Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

Hosted by Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

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192

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

June 12, 20261 hr 11 min

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

Commercial HVAC/R in the Real World | Featuring Joe BlanchardWhat 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 educationA 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

June 5, 20261 hr 5 min

Episode 190: From F-14 Tomcats to Foodservice: The Career Journey of Anthony Dileo | Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

From working on F-14 Tomcats in the U.S. Navy to running service calls around the Washington D.C. beltway, leading technicians, managing facilities, and ultimately moving into business development, Anthony Dileo has experienced nearly every side of the service industry.In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Anthony joins Pat Finley and Rich Ortega to share his incredible career journey through the skilled trades. What started in a high school vocational program led to military service as an avionics technician, years in the commercial foodservice equipment repair industry, leadership roles, facility management, factory experience, and eventually a transition into business development.Along the way, Anthony opens up about career growth, leadership challenges, burnout, lessons learned from both successes and setbacks, and how each chapter of his career prepared him for the next.Topics covered in this episode:• Growing up in vocational education and entering the trades• Working on F-14 Tomcats in the U.S. Navy• Life as a service technician in the D.C. market• Transitioning from technician to leadership• Recognizing and overcoming burnout• Working as an in-house dining service technician• Facility management and operational leadership• Career pivots and learning from failure• Moving from the tools into business development• Advice for the next generation of techniciansWhether you're a new technician, a seasoned veteran, or someone considering a move into leadership, this episode is packed with real-world experience and valuable insight from someone who has lived every stage of the journey.A special thank you to our sponsor, Viper Products by Refrigeration Technologies. From Nylog and WetRag to Big Blu and industry-leading coil cleaners, Viper continues to provide technicians with products they can trust every day in the field.https://www.refrigtech.com/🎙️ Commercial Kitchen ChroniclesThe Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast📲 Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles:Website: https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CommercialKitchenChroniclesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_kitchen_chroniclesTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@pfinley1982X:https://x.com/ComKitchenChron#CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceRepair #HVACR #SkilledTrades #ServiceTechnician #Leadership #BusinessDevelopment #NavyVeteran #F14Tomcat #FacilityManagement #RestaurantEquipmentRepair #TechnicianLife #CareerGrowth #TradesLife

May 22, 202652 min

Episode 189: Starting Over From Scratch: Brent Hall’s Bold Move That Changed Everything

From New York to Atlanta. From established business to starting over from scratch. What would you do?This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Brent Hall, founder and owner of Favored Mechanical Solutions (FMS), for an honest conversation about risk, entrepreneurship, commercial foodservice equipment repair, and what it really takes to build a service company people trust.Brent shares his journey of building a successful commercial foodservice equipment repair company in New York, making the bold move to Atlanta, Georgia, and starting all over again. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just hard work, relationships, and betting on yourself.The crew dives into building customer trust, growing a commercial refrigeration and cooking equipment service business, creating content in the trades, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and lessons learned from building a company from the ground up. If you own a service company, dream about starting one, or want to level up in commercial foodservice equipment repair, this episode hits home.Topics include:• Building Favored Mechanical Solutions from the ground up• Leaving New York and relocating to Atlanta• Entrepreneurship in the skilled trades• Customer relationships and business growth• Commercial refrigeration and cooking equipment service• Creating content as a technician• Service company lessons learned the hard way• Family, sacrifice, and chasing bigger goalsWhether you're fixing fryers, chasing refrigeration calls, working on commercial kitchen equipment, or building your own service business, this episode is packed with insight from someone out there grinding every day.Big thanks to Viper by Refrigeration Technologies for supporting Commercial Kitchen Chronicles. From coil cleaners and leak detection products to trusted chemicals technicians depend on every day, Viper helps keep service professionals working smarter in the field.https://www.refrigtech.com/Subscribe, follow, and share Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast built by technicians for technicians.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/Drop a comment: If you had to start over tomorrow from zero, would you do it differently?#FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialRefrigeration #HVACR #SkilledTrades #CommercialKitchenEquipment #Entrepreneurship #RestaurantEquipmentRepair #RefrigerationTech #CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceIndustry #ServiceTechnician #TradesLife #CommercialHVAC #BusinessGrowth #FavoredMechanicalSolutions

May 15, 20261 hr 2 min

Episode 188:

This week on the Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Jay McDonough of Restaurant Appliance Repair out of Kansas City, Missouri for a real-world conversation about what it takes to build a name in the Foodservice Equipment Repair Industry. 🔥Jay started RAR at just 25 years old and has spent the last 11 years grinding through commercial kitchen equipment repair, refrigeration, walk-in cooler and freezer installs, electrical troubleshooting, equipment sales, and building solutions for restaurants across the KC market.https://www.816kitchen.com/https://www.instagram.com/restaurant_appliance_repair/?hl=enThis episode dives deep into:✔️ Commercial kitchen equipment repair✔️ Refrigeration and HVACR service✔️ Walk-in cooler and freezer installs✔️ Starting and growing a service company✔️ Social media and content creation in the trades✔️ The future of foodservice equipment repair✔️ Building a new line of food equipment productsIf you’re a technician, business owner, installer, refrigeration mechanic, or someone trying to grow in the skilled trades, this episode is loaded with insight from someone actually out there doing the work every single day.Huge thanks to our sponsor Viper by Refrigeration Technologies 🐍This episode is brought to you by Viper products built for real technicians. From Big Blu leak detector and Venom packs to Nylog White, Viper continues making products that belong on every service truck. Nylog White is NSF registered and perfect for refrigeration, food equipment, gas piping, water lines, and more. Whether you’re working on restaurant equipment, HVACR systems, or refrigeration repairs, Viper has products designed to help techs work smarter and cleaner.https://www.refrigtech.com/🎙️ Watch now and join the conversation.Drop a comment below:What’s the biggest challenge facing the Foodservice Equipment Repair Industry right now?Make sure to like, subscribe, share the episode, and tag another tech who needs to hear this one.Stay up to date with all things CKC related.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/#FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialKitchen #HVACR #Refrigeration #RestaurantEquipment #WalkInCooler #TechnicianLife #CommercialKitchenChronicles #SkilledTrades #HVACTech #RefrigerationTech #KitchenEquipmentRepair

May 8, 20261 hr 10 min

Episode 187: Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Goes Off the Rails Again

What happens when Pat, Jason, and Rich get together with zero agenda and full permission to go off the rails? This episode right here 🔥The crew is back for one of the most unfiltered Commercial Kitchen Chronicles episodes yet. We’re talking commercial kitchen equipment repair, HVACR, refrigeration tech life, service call chaos, career moves, burnout, leadership, the realities of the trades, and all the random BS that happens when technicians start talking shop.Jason jumps back in after grinding through his new role, Rich brings the heat like always, and the entire episode feels like hanging out after work with the guys who actually understand what life in the field is like. No corporate filter. No polished nonsense. Just real tech talk from people actually doing the job.If you’re tired of fake trade content made by people who haven’t touched a tool in years, this episode is for you.Huge shoutout to 🐍 Viper from Refrigeration Technologies for sponsoring the episode. If you work in commercial kitchens, you already know grease destroys coils and wrecks efficiency. Viper coil cleaners are technician safe, non corrosive, and actually cut through the nasty buildup without destroying the equipment you’re trying to save. No gimmicks. Just products that work when the pressure is on.https://www.refrigtech.com/Drop a comment with your favorite part of the episodeShare it with your crewAnd if this sounds like your kind of chaos, subscribe and join the movement 🔧🔥https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/#HVACR #CommercialKitchen #Refrigeration #FoodserviceEquipment #ServiceTechnician #BlueCollar #HVACLife #RefrigerationTech #TradesLife #CommercialKitchenChronicles

May 1, 202654 min

Episode 186: Aaron Jacobitz 💥 Sales, Systems, and Teams: What It Really Takes to Grow

What’s REALLY holding service companies back? 🤔In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with 🎙️ Aaron Jacobitz from Refrigeration Heroesto break down the hard truths about sales, team building, and growth in the refrigeration and foodservice repair industry.If you’re a technician, service manager, or business owner trying to level up… this one is going to hit 👇We’re talking:🔥 Why most service companies stay stuck (and how to fix it)🔥 The real role of SALES in a service business (without being pushy)🔥 How to build high-performing teams that actually produce🔥 Why communication might be more valuable than technical skill🔥 The shift from “just a tech” to a high-value professional🔥 Systems, processes, and leadership that actually scale a companyThis isn’t theory. This is real-world insight from someone driving growth inside the industry right now.🐍 Brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration TechnologiesIf you’re still fighting callbacks, dirty coils, or chasing leaks… you’re making your life harder than it needs to be.https://www.refrigtech.com/From coil cleaners to leak detection and system protection, Viper has the tools techs actually trust in the field.👉 Do it right the first time and keep your callbacks low🎯 Who this episode is for:✔️ Refrigeration technicians✔️ Foodservice equipment repair pros✔️ HVACR professionals✔️ Service managers and business owners✔️ Anyone trying to grow in the skilled trades💥 If you’ve ever felt stuck… underpaid… or like your company isn’t moving forward… this episode will challenge how you think about your role in the industry👉 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway👉 Share this with a tech or manager who needs to hear it👉 Subscribe for more real-world content from the foodservice repair industryCommercial Kitchen ChroniclesThe original foodservice equipment repair podcastReal techs. Real stories. Real growth. 👊https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/Find more out from Aaronhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-jacobitz-94935a199/https://refrigerationheroes.com

April 24, 202647 min

Episode 185:Zero Experience to Regional Supervisor in 5 Years | Clay Hartzog on Winning in the Trades 🔥

From factory work in the Appalachian Mountains to Regional Supervisor in just five years… this is the kind of story the trades need right now 🔥In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Clay Hartzog to break down his journey from zero experience to leading operations across Virginia and North Carolina for Archway Service Group. No shortcuts, no fluff… just real-world growth in the foodservice equipment repair and HVAC/R industry.Clay shares what it actually takes to break into the trades with no background, how he accelerated his career faster than most, and the mindset shift required to move from technician to leadership. This is a raw, honest conversation about opportunity, work ethic, and what separates average techs from the ones who rise.If you’re a technician looking to level up, someone thinking about getting into the skilled trades, or a leader trying to develop the next generation, this episode delivers real insight you can apply immediately.In this episode, we cover:• How to start a career in HVAC/R or foodservice equipment repair with no experience• The habits and mindset that drive rapid career growth in the trades• Transitioning from technician to supervisor and leading teams effectively• Common mistakes young techs make and how to avoid them• Why the skilled trades offer massive opportunity right now🐍 This episode is brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration TechnologiesTrusted by technicians in the field, Viper products like Big Blu leak detector and their full line of coil cleaners are built to perform when it matters. If you’re serious about doing the job right, this is gear you want on your truck.https://www.refrigtech.com/👇 Don’t just listen… take action 👇Subscribe to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple PodcastsDrop a comment with your biggest takeaway from this episodeShare this with someone who needs to hear that opportunity in the trades is realThe trades aren’t dying… they’re wide open for the ones willing to step in and take it. 🔧🔥Reach out to Clay Hartzoghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-hartzog-9920771a3/Stay up to date with the crew of Commercial Kitchen Chronicleshttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/#HVACR #FoodserviceRepair #SkilledTrades #TechnicianLife #CommercialKitchen #HVACTech #BlueCollarCareers #TradeLife #CareerGrowth #Podcast

April 17, 202651 min

Episode 184: Rack Refrigeration Will Humble You – OEM Junkie Tells the Truth 🔧

This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we’re joined by Thomas Lisaula, better known as OEM Junkie, to break down the REAL world of supermarket refrigeration—and why rack systems will humble you fast.If you think refrigeration is just “bigger HVAC”… this episode is going to reset your expectations.Thomas works in high-demand environments where uptime is critical, specializing in rack systems, store-level HVAC, and EMS platforms like Emerson and Danfoss. From diagnostics under pressure to navigating complex systems, this conversation is packed with real-world insight you won’t get from a textbook.We dig into:• The reality of rack refrigeration vs what most techs expect• How EMS and controls actually impact troubleshooting• The pressure of working on systems where downtime isn’t an option• Common mistakes techs make early in refrigeration• Transitioning from HVAC into supermarket refrigeration• Developing a strong troubleshooting mindset in the fieldWe also get into Thomas’s personal journey—how he got started, what challenged him early on, and what it really takes to grow in one of the toughest sides of the trade.If you’re a technician looking to level up, or you’ve ever thought about getting into rack refrigeration, this is one you don’t want to miss.If you’re working in commercial kitchens, you already know—grease gets everywhere, especially on coils. That’s where Viper coil cleaners from Refrigeration Technologies come in. Their non-corrosive, technician-safe formulas are built to cut through heavy buildup without damaging the equipment you’re trying to protect. No harsh acids, no unnecessary risk—just effective cleaning that keeps systems running the way they should. If you’re servicing restaurant equipment, make sure Viper is on your truck.https://www.refrigtech.com/Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more real-world conversations from the field. Drop a comment below—have you worked on rack systems yet, or are you looking to make the jump?Thomashttps://www.tiktok.com/@oem_junkiehttps://www.youtube.com/@oem_junkie👉 More CKC content lives here: www.commercialkitchenchronicles.com#HVACR #Refrigeration #RackRefrigeration #OEMJunkie #CommercialRefrigeration #EMS #HVACTech #SupermarketRefrigeration

April 10, 202652 min

Episode 183: Sally Ray and Why Hoshizaki Is Ahead of the Game Right Now

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, I sit down with Sally Ray, VP of Marketing at Hoshizaki America, to talk about where the foodservice equipment industry is headed and what it means for technicians in the field.We dive into the Hoshizaki Alliance and how it’s bringing together multiple brands to create more complete solutions for operators, while also opening the door for better innovation, support, and product development. Sally shares her journey into the industry, what her role really looks like behind the scenes, and how customer feedback is directly shaping the equipment we work on every day.We also get into new product launches, trends coming out of major trade shows, and the ongoing refrigerant transition—including what techs can expect as more R290 and A2L equipment continues to hit the field.This conversation is all about connecting the dots between manufacturers, technicians, and end users—and giving you a better understanding of why things are changing and how to stay ahead of it.This episode is brought to you by Ambro Controls. If you’re doing brazing, nitrogen purging, or precision work in the field, Ambro has the tools built for real-world conditions. From portable torch setups to complete kits, it’s gear designed to give you control, consistency, and cleaner results on every job.https://ambrocontrols.com/Find out more about Hoshizaki and more here. https://www.hoshizakiamerica.com/https://hoshizakialliance.com/Connect with Commercial Kitchen Chronicles herehttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/#hvacr #hvactech #refrigeration #commercialrefrigeration #icemachines #hoshizaki #foodserviceequipment #commercialkitchen #kitchenequipment #restaurantindustry #restaurantrepair #servicetech #fieldservice #skilledtrades #tradeslife #bluecollar #tradesman #hvaclife #refrigerationtech #equipmentrepair #cfesa #foodserviceindustry #kitchenrepair #techlife #toolsandtrades #hvactraining #refrigerationtraining #tradestraining #r290 #a2l #refrigerant #commercialappliances #restauranttech #foodservicepro #kitcheninnovation #hvacrindustry #mechanicaltrades #workforce #tradescareers #learnatrade

April 3, 202659 min

Episode 182: Johnny Hall: Building the “Let’s Be Techs” Community | Real Talk from the Field

What happens when a technician with zero formal training, 27 years in the field, and a passion for helping others decides to just… start sharing?You get Johnny Hall — the voice behind Let’s Be Techs.In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Johnny to break down how a simple idea — “let us be techs… let’s learn together” — turned into one of the most authentic, no-BS communities in the trades.This isn’t about polished content or textbook answers.This is about:– Learning the hard way in the field– Figuring things out without a roadmap– Building real skills without formal schooling– And why community matters more now than ever in HVACR and skilled tradesJohnny shares his journey from coming up in the trade with no traditional path, to becoming a content creator who’s helping thousands of technicians think differently, troubleshoot smarter, and grow faster.We also get into:– Why too many techs are left to “figure it out” alone– The gap between experience and training– The power of sharing knowledge openly– And what the next generation of technicians actually needsIf you’ve ever felt like you were thrown to the wolves in this trade… this episode is going to hit home.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation👇 Drop your thoughts — are we building better techs, or just hoping they survive?This episode is brought to you by Viper Coil CleanersIf you’re working in commercial kitchens, you already know — grease gets everywhere, especially on coils.That’s where Viper coil cleaners come in.Viper’s non-corrosive, technician-safe formulas are designed to cut through heavy buildup without damaging the equipment you’re trying to protect.No harsh acids, no unnecessary risk — just powerful, effective cleaning that keeps systems running the way they should.If you service restaurant equipment, make sure Viper is on your truck.https://www.refrigtech.com/Connect with Johnny and Let's Be Techshttps://www.facebook.com/letsbetechshttps://www.instagram.com/lets_be_techs/https://www.youtube.com/@LetsBeTechshttps://www.tiktok.com/@letsbetechsCommercial Kitchen Chronicleshttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/#HVAC #HVACR #Refrigeration #CommercialKitchen #FoodserviceEquipment #TechnicianLife #SkilledTrades #BlueCollar #TradesLife #ServiceTech #HVACTech #RefrigerationTech #FieldService #HVACTraining #TradeSchoolAlternative #LearnTheTrade #OnTheTools #TechLife #HVACCommunity #BlueCollarLife #WorkInTheTrades #NextGenTrades #ToolsOfTheTrade #ServiceIndustry #KitchenEquipment #FixItLife #NoDaysOff #GrindMode #TradeTalk #LetsBeTechs