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

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 trades
• Owning and operating a successful commercial kitchen service company
• The transition from independent service company owner to Frymaster
• The relationship between manufacturers and Authorized Service Agents (ASAs)
• Why electrical fundamentals are the foundation of every great technician
• How commercial kitchen equipment has evolved over the years
• Technician training, mentorship, and developing the next generation
• Common mistakes technicians make when troubleshooting
• The 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

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 trades
• Trade school vs. college and lessons learned
• Residential HVAC compared to commercial kitchen equipment repair
• Overcoming layoffs and career setbacks
• Building a commercial foodservice service department
• Leadership, technician growth, and continuous learning
• Balancing family life with a demanding service career
• Why commercial kitchen equipment repair is such a rewarding career
• 
  

A 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/

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Help us continue growing the foodservice equipment repair community by:

• Subscribing on your favorite podcast platform
• Leaving a 5-star review
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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