Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

🔥Catching Up with David Jones – New Roles, New Perspectives! 🔥

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley and Jason Latimer welcome back David Jones, now serving as Director of Sales and Marketing. David shares how he’s handling the new responsibilities, expanding his team, and navigating time management challenges.

We also dive into his experiences attending recent industry shows, what he's learned, and how his insights compare to ours. From managing new ASA’s and installation work to collaborating with his growing team, David offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to excel in the sales and marketing world.

Plus, David talks about the importance of adapting to new roles while staying connected to what drives growth in the business. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, there’s plenty of wisdom to gain from his journey. And, of course, he promises to keep things shorter this time around—no record-breaking episode lengths! 🤣

🎧 Tune in for fresh insights, laughs, and plenty of great conversation!

This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley welcomes two rising stars in the HVACR social media scene — Matt and Sean, better known as the HVACR DADS 👨‍🔧👨‍🔧. These two techs are not just putting in the work in the field, they’re also using platforms like TikTok to showcase what life in the trades is really like — raw, real, and rewarding.

Matt and Sean share how they got started in the HVACR industry, the challenges they’ve faced balancing family life with life on the job, and what inspired them to begin documenting their journey online. Their mission? To spread awareness about the skilled trades, inspire the next generation of technicians, and build community through honest, uplifting content.

From funny worksite moments to serious discussions about mental health, mentorship, and career growth, this episode goes beyond the tools and tech. It’s a conversation about brotherhood, pride in your work, and using your voice to make a difference in the industry.

💥 Whether you're a veteran tech, a newbie in the field, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of foodservice and HVACR work, this one’s for you.

🔧 Brought to you by True Tech Tools

🎧 Catching Up with Bryan Sanders: Wins, Struggles, and Lessons in Foodservice Repair

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley reconnects with returning guest Bryan Sanders to dive into his journey after spending eight months in the foodservice equipment repair industry. Bryan, who previously worked in refrigeration, made the leap into this new field, and he's back to share what that experience has been like.

During this candid conversation, Bryan opens up about the highs, lows, and unexpected challenges he's faced while adjusting to the fast-paced world of foodservice repair. Whether you're an industry veteran, a tech exploring new opportunities, or just curious about what it takes to succeed in this trade, Bryan’s insights are packed with relatable moments and practical advice.

What you'll hear in this episode:

- Adapting to a new industry – Bryan shares his experience shifting from refrigeration to foodservice repair and the challenges that came with it.

- Wins on the job – Hear about the rewarding moments that have kept Bryan motivated and eager to grow.

- Challenges faced – From technical obstacles to customer interactions, Bryan reveals the tough moments he's worked through.

- Lessons learned – Discover Bryan’s key takeaways on what it takes to thrive as a technician in this evolving industry.

- Advice for new techs – Bryan encourages technicians to stay humble, ask questions, and embrace the learning process.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your skill set, Bryan’s journey is full of insights that will leave you inspired and motivated.

Hit play now and join the conversation!

🔧 Make Tough Jobs Easier with Viper!

🐍

You know what makes a tough job easier? 💪 Using products that actually work — and keep you safe too! ✅

🧼 Viper's coil cleaners are:

✅ Non-corrosive — gentle on equipment

🛡️ Non-toxic — safer for techs

⚙️ Easy to use — making your job a breeze!

💨 Work smarter, not harder — with Viper! 🐍🔥

In this episode, I'm live from the cafeteria at NAFEM with two special guests: Scott Westbrook and Andre Frenette from Alto-Shaam!

🌟 Alto-Shaam: A Family-Owned Legacy Founded in 1955 by Jerry Moss, Alto-Shaam has grown into a powerhouse in the foodservice industry. From their innovative heated holding cabinets to their industry-leading combi ovens, Alto-Shaam continues to push the envelope with cutting-edge equipment proudly made in America. Scott and Andre share insights into the company's family-oriented culture, their impressive training programs, and the exciting expansion happening at their Wisconsin headquarters.

🛠️ Masterclass Training at Alto-Shaam Learn why Alto-Shaam's hands-on Masterclass is a must for any technician looking to sharpen their skills. With 75% hands-on learning and experienced trainers like Sandor and regional service managers contributing real-world insights, this course sets techs up for success.

💡 Pro Tips for Technicians Scott and Andre discuss what Alto-Shaam expects from service providers:

• Thorough troubleshooting before calling tech support

• Communication and accountability in service calls

• Taking advantage of the extensive resources available on Alto-Shaam's website, including service manuals and training videos

👉 Bonus Content: The guys share stories from the field, including memorable installs, creative solutions, and the importance of proper communication in the industry.

🍽️ Plus, hear about  Charlie the Butcher in Buffalo, NY! That beef was amazing!

This episode is packed with valuable insights, technician tips, and plenty of laughs. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the world of Alto-Shaam with two industry pros!

🎙️ Catching Up: Trade Shows, Growing Pains & Big News! 🚀

The crew is back together for a much-needed catch-up session! In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we dive into the latest happenings in our world—from recent trade show experiences to the growing pains of expansion, and some big news you won’t want to miss.

🔹 Trade Shows – The latest insights from the industry floor🔹 Growing Pains – What it takes to keep moving forward🔹 Big News – A major update that will shake things up!

We also give a huge shout-out to True Tech Tools, our go-to source for top-quality HVACR tools. If you’re serious about getting the job done right, check them out at trutechtools.com.

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

Join us for this raw, unfiltered conversation as we share our experiences, challenges, and what’s ahead for Commercial Kitchen Chronicles.

🎧 Listen now and stay in the loop!

Check out Trutech Tools and let them know you heard about them from us!