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
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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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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.

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