In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley and co-host Jason Latimer are joined by Stuart Reiman, senior technician and field supervisor at Hagar Restaurant Service in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

With over 13 years of experience in the foodservice equipment industry, Stuart shares his incredible journey from managing Tulsa’s longest-running hip-hop and R&B club to becoming a respected leader in commercial kitchen repair and training. We dive deep into:

🔧 His early days as a helper and rapid rise to senior tech
🎥 His passion for POV repair videos and growing presence as Kitchen Cowboy on social media
🔥 Building hands-on training boards that shoot real fire (yes, really!)
💡 His thoughts on training the next generation of techs
🤖 The rise of automation in foodservice and what excites (or frustrates) him
🛠️ The tools he can’t live without—and how Milwaukee Tools won him over
🎯 Why communication is just as important as technical skills in the field
📚 How self-education and initiative have been key to his success

Whether you're a seasoned tech or just considering the trades, Stuart's story is packed with valuable lessons, laughs, and inspiration.

📲 Follow Stuart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchencowboy918/
📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@kitchen_cowboy?si=NtkeYbOqzWWxx8BX

Brought to you by Viper 🐍 from Refrigeration technologies.

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Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

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In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Michael Plezia to explore his unconventional journey into the trades. From dropping out of high school and working in retail and foodservice, to discovering a passion for HVAC, plumbing, and commercial kitchen equipment repair, Mike opens up about what led him to his current role as a Hobart Service technician.

🛠️ We talk career pivots in your 30s, the challenges of starting over, and how hands-on training, mentorship, and curiosity fueled his success. Now working on everything from flight dish machines to rack ovens and mixers, Mike shares what makes the foodservice repair industry such a hidden gem.

💡 Whether you're a tech in training, someone looking to switch careers, or a fan of real stories from the field, this episode is full of hard-won lessons and encouragement to keep pushing forward.

🎯 Topics Covered:
✅ How Mike found purpose in the trades
✅ Hobart training, support, and career growth
✅ Diagnosing commercial appliances (mixers, dish machines, ovens)
✅ Why water quality matters in foodservice repair
✅ How the trades provide direction, community, and a career to be proud of

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by a story of resilience, reinvention, and real-world repair.

This episode is brought to you by TruTech Tools

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 https://trutechtools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!

Mike Plaza on YouTube

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

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#CommercialKitchenRepair
#FoodserviceEquipment
#HVACR
#SkilledTrades
#TradeCareers
#CommercialAppliances
#DishMachineRepair
#HobartTech
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#WaterQualityMatters
#LearnTheTrades
#TradeMentorship
#RealWorldSkills
#DontQuit

🎙️35 Years in the Game: Rusty Parke's Legacy in Foodservice Equipment Repair

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley reconnects with a true mentor and industry legend — Rusty Parke, who has been grinding in the foodservice equipment repair industry for over 35 years. From crawling in attics at age 12 to helping shape companies and careers, Rusty’s story is a blueprint for resilience and growth in the trades.

We trace his journey from the early GCS days, where he hired Pat and countless other techs, to his pivotal roles in launching a foodservice repair sector at SafeCare and later joining Vanco, where he played a key role in building and expanding their operations.

🔧 This one’s packed with real-world wisdom and career-defining lessons.

Rusty opens up about:

• His early start in the trades and being mentored by old-school techs

• Transitioning from the field to leadership and mentoring roles

• The strategy and challenges behind building SafeCare’s foodservice division from the ground up

• Helping Vanco grow into a respected name in the service game

• What’s changed — and what still matters most — in technician culture

• Why developing the next generation of techs is the legacy he’s proudest of

💡 With insights on career longevity, mentorship, and industry evolution, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about the foodservice repair industry.

🚀 Sponsored by TrueTechTools.com — trusted HVACR and service tools for pros who get the job done right.

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://trutechtools.com/

Rusty Parke on LinkedIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rusty-parke-14670b32/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#foodserviceequipmentrepair #commercialkitchenservice #technicianmentorship #SafeCare #Vanco #HVACRcareer #skilledtradespodcast #RustyParke #PatFinley #CommercialKitchenChronicles #foodservicetechnician #techniciansuccessstory #TrueTechTools #tradescareerjourney #foodserviceindustry #buildthetrades #serviceindustryleaders #repairtechnicianlife #toolsofthetrade #technicianlegacy

In this inspiring episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we're stepping out of the kitchen and into the world of HVAC! Pat is joined by special guest co-host Megan McIntosh from Mechanical Environments, and together they welcome rising TikTok star and HVAC advocate Katey, better known as HVACGirlie.

From bartending in a resort town to rocking rooftops and running calls, Katey shares her honest and empowering journey into the skilled trades. She talks about the moment HVAC clicked, overcoming self-doubt, finding her passion, and using social media to inspire more women to join the field. Megan and Pat add insights from their own paths, discussing education, trade schools, workplace dynamics, and the power of finding the right company culture.

Whether you’re a young tech, a woman considering the trades, or just love a great career-change story, this episode is a must-listen!

🔧 Topics Covered:

• Katey’s leap from hospitality to HVAC

• Trade school vs. on-the-job training

• Women in the skilled trades

• How to inspire the next generation of technicians

• The good, the bad, and the awkward of HVAC TikTok

• Advice for starting your own service business

👉 Follow Katey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kateymerty?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
🎧 Tune in and subscribe to hear stories that celebrate the people who keep our systems running and our industry thriving.

Brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies

Ever wonder what makes Viper different? It’s not just coil cleaning products—it’s chemistry you can trust, created by a tech, for techs. With over 35 years in the industry, Viper helps keep HVACR systems in top shape.
https://www.refrigtech.com

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#HVACLife #WomenInTrades #HVACTikTok #HVACTechnician #SkilledTrades #CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACGirlie #WomenInHVAC #HVACCommunity #TradeSchool #BlueCollarPride #MechanicalEnvironments #FieldTechLife #FromBartenderToTech #InspiringTechnicians #SkilledTradesMatter #TechCareerPath #HVACPodcast #SupportSkilledTrades #HVACR

🎙️ From Fast Food to Foodservice Pro: Josh Austin’s Journey in HVACR & Refrigeration

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley sits down with rising HVACR technician Josh Austin—aka @JoshDaBoss on TikTok—for a raw and inspiring conversation about his transition from flipping burgers to fixing walk-ins and RTUs.

Josh shares how he stumbled into the trades, his grind through installs in scorching Texas attics, and how he leveled up into service and refrigeration work. From tackling defrost clocks to diving into Rational combi ovens, Josh is on a mission to become a fully skilled combo tech—and he’s bringing others along for the ride.

💡 Topics covered:

• Josh’s leap from fast food to HVAC installs

• Getting thrown into refrigeration—trial by fire

• His love for walk-ins and rooftop units

• The power of curiosity and staying a student of the trade

• Hot side goals, CFESA certs, and chasing knowledge

• Building community through TikTok and being real with the next generation

If you’re looking for motivation, laughs, and a look at what it takes to rise in this industry, this is one you don’t want to miss.

📲 Follow Josh: [@JoshDaBoss on TikTok]

https://www.tiktok.com/@joshaustin123?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
🎧 Tune in, share, and help us build the foodservice repair industry—one story at a time.

This episode was 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!

Visit our website to learn more about Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#HVACR

#RefrigerationTech

#FoodserviceRepair

#TradeLife

#SkilledTrades

#BlueCollarPride

#FixItRight

#ServiceTech

#FieldServiceLife

#CommercialKitchenTech

#FromFastFoodToTrades

#HVACJourney

#ApprenticeToTech

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#TradesOfTikTok

#TechTok

#TikTokTech

#TechContent

#HVACTikTok

#RefrigerationTikTok

#JoshDaBoss

#CommercialKitchenChronicles

🔥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!

Brought to you by the team at 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!

Visit the website to stay up to date!

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#Podcast #FoodserviceRepair #CommercialKitchenChronicles #SalesAndMarketing #DavidJones

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

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 https://trutechtools.com- Quality Tools - Essential Support!

📲 Follow the HVACR DADS on TikTok and join the movement to elevate the trades!

https://www.tiktok.com/@hvacr_dads?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Check out our website at commercialkitchenchronicles.com where you can find all our podcast episodes, guest info, industry resources, and more! Whether you're a tech, a trainer, or just curious about the foodservice repair world, it's your go-to hub for everything Commercial Kitchen Chronicles. 👨‍🍳🔧🎙️

#HVACR #FoodserviceRepair #SkilledTrades #HVACTech #Refrigeration #HotSideTech #BlueCollarProud #MechanicalLife #TechLife #FixItRight #HVACRDads #WorkingDads #FamilyAndTrades #DadLife #TradesOfTikTok #SupportTheTrades #TradeLife #HVACCommunity #TechsSupportingTechs #RiseOfTheTrades #CommercialKitchenChronicles #TradesPodcast #HVACPodcast #PodcastForTechs

🎧 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!

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https://www.refrigtech.com/

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Find Bryan here

https://www.instagram.com/304_hvacr_?igsh=dGV5bWd4cWdtemR0

#FoodserviceRepair #CommercialKitchenChronicles #TechLife #HVACR #KitchenEquipment #FoodserviceIndustry