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/

🎙️ Enjoying the show?
Help us continue growing the foodservice equipment repair community by:

• Subscribing on your favorite podcast platform
• Leaving a 5-star review
• Sharing this episode with another technician
• Following 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

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/

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

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

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

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 technicians

Whether 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 Chronicles
The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast

📲 Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles:
Website: https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CommercialKitchenChronicles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_kitchen_chronicles

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@pfinley1982

X:https://x.com/ComKitchenChron

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceRepair #HVACR #SkilledTrades #ServiceTechnician #Leadership #BusinessDevelopment #NavyVeteran #F14Tomcat #FacilityManagement #RestaurantEquipmentRepair #TechnicianLife #CareerGrowth #TradesLife