In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Michael Plezia to explore his unconventional journey into the trades. From dropping out of high school and working in retail and foodservice, to discovering a passion for HVAC, plumbing, and commercial kitchen equipment repair, Mike opens up about what led him to his current role as a Hobart Service technician.

🛠️ We talk career pivots in your 30s, the challenges of starting over, and how hands-on training, mentorship, and curiosity fueled his success. Now working on everything from flight dish machines to rack ovens and mixers, Mike shares what makes the foodservice repair industry such a hidden gem.

💡 Whether you're a tech in training, someone looking to switch careers, or a fan of real stories from the field, this episode is full of hard-won lessons and encouragement to keep pushing forward.

🎯 Topics Covered:
✅ How Mike found purpose in the trades
✅ Hobart training, support, and career growth
✅ Diagnosing commercial appliances (mixers, dish machines, ovens)
✅ Why water quality matters in foodservice repair
✅ How the trades provide direction, community, and a career to be proud of

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by a story of resilience, reinvention, and real-world repair.

This episode is brought to you by TruTech Tools

Looking for top-quality HVAC/R tools? TruTech Tools is here to help! From instruments to hand tools, in-stock and shipped fast, they have you covered to get the job done right. Visit https://trutechtools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!

Mike Plaza on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@Hvacmike

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#CommercialKitchenRepair
#FoodserviceEquipment
#HVACR
#SkilledTrades
#TradeCareers
#CommercialAppliances
#DishMachineRepair
#HobartTech
#BlueCollarLife
#FixItRight
#ServiceTechnician
#TradespersonJourney
#KitchenEquipmentTech
#HandsOnCareer
#TechInTraining
#HVACTech
#FieldServiceLife
#CommercialOvenRepair
#FlightDishwasher
#MixerRepair
#WaterQualityMatters
#LearnTheTrades
#TradeMentorship
#RealWorldSkills
#DontQuit

🎙️35 Years in the Game: Rusty Parke's Legacy in Foodservice Equipment Repair

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley reconnects with a true mentor and industry legend — Rusty Parke, who has been grinding in the foodservice equipment repair industry for over 35 years. From crawling in attics at age 12 to helping shape companies and careers, Rusty’s story is a blueprint for resilience and growth in the trades.

We trace his journey from the early GCS days, where he hired Pat and countless other techs, to his pivotal roles in launching a foodservice repair sector at SafeCare and later joining Vanco, where he played a key role in building and expanding their operations.

🔧 This one’s packed with real-world wisdom and career-defining lessons.

Rusty opens up about:

• His early start in the trades and being mentored by old-school techs

• Transitioning from the field to leadership and mentoring roles

• The strategy and challenges behind building SafeCare’s foodservice division from the ground up

• Helping Vanco grow into a respected name in the service game

• What’s changed — and what still matters most — in technician culture

• Why developing the next generation of techs is the legacy he’s proudest of

💡 With insights on career longevity, mentorship, and industry evolution, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about the foodservice repair industry.

🚀 Sponsored by TrueTechTools.com — trusted HVACR and service tools for pros who get the job done right.

Looking for top-quality HVAC/R tools? TruTech Tools is here to help! From instruments to hand tools, in-stock and shipped fast, they have you covered to get the job done right. Visit TruTechTools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!

https://trutechtools.com/

Rusty Parke on LinkedIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rusty-parke-14670b32/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#foodserviceequipmentrepair #commercialkitchenservice #technicianmentorship #SafeCare #Vanco #HVACRcareer #skilledtradespodcast #RustyParke #PatFinley #CommercialKitchenChronicles #foodservicetechnician #techniciansuccessstory #TrueTechTools #tradescareerjourney #foodserviceindustry #buildthetrades #serviceindustryleaders #repairtechnicianlife #toolsofthetrade #technicianlegacy

In this inspiring episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we're stepping out of the kitchen and into the world of HVAC! Pat is joined by special guest co-host Megan McIntosh from Mechanical Environments, and together they welcome rising TikTok star and HVAC advocate Katey, better known as HVACGirlie.

From bartending in a resort town to rocking rooftops and running calls, Katey shares her honest and empowering journey into the skilled trades. She talks about the moment HVAC clicked, overcoming self-doubt, finding her passion, and using social media to inspire more women to join the field. Megan and Pat add insights from their own paths, discussing education, trade schools, workplace dynamics, and the power of finding the right company culture.

Whether you’re a young tech, a woman considering the trades, or just love a great career-change story, this episode is a must-listen!

🔧 Topics Covered:

• Katey’s leap from hospitality to HVAC

• Trade school vs. on-the-job training

• Women in the skilled trades

• How to inspire the next generation of technicians

• The good, the bad, and the awkward of HVAC TikTok

• Advice for starting your own service business

👉 Follow Katey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kateymerty?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
🎧 Tune in and subscribe to hear stories that celebrate the people who keep our systems running and our industry thriving.

Brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies

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Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#HVACLife #WomenInTrades #HVACTikTok #HVACTechnician #SkilledTrades #CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACGirlie #WomenInHVAC #HVACCommunity #TradeSchool #BlueCollarPride #MechanicalEnvironments #FieldTechLife #FromBartenderToTech #InspiringTechnicians #SkilledTradesMatter #TechCareerPath #HVACPodcast #SupportSkilledTrades #HVACR