In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Stephen Smith, the force behind the Everything HVACR YouTube channel and a seasoned technician with over 20 years in the trade. From commercial installs to becoming a field support manager at KCC Manufacturing, Stephen has seen it all—and he’s not done yet.

We dive deep into:

• His journey through the skilled trades and HVACR industry

• The importance of mentorship and continuous learning

• Why he started his YouTube channel and how it’s helping the next generation of techs

• What “leaving it better than you found it” means in today’s workplace

• The real talk technicians need to hear

Stephen opens up about the value of discipline, pride in workmanship, and the power of sharing knowledge through content creation.

🔥 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just entering the industry, this episode delivers wisdom, motivation, and a few laughs along the way.

🔥 Pro Tip for Commercial Kitchen Pros! 🔥
Brought to you by our friends at Viper HVAC Cleaners — when it comes to keeping your commercial kitchen equipment running at peak performance, clean coils and evaporators are non-negotiable.
That’s where Viper’s NSF-registered cleaning products come in! 🧼
They're safe, powerful, and specifically designed to tackle the grease and grime found in busy foodservice environments. Keep your refrigeration and HVAC systems efficient, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime.
👉 Trust Viper — the name the industry relies on for professional-grade kitchen system maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Check out Stephen here

https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingHVACR

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#EverythingHVACR #StephenSmith #HVACRPodcast #CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACLife #SkilledTrades #TradeTalk #HVACTechnician #HVACTips #FieldSupport #YouTubeHVAC #TechTalk #LeaveItBetter #ToolTalk #HVACTraining #HVACMentor #HVACCommunity #HVACYouTube #SkilledTradesMatter #HandsOnLearning

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we’re joined by none other than Chris Stephens, the force behind the massively popular HVACR Videos channel. 🎥 From dissecting complex refrigeration issues to being a voice of honesty and transparency in the skilled trades, Chris has become one of the most respected names in the industry.

Host Pat Finley sits down with Chris for a real and raw conversation about:

• The origin and purpose of the HVACR Videos channel

• What it means to lead with vulnerability and integrity online

• The burnout struggles and how to manage the pressures of running a service business

• Training the next generation and why showing the process (not just the polished outcome) matters

• And how we can all help reshape the public perception of skilled trades

Whether you’re a new tech, a seasoned veteran, or just HVACR-curious, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

🔧 Guest:
Chris Stephens
Owner of a California-based HVACR company | Creator of HVACR Videos on YouTube
📺 youtube.com/@hvacrvideos

🧼 Sponsored by:
Viper from Refrigeration Technologies – Clean coils & evaporators the safe, effective, NSF-certified.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

📲 Follow & Subscribe:
Catch more interviews, repairs, and behind-the-scenes from the foodservice repair world by subscribing to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on YouTube, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#HVACR #HVACVideos #CommercialKitchenRepair #FoodserviceRepair #RefrigerationRepair #RestaurantHVAC #HVACTech #TradesTalk #ServiceTechnician #SkilledTrades #HVACLife #HVACTips #RepairLife #YouTubeTrades #TechInterviews #HVACInspiration #HVACTools #HVACBusiness #RealTalkHVAC #CommercialKitchenChronicles

From Farming to Freon: The Refrigeration Journey of Jeremiah Johnson 🚛❄️

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Montana-based refrigeration pro Jeremiah Johnson, who shares his inspiring journey from residential HVAC and construction framing to running his own refrigeration business in rural Montana. 🇺🇸

🔥 Jeremiah talks about:

• How the 2009 housing crash led him to HVAC school at 30

• Making the leap from residential HVAC to commercial refrigeration

• Life in the trades: working 7 days a week and loving it

• Supporting small-town grocery stores, restaurants, and dairies

• Tackling walk-in freezers, ice machines, mini splits, and even R290 refrigeration

• The independence (and challenges) of being a one-man operation

• Getting his daughters involved in the trades 👧🛠️

• His love for hunting, BBQ, and quality tools (Testo, Fieldpiece, and more)

Whether you're a seasoned tech, an apprentice, or just curious about starting your own refrigeration business, this is a must-listen!

Brought to you by Viper 🐍 from Refrigeration Technologies

🔥 Pro Tip for Commercial Kitchen Pros! 🔥
Brought to you by our friends at Viper HVAC Cleaners — when it comes to keeping your commercial kitchen equipment running at peak performance, clean coils and evaporators are non-negotiable.
That’s where Viper’s NSF-registered cleaning products come in! 🧼
They're safe, powerful, and specifically designed to tackle the grease and grime found in busy foodservice environments. Keep your refrigeration and HVAC systems efficient, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime.
👉 Trust Viper — the name the industry relies on for professional-grade kitchen system maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com

Check out all things Commercial Kitchen Chronicles related.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#commercialrefrigeration #HVACpodcast #foodserviceequipmentrepair #R290refrigeration #refrigerationtechnician #commercialkitchenequipment #icemachinemaintenance #walkinfreezerrepair #HVACtools #Testo550s #Fieldpieceprobes #onemanHVACbusiness #commercialkitchenpodcast #technicianstories #HVACstartup #smallbusinessHVAC #Montanatradesman #refrigerationjourney

In this icy-cool episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Stephanie Wall from True Refrigerationto dive into the cutting-edge world of True Ice Machines. From R290 refrigerant and antimicrobial plastics to advanced Time-of-Flight sensors and near-instant harvest cycles, Stephanie reveals how True has engineered a smarter, more efficient, and technician-friendly ice machine that’s ready to dominate the market.

We cover:
🧊 Why ice is food — and how True keeps it clean
⚙️ Service-friendly features that techs will love
🌡️ Performance in extreme ambient temps (35°F–110°F)
⚡ Up to 37% better than Energy Star standards
📉 How some chains could save $2.3M/year in energy bills
🔧 Real-world install results — including surviving 118°F Vegas heat!

Plus, we talk TrueZone ozone sanitation, built-in filtration tracking, warranty coverage, and how True is investing in hands-on technician training across the country.

🎧 Whether you’re in service, sales, or just an ice nerd like Pat, this episode delivers.

Huge shout out to https://trutechtools.com/ for partnering with us.

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!

https://www.truemfg.com/true-ice/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#TrueIce #TrueRefrigeration #CommercialIceMachine #CommercialKitchenRepair #IceMachineTech #FoodserviceEquipment #R290Refrigerant #HVACRPodcast #KitchenInnovation #TechnicianTools #SmartIceMachine #IceIsFood #CommercialKitchenChronicles

🎙️ Episode Title: "20 Years, 2 Countries, 1 Tech: Aidan Lucey's Journey Through the Trades"

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with refrigeration pro Aidan Lucey, whose 20-year journey in the trade spans two continents. From humble beginnings in Ireland installing 80 mini splits, to chasing down leaks in Canadian grocery stores, Aidan shares how a twist of fate steered him into the trades—and how that decision shaped his life and career.

We talk shop on everything from chillers, beer lines, and Taylor ice cream machines to CO₂ rack systems and critical grocery store service calls in -55°C temps (yes, you read that right ❄️). Aidan opens up about the challenges of immigrating and recertifying as a tech in Canada, his passion for the trade, and even how a frozen yogurt machine led him to his future wife.

Whether you're a seasoned tech or just considering the trades, Aidan’s story is a reminder that opportunity is everywhere—and that sometimes the best careers start by accident.

🛠️ Tune in for:

• Racking systems and CO₂ insights

• Field stories from rural service calls

• Advice for aspiring techs and international workers

• A whole lot of laughs and real-world wisdom

🚨 Don’t miss this one—hit play and let’s get into it!

🎙️ This episode is powered by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies! 🐍

Here’s a pro tip from our friends at Viper:
In commercial kitchens, clean coils and evaporators aren’t optional — they’re essential. That’s why the pros reach for Viper’s NSF-registered cleaners. 💪

✅ Safe
✅ Effective
✅ Formulated specifically for foodservice environments

Keep your systems running cool, clean, and compliant — Viper’s got your back!

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Find out more from Aidan Lucey here.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-l-7ba6b1275/

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

https://linktr.ee/commercialkitchenchronicles?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceRepair #RefrigerationTechnician #HVACRLife #SkilledTradesPodcast #BlueCollarTalk #TechTales #SkilledTradesMatter #TradeLife #FromIrelandToCanada #ImmigrantSuccessStory #GlobalTradesman #JourneymanLife #RedSealCertified #ApprenticeshipJourney #CareerInTrades #RackRefrigeration #CO2Refrigeration #TaylorIceCreamMachine #CommercialRefrigeration #ColdStorageTech #GroceryStoreMaintenance #TrainTheNextGen #TechInTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #TradesEducation #MentorInTrades

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Seth Hiler, Technical Trainer at Viega, to explore how Viega is reshaping plumbing and mechanical training across North America.

From the oilfield and coal mines to Colorado State University and now the classroom, Seth brings real-world experience into Viega’s hands-on, technician-driven programs.

🎯 What we cover:

• The evolution and impact of Viega’s press technology

• Viega's national training centers and upcoming Ohio facility

• How Viega supports plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC pros, and apprentices

• The role of V-TEN (Viega Trades Education Network) in workforce development

• Press fitting do’s and don’ts for safe, reliable installs

• Virtual training, code compliance, and industry outreach

If you're passionate about training, tools, and building up the next generation of skilled trades, this one’s for you. This conversation is only available in podcast format — don’t miss it!

Check out Viega

https://www.viega.us/en/homepage.html

Brought to you by https://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!

📲 Subscribe and follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on your favorite platform. 🌐 https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#Viega #SkilledTrades #PlumbingTraining #MechanicalTrades #PressFittings #HVACR #ViegaTraining #TradeSchool #Apprenticeship #CommercialKitchenChronicles #ToolTalk #BlueCollarCareers

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Bryan O’Hern, owner/operator of Coyle Appliance Repair based in the South Metro area of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Bryan shares his incredible path from aviation mechanic to commercial kitchen lone wolf. After starting in aircraft maintenance, 9/11 changed everything—forcing a pivot that eventually led him into the foodservice repair world. From a stint at Hobart to owning and growing his own shop, Bryan unpacks the highs and lows of building a business, the power of knowing when to scale back, and what it's like working side-by-side with his wife. He also shares his thoughts on refrigeration, the new tech True ice machines, solo operations, burnout, managing people, and why schools, churches, and nursing homes are his ideal customers.

👉 Whether you're a tech looking to go out on your own or a shop owner contemplating growth vs. simplicity, this episode is packed with real talk, lessons learned, and a few good laughs.

🎧 Tune in for insights on:

• Transitioning from hot-side to refrigeration

• The grind and freedom of self-employment

• Customer filtering and knowing your worth

• Working with your spouse (yes, really!)

• Ice machine madness, warranty wars, and keeping your sanity

  
  

  This episode brought to you by https://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!

  
  

  Check out Bryan on Reddit

  https://www.reddit.com/r/RestEquipmentRepair/

  
  

  Check out

  https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

  
  

  Huge shout out to the crew at CFESA. You all came in clutch this week. To find out all about what CFESA has to offer for the Foodservice Repair Industry, visit https://cfesa.com

  
  

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