From starting out in a warehouse at just 18 years old to building a career that’s left a lasting mark on the HVACR and foodservice repair industry, Chris Nixon has seen it all. In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley and co-host Jason Latimer sit down with Chris to unpack his incredible journey—from humble beginnings, learning the ropes in residential, to becoming a leader in commercial refrigeration and HVAC.

Chris shares the real-life challenges of finding his path, the lessons learned while running his own company, and the transition into larger teams like Tech 24. With more than two decades of experience, multiple mechanical licenses, and a relentless drive to keep learning, Chris opens up about how to build a career in the trades that stands the test of time.

Whether you’re a seasoned technician, a business owner, or just getting started in HVACR, this episode is packed with inspiration, industry insight, and the kind of stories that remind us why the foodservice repair trade is such a rewarding path.

And don’t miss the laughs along the way—we get into the early days, the obstacles, and what it really takes to succeed in a world that’s always short on techs but big on opportunity.

Here’s a quick tip from our friends at Viper and Refrigeration Technologies: In commercial kitchens, clean coils and evaporators are essential—and Viper’s NSF-registered products are the best choice. Safe, effective, and formulated to keep your kitchen systems running smoothly. Trust Viper to keep you efficient on every job.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Chris Nixon

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-nixon-6511a91a8/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#HVACR #FoodserviceRepair #CommercialKitchen #TradesLife #SkilledTrades #HVACTechnician #RefrigerationTech #FoodEquipmentRepair #HVACLife #CommercialHVAC #RestaurantEquipment #TechLife #HVACTools #TradeTalks #RepairLife #HVACCommunity #KitchenEquipment #ServiceTechnician #HVACCareer #FutureInTrades #BlueCollarPride #HVACPodcast #HVACTechTalk

On this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Scott Kline — a seasoned HVACR professional with 18 years under his belt in residential installs, commercial HVAC, and refrigeration. Texas HVACR licensed since 2013, Scott now runs his own company, Authentic HVAC, where he blends hands-on skill with the freedom of self-employment.

Scott’s journey takes us from his early days in Snydertown, Pennsylvania, through years of learning the ropes in the field, to eventually taking the leap into running his own shop. Along the way, he’s seen the industry evolve, tackled the challenges of both hot and cold-side work, and built a reputation on doing the job right the first time.

This episode isn’t just for techs — it’s for anyone curious about where a skilled trade can take you. Scott shares insights on what it’s really like to make a living in HVACR, how to keep growing your skills, and why the trades are still one of the most rewarding career choices out there. If you’ve ever thought about getting into the field or know someone who’s on the fence, this conversation could be the push they need.

Scott Kline

https://www.instagram.com/ayetchvacker/

https://www.instagram.com/authentic_hvac/

💡 Pro Tip from our friends at Viper: In commercial kitchens, clean coils and evaporators are non-negotiable if you want your equipment to run at peak performance. That’s where Viper’s NSF-registered cleaning products shine. They’re safe, powerful, and engineered to blast through the grease and grime found in busy foodservice environments. Keep your refrigeration and HVAC systems efficient, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime. Trust Viper — the name pros rely on for professional-grade kitchen system maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Want to be a guest?

Pat@commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACR #TradesLife #HVACTech #RefrigerationLife #CareerInTrades #ViperProducts

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Cody Robinson of AmeriServe — a rising force in the foodservice repair industry. Cody’s journey started behind the scenes as a dispatcher just four years ago, and now he’s leading the charge in operations and shaping the future of the industry through his role as co-chair of CFESA’s Young Professionals Committee.

We talk about:

• His rapid rise from dispatcher to operations and warranty management

• Lessons learned working on a farm and how they apply to service leadership

• The importance of technician advocacy, mentorship, and involvement in CFESA

• Balancing career growth with life on the farm with his wife, kids, and a whole crew of animals 🐐🐓🐴

• Why the next generation needs to step up—and how he’s working to make that happen

Cody shares candid reflections, a few laughs, and a ton of insights for those looking to grow their careers in foodservice or any skilled trade.

👉 Whether you're a tech, a leader, or just curious about the industry, this one's got value start to finish.

Brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies

🔥 Pro Tip for Commercial Kitchen Pros! 🔥
Brought to you by our friends at Viper HVAC Cleaners — when it comes to keeping your commercial kitchen equipment running at peak performance, clean coils and evaporators are non-negotiable.
That’s where Viper’s NSF-registered cleaning products come in! 🧼
They're safe, powerful, and specifically designed to tackle the grease and grime found in busy foodservice environments. Keep your refrigeration and HVAC systems efficient, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime.
👉 Trust Viper — the name the industry relies on for professional-grade kitchen system maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Follow Cody here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-robinson-1b175592/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Want to be a guest?

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/want-to-be-our-guest%3F

#CommercialKitchenChronicles
#FoodserviceRepair
#SkilledTrades
#CFESA
#YoungProfessionals
#ServiceIndustry
#TechsOfInstagram
#FoodEquipmentRepair
#TradeCareers
#MentorshipMatters
#RisingInTheTrades
#DispatcherToLeader
#WarrantyLife
#OperationsManagement
#FarmLifeAndFoodservice
#IndustryGrowth
#ServiceTechLife
#FutureOfTheTrades
#TechnicianTalk
#PodcastForTechs

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Stephen Smith, the force behind the Everything HVACR YouTube channel and a seasoned technician with over 20 years in the trade. From commercial installs to becoming a field support manager at KCC Manufacturing, Stephen has seen it all—and he’s not done yet.

We dive deep into:

• His journey through the skilled trades and HVACR industry

• The importance of mentorship and continuous learning

• Why he started his YouTube channel and how it’s helping the next generation of techs

• What “leaving it better than you found it” means in today’s workplace

• The real talk technicians need to hear

Stephen opens up about the value of discipline, pride in workmanship, and the power of sharing knowledge through content creation.

🔥 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just entering the industry, this episode delivers wisdom, motivation, and a few laughs along the way.

🔥 Pro Tip for Commercial Kitchen Pros! 🔥
Brought to you by our friends at Viper HVAC Cleaners — when it comes to keeping your commercial kitchen equipment running at peak performance, clean coils and evaporators are non-negotiable.
That’s where Viper’s NSF-registered cleaning products come in! 🧼
They're safe, powerful, and specifically designed to tackle the grease and grime found in busy foodservice environments. Keep your refrigeration and HVAC systems efficient, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime.
👉 Trust Viper — the name the industry relies on for professional-grade kitchen system maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Check out Stephen here

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

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#EverythingHVACR #StephenSmith #HVACRPodcast #CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACLife #SkilledTrades #TradeTalk #HVACTechnician #HVACTips #FieldSupport #YouTubeHVAC #TechTalk #LeaveItBetter #ToolTalk #HVACTraining #HVACMentor #HVACCommunity #HVACYouTube #SkilledTradesMatter #HandsOnLearning

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we’re joined by none other than Chris Stephens, the force behind the massively popular HVACR Videos channel. 🎥 From dissecting complex refrigeration issues to being a voice of honesty and transparency in the skilled trades, Chris has become one of the most respected names in the industry.

Host Pat Finley sits down with Chris for a real and raw conversation about:

• The origin and purpose of the HVACR Videos channel

• What it means to lead with vulnerability and integrity online

• The burnout struggles and how to manage the pressures of running a service business

• Training the next generation and why showing the process (not just the polished outcome) matters

• And how we can all help reshape the public perception of skilled trades

Whether you’re a new tech, a seasoned veteran, or just HVACR-curious, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

🔧 Guest:
Chris Stephens
Owner of a California-based HVACR company | Creator of HVACR Videos on YouTube
📺 youtube.com/@hvacrvideos

🧼 Sponsored by:
Viper from Refrigeration Technologies – Clean coils & evaporators the safe, effective, NSF-certified.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

📲 Follow & Subscribe:
Catch more interviews, repairs, and behind-the-scenes from the foodservice repair world by subscribing to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on YouTube, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#HVACR #HVACVideos #CommercialKitchenRepair #FoodserviceRepair #RefrigerationRepair #RestaurantHVAC #HVACTech #TradesTalk #ServiceTechnician #SkilledTrades #HVACLife #HVACTips #RepairLife #YouTubeTrades #TechInterviews #HVACInspiration #HVACTools #HVACBusiness #RealTalkHVAC #CommercialKitchenChronicles

From Farming to Freon: The Refrigeration Journey of Jeremiah Johnson 🚛❄️

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Montana-based refrigeration pro Jeremiah Johnson, who shares his inspiring journey from residential HVAC and construction framing to running his own refrigeration business in rural Montana. 🇺🇸

🔥 Jeremiah talks about:

• How the 2009 housing crash led him to HVAC school at 30

• Making the leap from residential HVAC to commercial refrigeration

• Life in the trades: working 7 days a week and loving it

• Supporting small-town grocery stores, restaurants, and dairies

• Tackling walk-in freezers, ice machines, mini splits, and even R290 refrigeration

• The independence (and challenges) of being a one-man operation

• Getting his daughters involved in the trades 👧🛠️

• His love for hunting, BBQ, and quality tools (Testo, Fieldpiece, and more)

Whether you're a seasoned tech, an apprentice, or just curious about starting your own refrigeration business, this is a must-listen!

Brought to you by Viper 🐍 from Refrigeration Technologies

🔥 Pro Tip for Commercial Kitchen Pros! 🔥
Brought to you by our friends at Viper HVAC Cleaners — when it comes to keeping your commercial kitchen equipment running at peak performance, clean coils and evaporators are non-negotiable.
That’s where Viper’s NSF-registered cleaning products come in! 🧼
They're safe, powerful, and specifically designed to tackle the grease and grime found in busy foodservice environments. Keep your refrigeration and HVAC systems efficient, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime.
👉 Trust Viper — the name the industry relies on for professional-grade kitchen system maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com

Check out all things Commercial Kitchen Chronicles related.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#commercialrefrigeration #HVACpodcast #foodserviceequipmentrepair #R290refrigeration #refrigerationtechnician #commercialkitchenequipment #icemachinemaintenance #walkinfreezerrepair #HVACtools #Testo550s #Fieldpieceprobes #onemanHVACbusiness #commercialkitchenpodcast #technicianstories #HVACstartup #smallbusinessHVAC #Montanatradesman #refrigerationjourney

In this icy-cool episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Stephanie Wall from True Refrigerationto dive into the cutting-edge world of True Ice Machines. From R290 refrigerant and antimicrobial plastics to advanced Time-of-Flight sensors and near-instant harvest cycles, Stephanie reveals how True has engineered a smarter, more efficient, and technician-friendly ice machine that’s ready to dominate the market.

We cover:
🧊 Why ice is food — and how True keeps it clean
⚙️ Service-friendly features that techs will love
🌡️ Performance in extreme ambient temps (35°F–110°F)
⚡ Up to 37% better than Energy Star standards
📉 How some chains could save $2.3M/year in energy bills
🔧 Real-world install results — including surviving 118°F Vegas heat!

Plus, we talk TrueZone ozone sanitation, built-in filtration tracking, warranty coverage, and how True is investing in hands-on technician training across the country.

🎧 Whether you’re in service, sales, or just an ice nerd like Pat, this episode delivers.

Huge shout out to https://trutechtools.com/ for partnering with us.

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://www.truemfg.com/true-ice/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#TrueIce #TrueRefrigeration #CommercialIceMachine #CommercialKitchenRepair #IceMachineTech #FoodserviceEquipment #R290Refrigerant #HVACRPodcast #KitchenInnovation #TechnicianTools #SmartIceMachine #IceIsFood #CommercialKitchenChronicles

🎙️ Episode Title: "20 Years, 2 Countries, 1 Tech: Aidan Lucey's Journey Through the Trades"

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with refrigeration pro Aidan Lucey, whose 20-year journey in the trade spans two continents. From humble beginnings in Ireland installing 80 mini splits, to chasing down leaks in Canadian grocery stores, Aidan shares how a twist of fate steered him into the trades—and how that decision shaped his life and career.

We talk shop on everything from chillers, beer lines, and Taylor ice cream machines to CO₂ rack systems and critical grocery store service calls in -55°C temps (yes, you read that right ❄️). Aidan opens up about the challenges of immigrating and recertifying as a tech in Canada, his passion for the trade, and even how a frozen yogurt machine led him to his future wife.

Whether you're a seasoned tech or just considering the trades, Aidan’s story is a reminder that opportunity is everywhere—and that sometimes the best careers start by accident.

🛠️ Tune in for:

• Racking systems and CO₂ insights

• Field stories from rural service calls

• Advice for aspiring techs and international workers

• A whole lot of laughs and real-world wisdom

🚨 Don’t miss this one—hit play and let’s get into it!

🎙️ This episode is powered by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies! 🐍

Here’s a pro tip from our friends at Viper:
In commercial kitchens, clean coils and evaporators aren’t optional — they’re essential. That’s why the pros reach for Viper’s NSF-registered cleaners. 💪

✅ Safe
✅ Effective
✅ Formulated specifically for foodservice environments

Keep your systems running cool, clean, and compliant — Viper’s got your back!

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Find out more from Aidan Lucey here.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-l-7ba6b1275/

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

https://linktr.ee/commercialkitchenchronicles?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceRepair #RefrigerationTechnician #HVACRLife #SkilledTradesPodcast #BlueCollarTalk #TechTales #SkilledTradesMatter #TradeLife #FromIrelandToCanada #ImmigrantSuccessStory #GlobalTradesman #JourneymanLife #RedSealCertified #ApprenticeshipJourney #CareerInTrades #RackRefrigeration #CO2Refrigeration #TaylorIceCreamMachine #CommercialRefrigeration #ColdStorageTech #GroceryStoreMaintenance #TrainTheNextGen #TechInTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #TradesEducation #MentorInTrades