Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

What if the kid who barely made it through high school…ended up working on rack refrigeration systems, cascade units, and even equipment supporting F-15 fighter jets?Yeah… that’s this episode.On this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, I sit down with Mike Folta—a technician with 16 years of real-world experience in commercial HVACR and foodservice equipment repair who proves you don’t need a perfect start to build a serious career in the skilled trades.Mike’s story isn’t polished.It’s not textbook.And it definitely isn’t what most people think success looks like.He walked the graduation stage… and still had to go back to summer school.No formal trade school.No institutional training.And now?He’s:CFESA certified (multiple times)Working toward Master CertificationA former Subject Matter Advisor for Interplay LearningExperienced in everything from commercial kitchen equipment to rack systems, cascade refrigeration, and advanced testing equipment most techs will never touchSo here’s the real question…👉 Do you actually need trade school to succeed in HVACR and foodservice repair… or are we lying to the next generation?We get into:The truth about learning in the trades without formal trainingWhat separates average techs from elite onesRack systems and cascade systems (and why they intimidate so many techs)The reality of leveling up in commercial HVAC and refrigerationHow this industry can completely change your life—if you let itThis episode is for:✔️ New techs trying to figure it out✔️ Experienced techs stuck in a rut✔️ Anyone thinking about getting into HVACR or commercial kitchen repair✔️ Anyone who’s ever been told they weren’t “cut out” for success💥 If you’ve ever doubted yourself… this one’s going to hit.This episode is brought to you by the Viper crew over at Refrigeration Technologies—the same products a lot of us are using every single day in the field.From coil cleaners and ice machine cleaners to Big Blu and Nylog, their stuff is built for real techs doing real work. NSF rated, jobsite proven, and it flat out gets it done.If you’re not running Viper in your van yet… you might be making your life harder than it needs to be.https://www.refrigtech.com/What do you think?Do you NEED trade school to succeed in HVACR…or is experience the real teacher?👇 Drop your take, share this episode with another tech, and let’s get the conversation going.Mike Foltahttps://www.tiktok.com/@kades_cardshttps://www.instagram.com/kades_cards490/?hl=enCheck out the latest on our websitehttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

In this special in-person episode of the Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, recorded at the headquarters of Parts Town, I finally caught up with John Warpinski, the Senior Director of Customer Partnerships – HVAC at Parts Town.John brings a deep background in the HVAC industry, and in this conversation we dive into his journey through the trades before stepping into his leadership role at Parts Town. From the field to the business side of the industry, John shares the experiences that shaped his perspective on HVAC service, technician support, and building stronger partnerships across the trades.We break down what Parts Town is doing for the HVAC community, how they’re supporting contractors and service technicians, and why their approach to OEM parts distribution, supply chain logistics, and technician support is making a real impact in the field. If you’ve ever wondered how a company like Parts Town works behind the scenes to keep restaurants, commercial kitchens, and facilities running, this episode pulls back the curtain.John also shares real-world stories about how fast parts availability, strong manufacturer relationships, and industry partnerships help technicians solve problems faster and take better care of their customers. From emergency repairs to keeping mission-critical equipment running, the discussion highlights how the HVACR and foodservice equipment repair industries rely on strong collaboration between technicians, manufacturers, and suppliers.This episode is packed with insights on:The evolution of the HVAC and HVACR service industryHow Parts Town supports technicians and contractorsThe importance of OEM replacement parts and fast parts distributionBuilding partnerships that strengthen the skilled trades communitySupporting technicians who keep commercial kitchens and facilities operationalIf you’re a service technician, HVAC contractor, refrigeration tech, or foodservice equipment professional, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the right partnerships and resources can make your job easier in the field.At Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, our mission is to shine a spotlight on the technicians, innovators, and industry leaders who keep the equipment running and the industry moving forward.🎧 Listen in as we sit down with John Warpinski at Parts Town and talk about the future of HVAC, technician support, and the partnerships that power the industry.https://www.partstown.com/Commercial Kitchen Chronicleshttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

In this episode of the Commercial Kitchen Chronicles podcast, Pat Finley and Rich Ortega sit down with Matt Golden and Megan McIntosh from Mechanical Environments to talk about one of the most specialized corners of the mechanical industry — HVAC systems for cannabis cultivation facilities.Grow operations are a completely different animal when it comes to mechanical systems. Temperature, humidity, airflow, and environmental stability are not just about comfort. They directly impact plant health, yield, and profitability. One wrong variable can cost a grower serious money.Matt and Megan walk us through what it takes to design, install, and service HVAC systems in controlled environment agriculture. From dehumidification strategies and airflow management to the challenges of scaling mechanical solutions for cannabis facilities, this conversation dives deep into a niche that is rapidly growing across the HVAC and mechanical contracting world.Megan also shares her journey in the trades after being named Lady of the Trades at the HVAC Tactical Awards, and what it takes to earn credibility in a highly technical and demanding sector of the industry.This episode is packed with real-world insights for HVAC technicians, mechanical contractors, and anyone interested in specialized HVAC design, controlled environment agriculture, and building a niche in the trades.And a big thank you to Viper from Refrigeration Technologies for supporting the show. Whether you're maintaining commercial kitchen equipment, servicing refrigeration systems, or working in precision climate environments, Viper products are built for technicians who demand reliability. From Nylog sealants to coil cleaners and system maintenance products, they help keep systems operating the way they should in the field.https://www.refrigtech.com/If you're looking to level up your HVAC knowledge, understand the business of specialized mechanical contracting, or explore how controlled environment systems are shaping the future of the trade, this is an episode you don't want to miss.https://mechanicalenvironments.com/https://linktr.ee/mechanicalenvironments?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=1094bdd6-5840-4b62-a509-b416beb05d92https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

What does it really mean to become who you’re meant to be?In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Josh Zolin — CEO of Windy City Equipment, author of Blue is the New White, and a powerful voice for leadership, responsibility, and purpose in the skilled trades.Josh started as a technician working alongside his dad, building a service company from the ground up. Today he leads an 8-figure, multi-market commercial service organization — but this conversation goes far deeper than business growth.We talk about identity.We talk about meaning.We talk about why so many talented people in the trades never step fully into who they’re capable of becoming.If you work in HVAC, refrigeration, foodservice equipment repair, or any blue collar industry, this episode challenges how you define success.We break down:• Why the traditional “white collar” definition of success is broken• How skilled trades build discipline, character, and leadership• What separates technicians who plateau from those who level up• Why responsibility creates confidence and meaning• Leadership under pressure in the field• How to stop playing small in your careerJosh reframes the skilled trades not as a backup plan — but as a path to ownership, impact, and self-respect.And speaking of doing things the right way…If you’re out in commercial kitchens, HVAC systems, or refrigeration equipment every day, you already know the difference between cutting corners and doing professional work. That’s why Viper from Refrigeration Technologies supports this show. Their coil cleaners and maintenance products are built for real technicians — non-corrosive, technician-safe, and designed to protect the very systems you’re responsible for keeping alive. When you take pride in your craft, the products on your truck should reflect that.https://www.refrigtech.com/So here’s the challenge:Are you building a career… or are you building yourself?Are you waiting for someone to promote you into leadership — or are you developing the habits of a leader right now?If you’re a technician trying to grow…A service manager building a stronger team…An HVAC or foodservice equipment business owner developing culture…Or someone who feels like they’re meant for more…This episode is for you.Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.Share this episode with your crew.Tag someone in the trades who needs to hear this conversation.And ask yourself — are you becoming who you’re meant to be?Learn more about Josh here https://joshzolin.com/Catch up with the show herehttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

What happens when a second-generation HVAC technician refuses to follow the “sales first” model and instead builds a company around education, integrity, and preventative maintenance done right?In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down live with Dominic Furnback of Elite Service Group to break down what it really means to build a service business the right way in today’s HVAC and commercial refrigeration industry.From rack refrigeration in supermarkets to light commercial HVAC, residential service, and launching his own company in New Jersey, Dominic shares the raw story of what it takes to walk away from union work, rediscover your passion for the trade, and bet on yourself.This conversation dives deep into:• The difference between real preventative maintenance and “loss leader” PMs• Why $55 tune-ups are hurting the HVAC industry• Private equity in home services — and what it means for technicians and customers• Educating customers instead of pushing sales• Building trust in commercial kitchens and light commercial HVAC• Word-of-mouth growth vs paid marketing• What facilities managers actually look for in service providers• Why integrity and craftsmanship still winIf you’re a technician, service manager, business owner, or facilities professional, this episode hits on something bigger than just fixing equipment. It’s about protecting the reputation of the trades, raising the next generation of techs, and making sure the industry is left better than we found it.Dominic also shares insights from launching the Elite Service Group Unfiltered Podcast, where he focuses on customer education in HVAC, refrigeration service, and commercial maintenance strategy.This is an honest, no-fluff conversation about:Commercial HVACRack refrigerationResidential vs commercial servicePreventative maintenance pricingFacilities managementPrivate equity in HVACService integrityBuilding an HVAC company from scratchTechnician development and leadershipIf you believe in doing the job right the first time…If you’re tired of sales-first service models…If you want to build something that lasts…This one’s for you.And as always — if you’re working in commercial kitchens, grease is everywhere, especially in coils. That’s where Viper Coil Cleaner from Refrigeration Technologies comes in. Non-corrosive, technician-safe formulas that cut through buildup without destroying the equipment you’re trying to protect. No harsh acids. No unnecessary risk. Just systems that run the way they should. Make sure Viper is on your truck.https://www.refrigtech.com/Subscribe. Share. Leave a review.Let’s keep elevating the trades.Dominic Furnback and Elite Service Grouphttps://www.youtube.com/@EliteServiceGroupHVAChttps://www.facebook.com/eliteservicegroupnj/https://www.instagram.com/elite_service_group?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://www.tiktok.com/@elite.service.group?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZMNu_gIf9CGLZVrcS_2RG7Kb4uSo0tefOcAqT9JXuqDKbidljDtprlwHG_s_aem_AppEqpjPUOtlDFbKJyYI-QCheck out the website to stay up to date on everything going on with Commercial kitchen Chronicles.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/