Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

Welcome back to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast.This episode is our official Year in Review, and it’s one of the most real conversations we’ve had all year. Pat Finley is joined by co-hosts Jason Latimer and Rich Ortega as we sit down to reflect on everything that went right, everything that went wrong, and everything we learned along the way.With no guest and no script, we dig into the reality of life in the commercial kitchen equipment repair and HVACR world — from running service companies and managing technicians, to burnout, growth, family, customers, and the hard decisions that shape a career in the trades.In this episode, we talk about:• Wins, losses, and lessons from the past year• Growing a service business and managing technicians• Customers, expectations, and when to fire accounts• Overtime, on-call life, and holiday service realities• Training the next generation of techs• CFESA, Top Tech Throwdown, and industry competitions• Trade shows, AHR Expo, and networking in the trades• Family life, work-life balance, and long-term goals• Why relationships matter more than revenue• What we’re changing — and what we’re doubling down on — next yearThis is a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to survive and thrive in the skilled trades. If you’re a commercial kitchen technician, HVACR tech, service manager, business owner, or someone thinking about getting into the industry, this episode will hit home.Whether you’re running calls, running a business, or just trying to figure out what’s next — you’re not alone.🐍 Episode Sponsor: Viper / Refrigeration TechnologiesThis episode is brought to you by Viper / Refrigeration Technologies — the tech-trusted brand behind industry staples like Nylog, Big Blu leak detector, Viper wet rags, and the chemicals and tools technicians rely on every single day.Built by techs, for techs, Viper products help you work cleaner, faster, and smarter in the field. If it’s on our trucks, there’s a reason.Learn more at Refrigeration Technologies and see why Viper continues to support the skilled trades and the technicians who keep kitchens running. 🐍🎧 Commercial Kitchen ChroniclesReal conversations. Real technicians. Real life in the trades.Refrigeration Technologieshttps://www.refrigtech.com/Commercial Kitchen Chronicleshttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/#CommercialKitchenChronicles#FoodserviceEquipmentRepair#HVACR#CommercialKitchen#KitchenEquipmentRepair#ServiceTechnician#SkilledTrades#BlueCollar#TradeLife#TechnicianLife#FieldService#ServiceIndustry#RefrigerationTech#HVACTech#HotSideColdSide#CFESA#TopTechThrowdown#TradeShows#AHRExpo#TechLife#WorkLifeBalance#YearInReview#TradesPodcast#IndustryTalk#SupportTheTrades#ViperTools#RefrigerationTechnologies 🐍

What does it really take to walk away from a 28-year corporate career and start over in the skilled trades?In this powerful episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast, host Pat Finley sits down with Corrie Phillips, a commercial foodservice refrigeration technician who made the leap from the corporate world into HVACR and never looked back.Corrie shares her raw, honest journey—from working behind a desk for nearly three decades to enrolling in technical school, taking a massive pay cut, and building a successful career in commercial refrigeration, warewashing, and kitchen equipment service. This conversation dives deep into what it’s really like to start over later in life, overcome imposter syndrome, and find purpose working with your hands in the trades.This episode is packed with insight for:Anyone stuck in an office job dreaming of a career changeNew and aspiring HVACR or foodservice equipment techniciansWomen considering a career in the skilled tradesTechnicians navigating self-doubt, learning curves, and long days in the fieldCorrie talks about learning the language of refrigeration, adapting to the chaos of commercial kitchens, building trust with customers, and why patience is one of the most important skills a technician can develop. She also shares how communication, customer service, and life experience can be just as valuable as technical knowledge.You’ll also hear why refrigeration “clicked” for her, how mentorship and asking questions accelerated her growth, and why the trades offer financial freedom, job security, and real fulfillment—at any age.Transitioning from a 28-year corporate career into HVACRWhat it’s like starting over in the trades later in lifeLearning refrigeration, warewashing, hot side, and bakery equipmentOvercoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a technicianWhy communication skills matter just as much as technical skillsThe reality of working inside busy commercial kitchensWomen in HVACR and foodservice equipment repairAdvice for anyone considering trade school or a career changeIf you’re not using Viper, you’re working too hard.Viper by Refrigeration Technologies is built for the exact messes we deal with every day in commercial kitchens. Viper cuts grease, cleans condenser coils, and melts the nastiest buildup off kitchen equipment. It’s food safe, powerful, and proven in the field by technicians who actually use it.Throw a bottle of Viper on the truck and make your next service call easier.Learn more at https://www.refrigtech.com/Follow Corrie on social media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coolergirl_corrie?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@coolergirl_corrie?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcIf this episode inspired you, share it with someone stuck behind a desk who needs to hear this story.Commercial Kitchen Chronicleshttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Welcome back to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast! Today’s guest is DJ Coblentz, the Lead Technical Trainer at Viega’s brand-new state-of-the-art Ohio facility. If you’ve ever pressed a fitting, installed MegaPress, fought with threaded gas pipe, or wondered what it’s like behind the scenes at Viega’s manufacturing and training center — THIS is the episode for you. DJ shares his journey from the field to the classroom, how Viega is reshaping the plumbing & mechanical trades, and why press technology continues taking over mechanical rooms and commercial jobsites everywhere. ⭐ What You’ll Learn in This Episode How DJ went from traditional plumbing work to becoming a lead trainer at Viega Behind-the-scenes insight on Viega’s new Ohio manufacturing + training hybrid facility Why press technology (Viega ProPress, MegaPress, copper press fittings) is dominating the industry How the trades provide financial freedom, career growth, and a lifelong skillset How training, apprenticeships, and vocational programs are reshaping the future of skilled trades Advice for young techs, plumbers, HVAC/R apprentices, and anyone entering the mechanical trades Why the branch connector, transition couplings, and MegaPress fittings are game-changing tools How Viega partners with contractors, students, supply houses, and trade schools 🏭 About Viega’s Brand-New Ohio Facility DJ walks us through: What Viega is now manufacturing in the U.S. (½”–1” copper 90s, couplings, repair couplings) Their upcoming MegaPress production line The unique catwalk tour that gives trainees a safe aerial view of real-time production Why U.S. manufacturing matters to the plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC/R trades How the facility is already impacting the local community and trade partners This is the only facility in the U.S. where manufacturing and training happen under one roof — and DJ gives us the inside scoop. DJ with Viega 🧰 DJ’s Favorite Viega Product You’ll love this part. DJ explains why the Viega Transition Coupling is one of the most underrated life-saving fittings in the industry — especially when dealing with old galvanized pipe, cast iron, copper, or PEX transitions in residential and commercial jobs. DJ with Viega 🧑‍🏫 Why Training Matters DJ breaks down: How Viega approaches modern technical training Why tradespeople benefit from both hands-on and virtual training (VTTs) Why humor, conversation, and real field talk create better learning environments How the trades can attract more young people and athletes with strong work ethics What keeps the trades fulfilling even when you leave fieldwork DJ with Viega 🚀 For Anyone Thinking About Joining the Trades DJ’s advice is clear: Try a ride-along Stay curious Invest in yourself The trades can change your life From buying a home to paying off college, raising a family, and building a meaningful career — DJ’s story is proof of the opportunity that lives in the plumbing & mechanical industries. DJ with Viega 📞 How to Sign Up for Viega Training You can learn more about in-person and virtual training by visiting: 👉 Viega.us (Find local reps, classes, and training centers) 👉 Ask your local supplier or Viega rep 👉 Join a Viega VTT (Virtual Tech Training) DJ with Viega ❓ Questions for the Audience Have you used Viega ProPress or MegaPress on gas lines, hydronics, refrigeration, or domestic water? What’s your favorite press-fitting time saver? Does your shop encourage training and apprenticeships? Have you visited a manufacturing facility like Viega’s before? What product or tool do you wish manufacturers would create next? Drop your answers in the comments — let’s talk shop. Check out their website for all their upcoming trainings and more!https://www.viega.us/en/homepage.htmlCommercial Kitchen Chronicleshttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

This week on Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat and Jason sit down with Rhydon Atzenhoffer — the Voice of Distribution, host of the HVAC R&D Podcast, and a guy who has lived HVAC life from the trenches to the top.Born and raised in his dad’s heating and air business in the mountains of North Carolina, Rhydon worked his way up from rough-in crews to sales, project management, and eventually wholesale distribution. Today he’s an Account Executive helping contractors build better businesses while still keeping the roots of the trade at the center of everything he does.In this episode we dig into:• Growing up in the trades, learning social intelligence from his dad, and what early field life taught him• What distribution really looks like behind the scenes• How contractors and distributors can build stronger relationships• The evolution of residential and light commercial systems — and why training matters more than ever• HVAC R&D’s five years of Shenanigans and how the show has impacted the trade community• Mental burnout, balancing passion projects, and staying motivated when life hits hard• The future of contractors, distribution, and the next five years of HVAC R&DYou’ll also hear stories about racing museums, bourbon collections, pallet-jack shenanigans, crawlspace confessions, Canadian fans, and why HVAC friendships hit different in this industry.And of course — a Viper ad read to kick things off, because the green stuff gets it done right the first time.Whether you're HVAC/R, foodservice repair, in distribution, or just love real trade-life conversations, this episode delivers laughs, lessons, and plenty of truth.Check it out — and support HVAC R&D, the #TradeCrew, and the people who keep this industry moving.Brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration TechnologiesLooking for the toughest chemicals in the game? Viper from Refrigeration Technologies has you covered. From coil cleaners to leak detection and everything in between, Viper products are designed by techs, for techs — built to handle the nastiest jobs without wrecking your equipment. If you want reliable performance, safer chemistry, and products that actually work the way they should, grab Viper and get after it.Rhydon Atzenhofferhttps://www.hvacrnd.com/Refrigeration Technologieshttps://www.refrigtech.com/Commercial Kitchen Chronicleshttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/#HVAC#HVACR#HVACTech#HVACLife#HVACPodcast#DistributionLife#TradeCrew#FoodserviceRepair#CommercialKitchenChronicles#CKC#HVACRandD#TradesPodcast#BlueCollarNation#SkilledTrades#MechanicalContractor#ServiceTech#TradeLife#ContractorLife#TechTalk#AHRExpo#HVACTactical#PodcastEpisode#HVACCommunity#HVACIndustry

In this powerhouse episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with industry legend John Bettiga—a man whose career spans automotive and marine mechanics, semi-hermetic compressor rebuilding, commercial/industrial/marine refrigeration, grocery rack systems, Whataburger facilities, building controls, kitchen design, and supporting 150+ technicians across 17 states.This is one of the most wide-ranging and knowledge-packed conversations ever recorded on CKC, and it’s loaded with real-world stories, technical insight, career lessons, and the evolution of the entire HVACR, refrigeration, hot-side equipment, and facility management landscape.John walks us through:• Starting as a teenage auto/marine mechanic• Jumping into semi-hermetic compressor rebuilds in the 70s/80s• Riding in a service truck, learning by fire, and being thrown at massive mechanical systems• Working grocery store rack refrigeration with HEB• Moving home and joining Whataburger as a refrigeration mechanic & electrician• Learning hot-side “by force”• Diving into electronics and board repair• Running a refurb depot for fryers, grills, coolers, and beverage equipment• Becoming a building engineer for an 80,000 sq ft headquarters• Managing major remodels, rebuilds, and design projects• Designing the kitchen layout Whataburger still uses today• Being an early adopter of building controls (CPC/Emerson E2, RS-485 networks, automation)• Supporting 150+ techs across 17 states with refrigeration, HVAC, and control-system troubleshootingFrom 120º ship engine rooms… to rack systems with 300 lbs of lost refrigerant… to fryer redesigns… to the rise of communication-enabled commercial equipment—John has seen it all, fixed it all, and helped shape modern foodservice facility design.If you’re into commercial kitchen repair, HVACR diagnostics, refrigeration systems, rack refrigeration, marine HVAC, building automation, hot-side equipment troubleshooting, facility innovation, EMS systems, commercial kitchen design, or technician development, this episode is a goldmine.John drops deep topics like:• How technicians should approach unfamiliar equipment• Why electronics changed everything• The truth about controls vs equipment failure• The biggest skill gaps in today’s tech workforce• Why ventilation is the silent killer of commercial kitchens• What separates a “good tech” from a high-level tech• How communication tech and remote troubleshooting are reshaping the trade• Why seeking training—on your own—is the ultimate career cheat codeAnd of course… some wild stories:• A grocery case explosion that launched a customer into her own shopping cart• 120º boiler rooms inside oil tankers• Construction crews building restaurants wrong and having to tear out walls• Old-school ice machines that diagnosed themselves• And plenty more…This episode is the perfect blend of trade history, tech wisdom, design philosophy, field troubleshooting, and real-world storytelling from one of the most well-rounded professionals in the industry.If you’re a technician, trainer, designer, engineer, or someone looking to grow in the foodservice equipment or HVACR world—this is a must-listen.Proudly brought to you by Viper from refrigeration Technologies“Hey Technicians! 👨‍🔧 👩‍🔧 Looking for products that were designed by technicians, for technicians? Look no further than Refrigeration Technologies. Their motto? Comfort through chemistry. From super-sensitive leak-detection solutions that catch the tiniest refrigerant escapes, to their Viper coil-cleaners that blast away grease and grime—even around food zones! Need rugged welding support, OEM-approved non-contaminating sealants, or full-suite HVAC/R chemical solutions? They’ve got you covered. So next job? Gear up with Refrigeration Technologies. and work smarter, safer, better. Visit https://www.refrigtech.com/ and level-up your service game. 💪🔧https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/