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.

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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.

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