from the next generation and whether some of the problems we blame on Gen Z might really be problems with how we recruit, teach, mentor, and develop technicians. Are we training them wrong? We get into: Why curiosity is one of the most powerful tools in trainingUsing questions instead of simply giving technicians the answerAllowing trainees to make controlled mistakes and learn from themWhy great technicians don’t automatically make great trainersHands-on training versus simply reading a textbookTeaching troubleshooting instead of memorizing answersWhy different technicians need concepts explained in different waysAirflow, refrigeration, electrical, brazing, piping, tools, and diagnosticsHow teaching can make the instructor a better technicianThe role YouTube, social media, and industry educators play in HVAC/R educationOur responsibility to pass knowledge to the next generationWe also dive into The GRIT Foundation and its hands-on camps, where young people get the opportunity to actually experience the trades. https://www.thegritfoundation.com/ Ty pushes back against the idea that young people simply don’t want to work. Give them an opportunity to build something, troubleshoot, use tools, and understand how things work, and that curiosity is still there. Maybe Gen Z isn’t the problem. Maybe we need to rethink how we reach them. Whether you're an HVAC technician, refrigeration technician, commercial kitchen equipment technician, apprentice, instructor, service manager, or anyone responsible for technician development, this conversation is for you. Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is proud to be sponsored by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. HVAC/R and commercial kitchen technicians know what grease, dirt, and harsh environments can do to coils and equipment. Viper offers professional cleaning products developed with technicians in mind, helping us tackle condenser coils, evaporators, and some of the nastiest equipment we encounter in the field. Professional products for professional technicians. https://www.refrigtech.com/ https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast — sharing the stories, knowledge, and experiences of the technicians, trainers, manufacturers, service companies, and industry leaders keeping commercial kitchens running. Follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with another technician. Want to be a guest or know someone whose story needs to be heard? Visit Commercial Kitchen Chronicles online to apply or nominate a future guest. The future of the trades isn’t going to build itself. We have to teach it. #HVAC #HVACR #SkilledTrades #HVACTraining #CommercialKitchenChronicles

    Episode 198:

  2. Jul 31

    Episode 197:Joe Sharp Returns: No Excuses, Just Better Service | Building a Better Service Company

    What does it take to build the service company you always wished existed? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Joe Sharp returns for his third appearance, and as always, he doesn't hold back. From his days as a restaurant facilities manager to becoming a service technician, business owner, and YouTube creator, Joe shares the lessons he's learned from every side of the commercial foodservice industry. The conversation dives into what separates average service companies from exceptional ones, why customer trust is earned—not expected—and how technicians can raise the standard of professionalism. Joe also shares his thoughts on overly engineered equipment, the importance of accountability, creating content without filters, and why authenticity matters more than polished production. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a service company that customers want to call back, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest conversation. Joe Sharp https://www.youtube.com/@restaurantrepairs https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-sharp-13743978/ Whether you're a technician, service manager, business owner, or simply passionate about the skilled trades, there's something here for you. A special thanks to our episode sponsor, AMBRO Controls. Stay tuned—later this week, the team at AMBRO is launching their new Oxy Kits... and brazing just got better. They've replaced the popular Oxyset Kit with the new Oxy Precision Kit. It delivers the same portability technicians already love, now paired with a dedicated Precision Torch for greater control during detailed HVAC/R repairs and work in tight spaces. Also joining the lineup is the new OxyMax Kit, a complete commercial HVAC/R brazing solution featuring a larger caddy and three torch options—Precision, Pro, and Power—giving you the versatility to braze everything from 1/8-inch to 3-inch pipe while also welding, cutting, and heating with one portable system. Whether you need pinpoint precision or maximum performance, Ambro Controls has you covered. Visit their website and check out the new range. https://ambrocontrols.com/ Enjoyed this episode? There's plenty more where that came from. Visit CommercialKitchenChronicles.com to watch past episodes, listen to the podcast, read industry content, and stay up to date on what's happening across the foodservice service industry. Know someone with a story worth sharing? Or want to be a guest yourself? We're always looking for technicians, trainers, manufacturers, service leaders, and industry professionals with real-world experience to educate, inspire, and connect the trades. Visit the website to nominate a guest or submit your own story. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACR #FoodserviceEquipment #SkilledTrades #CommercialRefrigeration

  3. Jul 17

    Episode 196:The Evolution of Commercial Kitchen Service | Rich Griffin

    The Evolution of Commercial Kitchen Service with Rich Griffin | 50 Years of Experience, Electrical Fundamentals & Technician Development What does nearly 50 years in the commercial foodservice industry teach you? This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Rich Griffin, a respected industry veteran whose career has taken him from service technician, to business owner, to Regional Service Manager at Frymaster. Rich has spent decades training technicians, supporting Authorized Service Agents (ASAs), working alongside engineering teams, and helping shape the future of commercial kitchen equipment service. In this episode, Rich shares lessons that only come from a lifetime in the field. From the evolution of commercial kitchen service to why today's technicians are struggling with electrical fundamentals, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for technicians, trainers, service managers, and anyone passionate about the skilled trades. Rich's journey through nearly five decades in the tradesOwning and operating a successful commercial kitchen service companyThe transition from independent service company owner to FrymasterThe relationship between manufacturers and Authorized Service Agents (ASAs)Why electrical fundamentals are the foundation of every great technicianHow commercial kitchen equipment has evolved over the yearsTechnician training, mentorship, and developing the next generationCommon mistakes technicians make when troubleshootingThe future of commercial foodservice equipment service Whether you're a seasoned technician or just getting started in commercial kitchen repair, HVAC/R, refrigeration, or foodservice equipment service, this episode delivers valuable insight from someone who's seen the industry evolve firsthand. Today's episode is brought to you by Viper by Refrigeration Technologies. When you're working in commercial kitchens, grease, carbon, and grime are part of the job. That's why technicians trust Viper for professional-grade coil cleaners, drain treatments, lubricants, sealants, and specialty chemicals designed specifically for the HVAC/R and commercial foodservice industries. From condenser coil maintenance to leak prevention and system protection, Viper products help you get the job done right the first time. Learn more about the complete Viper lineup and ask your local distributor to stock Viper products. https://www.refrigtech.com/ If you enjoyed this conversation: ✅ Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.✅ Leave a 5-star review—it helps more technicians discover the show.✅ Share this episode with a coworker, apprentice, or anyone looking to grow in the skilled trades.✅ Interested in being a guest or partnering with the show? Reach out through our social media channels or email us—we're always looking to highlight great people making an impact in the foodservice equipment repair industry. Real Techs. Real Stories. Real Solutions. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceEquipment #CommercialKitchenRepair #HVACR #Refrigeration #RestaurantEquipment #SkilledTrades #TechnicianTraining #ElectricalTroubleshooting #Frymaster #FoodserviceRepair #TradesPodcast

    Episode 196:The Evolution of Commercial Kitchen Service | Rich Griffin

  4. Jul 10

    Episode 195: How the Trades Changed My Life | Jameson Lolos | Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

    How the Trades Changed My Life | Jameson Lolos | Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Sometimes the path to the skilled trades isn't a straight line. In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Jameson Lolos to discuss a journey that started in a technical high school HVAC program, detoured through college and student debt, and ultimately led him back to the trades he was meant to be in. https://www.instagram.com/jameson_jude/?hl=en Jameson shares how a temporary residential HVAC installation job turned into a rewarding career in commercial foodservice equipment repair. From surviving layoffs and navigating career changes during the pandemic to becoming a service manager helping build a brand-new service department at Gillette Restaurant Equipment, his story is one of resilience, growth, and finding purpose through hard work. The conversation also dives into fatherhood, leadership, continuing education, technician development, and why the skilled trades continue to provide incredible opportunities for those willing to learn. Whether you're an experienced commercial kitchen technician, HVACR professional, apprentice, service manager, or someone considering a career in the trades, this episode is packed with honest conversations, career advice, and motivation. In this episode you'll hear about: Finding your way back to the skilled tradesTrade school vs. college and lessons learnedResidential HVAC compared to commercial kitchen equipment repairOvercoming layoffs and career setbacksBuilding a commercial foodservice service departmentLeadership, technician growth, and continuous learningBalancing family life with a demanding service careerWhy commercial kitchen equipment repair is such a rewarding careerA huge thank you to our episode sponsor, Viper by Refrigeration Technologies. From trusted coil cleaners and leak detection products to Nylog, WetRag heat-blocking gel, lubricants, and system protection solutions, Viper manufactures products designed by technicians for technicians. Learn why professionals across the HVACR and commercial refrigeration industries trust Viper every day. https://www.refrigtech.com/ 🎙️ Enjoying the show?Help us continue growing the foodservice equipment repair community by: Subscribing on your favorite podcast platformLeaving a 5-star reviewSharing this episode with another technicianFollowing Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on YouTube and social media https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ Want to be a guest on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles?We're always looking for technicians, trainers, manufacturers, service managers, business owners, and industry leaders with a story worth sharing. If you're passionate about the skilled trades and want to inspire the next generation, we'd love to have you on the show. Reach out through our social media channels or contact us to be featured on a future episode. #CommercialKitchenChronicles #CommercialKitchenEquipment #FoodserviceEquipment #HVACR #CommercialRefrigeration #RestaurantEquipment #SkilledTrades #HVACTechnician #RefrigerationTechnician #TradesLife

    Episode 195: How the Trades Changed My Life | Jameson Lolos | Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

  5. Jul 3

    Episode 194: 27 Years in HVAC: The Story Behind Blue Collar Code

    What does it take to build a 27-year career in HVAC while overcoming addiction, traveling the country as a startup and commissioning technician, and becoming one of the most recognizable personalities in the skilled trades? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Bobby Armstrong, better known as Blue Collar Code, for an honest, hilarious, and inspiring conversation about life in the HVAC industry. From residential installations in Florida to commercial service in Arizona and now traveling nationwide commissioning equipment, Bobby shares the lessons he's learned from nearly three decades in the trade. He also opens up about his journey to 12 years of sobriety, proving that your past doesn't have to define your future. The conversation covers everything from technical growth and industry changes to social media, Construction Confessions, and why having fun on the job doesn't mean sacrificing professionalism. In this episode, we discuss:• Bobby's 27-year HVAC career• Life as a traveling startup and commissioning technician• Residential vs. commercial HVAC• The story behind Blue Collar Code• The success of Construction Confessions• Addiction recovery and 12 years of sobriety• Mental health in the skilled trades• Social media and content creation for technicians• Lessons learned from decades in the field• The future of the HVAC industry• Favorite tools, guns, and a few laughs along the way https://www.tiktok.com/@blue_collar_code https://www.instagram.com/blue_collar_code/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarcodeuncut Whether you're an HVAC technician, refrigeration mechanic, foodservice equipment technician, contractor, apprentice, or simply passionate about the skilled trades, this episode delivers real conversations, real experiences, and plenty of laughs. This episode is brought to you by Viper Refrigeration Technologies. When the job demands products you can trust, reach for Viper. Whether it's Nylog White Gasket & Thread Sealant for leak-free threaded connections, WetRag Heat Blocking Putty to protect valves and components while brazing, or Viper's industry-leading coil cleaners that keep systems running efficiently, Viper has products built by technicians, for technicians. Learn more at https://www.refrigtech.com/ If you enjoyed this episode:• Subscribe to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.• Leave a 5-star review to help more technicians discover the show.• Share this episode with a coworker, apprentice, or friend in the trades.• Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X for more interviews, training content, and behind-the-scenes stories. Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—bringing together the technicians, manufacturers, trainers, and industry leaders who keep commercial kitchens running every day. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

    Episode 194: 27 Years in HVAC: The Story Behind Blue Collar Code

  6. Jun 26

    Episode 193:Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future | Lessons on Trades, Business & Wealth Building

    Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future | Lessons on Trades, Business & Wealth Building Can your past become your greatest strength? In this inspiring episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley and co-host Rich Ortega are joined by Michael Hess and Darin Branch for a powerful conversation about overcoming adversity, finding purpose, building a successful career in the skilled trades, and creating long-term financial freedom. Michael shares his remarkable journey from growing up in poverty and carrying tools at just 14 years old to overcoming decades of poor decisions, discovering his purpose, and building a life he can be proud of. His story is a reminder that your circumstances don't define your future—your decisions do. Darin Branch, founder of Whitewood Tax Solutions, brings a different perspective by explaining how blue-collar entrepreneurs and tradespeople can stop simply earning a paycheck and start building real wealth. From tax strategy and business growth to creating generational wealth, Darin shares practical advice that every technician, contractor, and business owner can apply. https://www.taxproblemsgone.com Whether you're an HVAC technician, commercial kitchen equipment technician, refrigeration mechanic, electrician, plumber, contractor, or anyone working in the skilled trades, this episode is packed with motivation, business insight, and real-world lessons that can help you grow both personally and professionally. In this episode we discuss:• Overcoming adversity and difficult beginnings• Finding purpose through the skilled trades• Lessons learned from failure and success• Building a profitable service business• Tax strategies for small business owners• Financial planning for tradespeople• Entrepreneurship and business growth• Creating generational wealth• Developing discipline and the right mindset• Why your decisions—not your past—determine your future A special thanks to our episode sponsor, Ambro Controls. When you're working with nitrogen, you want gear that just makes sense. Ambro Controls has expanded their Nitrogen Purge Kit by adding a new Blowout Gun and Flow Regulator to go along with the Extended Refillable Cylinder Adaptor—all at no additional cost. Whether you're flowing nitrogen during brazing, flushing drain lines, or pressure testing small systems, you've got everything you need in one kit. Available in 200, 400, and 870 PSI options. Ask for it at your local supplier and check out what's new from Ambro Controls. https://ambrocontrols.com/ If this episode encouraged you or taught you something new, please help support the show by:• Following Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on your favorite podcast platform• Leaving a 5-star rating and review• Sharing this episode with another technician, business owner, or entrepreneur• Subscribing on YouTube for future livestreams and exclusive content https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—built by technicians, for technicians—bringing you real conversations, expert insights, and inspiring stories from across the skilled trades. #CommercialKitchenChronicles #SkilledTrades #FoodserviceEquipment #CommercialKitchen #HVACR #Refrigeration #RestaurantEquipment #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Motivation #BlueCollar #SmallBusiness #TaxStrategy #GenerationalWealth

    Episode 193:Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future | Lessons on Trades, Business & Wealth Building

  7. Jun 19

    Episode 192: HVACR Panda: The Truth About Leaving the Navy for the Skilled Trades

    From Navy Veteran to HVACR Technician: David Weeks (HVACR Panda) Shares His Story What happens when military service doesn't translate into the skilled trades the way everyone says it will? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with David Weeks, better known online as HVACR Panda, for an honest conversation about life after the Navy, entering the HVACR industry, and building a career in commercial refrigeration and foodservice equipment repair. David served six years in the U.S. Navy as a Fire Controlman specializing in ballistic missile defense systems before transitioning into civilian life. Like many veterans, he was told his military experience would prepare him for success in the trades. The reality? It wasn't quite that simple. Now, just three and a half years into the industry, David has already worked on walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, reach-in refrigerators, ice machines, rooftop units (RTUs), exhaust systems, commercial kitchen equipment, dishwashers, mixers, and more while working alongside his father in the family business. In this episode, we discuss: • Military life and service in the U.S. Navy• Transitioning from military service to HVACR• Why military experience doesn't always directly translate to the trades• Commercial HVACR and refrigeration careers• Working in a family-owned service company• Ice machine training and factory education• Learning commercial kitchen equipment repair• Challenges facing new technicians• The future of the skilled trades• Social media and the HVACR Panda journey• Advice for veterans considering HVAC, refrigeration, or foodservice equipment repair Whether you're a veteran, apprentice, service technician, HVAC contractor, refrigeration mechanic, foodservice equipment technician, or business owner, this episode offers valuable insight into what it really takes to build a successful career in the skilled trades. Find David here https://linktr.ee/hvacrpanda A huge thank you to our episode partner, Viper Products from Refrigeration Technologies. If you're working on commercial kitchens, refrigeration systems, or HVAC equipment, you already know grease, dirt, and buildup can destroy system performance. Viper Coil Cleaners are designed to cut through heavy buildup while remaining technician-safe and non-corrosive. From coil cleaners and leak detectors to industry favorites like Nylog Blue, Nylog White, WetRag Heat Shield, and Big Blu Leak Detector, Viper continues to provide products trusted by technicians across the industry. https://www.refrigtech.com/ Enjoying the show? ✅ Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube✅ Leave a review to help more technicians find the show✅ Share this episode with a veteran, apprentice, or technician✅ Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on social media✅ Visit commercialkitchenchronicles.com for more episodes Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast, bringing together technicians, manufacturers, trainers, and industry leaders to share real-world experiences from the field. https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/ #HVACR #CommercialRefrigeration #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialKitchenEquipment #WalkInCooler #WalkInFreezer #IceMachines #HVACTechnician #SkilledTrades #VeteransInTrades #NavyVeteran #RestaurantEquipmentRepair #CommercialHVAC #HVACLife #HVACTraining #RefrigerationTechnician #ServiceTechnician #TradesLife #HVACRPanda #CommercialKitchenChronicles

    Episode 192: HVACR Panda: The Truth About Leaving the Navy for the Skilled Trades

  8. Jun 12

    Episode 191:From Rooftops to Reels: Joe Blanchard on HVAC/R, Content Creation & the Trades

    Commercial HVAC/R in the Real World | Featuring Joe Blanchard What does it take to succeed as a commercial HVAC/R technician in today's industry? How do you balance real service calls, troubleshooting complex equipment, and building a social media presence that educates and inspires thousands of technicians? In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with HVAC/R technician and content creator Joe Blanchard for an honest conversation about life in the skilled trades, the rise of HVAC social media, and the future of technician-driven content. Joe shares his journey in commercial HVAC and refrigeration, how he got started creating content on TikTok and Instagram, and why a new generation of technicians is using social media to educate, entertain, and attract more people to the trades. From real-world service calls and troubleshooting strategies to content creation, industry trends, and the importance of building community, this episode is packed with valuable insights for technicians at every stage of their career. Topics discussed include: 🔧 Commercial HVAC service and refrigeration repair❄️ HVAC/R troubleshooting and diagnostics📱 Building a following as a trade content creator🎓 Training and developing the next generation of technicians💡 The impact of social media on the skilled trades🛠 Real-world service call experiences and lessons learned🚀 The future of HVAC, refrigeration, and technician education A special thanks to our friends at Viper from Refrigeration Technologies for supporting this episode. Whether you're sealing a system with Nylog, protecting components with WetRag, tracking down leaks with Big Blu, or cleaning coils with Viper's industry-leading products, Refrigeration Technologies continues to provide technicians with solutions that work in the real world. Trusted by HVAC/R and refrigeration professionals across the industry, Viper products are designed by technicians, for technicians. https://www.refrigtech.com/ Follow Joe Blanchard:📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joe_blanchard1📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_blanchard1/?hl=en 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another technician. Every share helps us continue highlighting the people, stories, and opportunities that make the HVAC/R, refrigeration, foodservice equipment repair, and skilled trades industries stronger. #CommercialHVAC #HVACR #CommercialRefrigeration #RefrigerationTechnician #HVACTechnician #SkilledTrades #BlueCollar #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACTraining #HVACTroubleshooting #ServiceTechnician #TradeLife #IndustrialRefrigeration #ContentCreator #CommercialKitchenEquipment #HVACPodcast

    Episode 191:From Rooftops to Reels: Joe Blanchard on HVAC/R, Content Creation & the Trades
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

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
    199
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Commercial Kitchen Chronicles
  • Show Website
    Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

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