🎙️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!

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Rusty Parke on LinkedIN

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

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com

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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.

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Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

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🎙️ 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/

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#RefrigerationTech

#FoodserviceRepair

#TradeLife

#SkilledTrades

#BlueCollarPride

#FixItRight

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#CommercialKitchenTech

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#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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Find Bryan here

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

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

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!

https://www.alto-shaam.com/en

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

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #AltoShaam #MadeInAmerica #HVACR #TrueTechTools

🎙️ 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!

⁠https://trutechtools.com⁠

Visit our website

⁠https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com