What happens when a second-generation HVAC technician refuses to follow the “sales first” model and instead builds a company around education, integrity, and preventative maintenance done right?

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down live with Dominic Furnback of Elite Service Group to break down what it really means to build a service business the right way in today’s HVAC and commercial refrigeration industry.

From rack refrigeration in supermarkets to light commercial HVAC, residential service, and launching his own company in New Jersey, Dominic shares the raw story of what it takes to walk away from union work, rediscover your passion for the trade, and bet on yourself.

This conversation dives deep into:

• The difference between real preventative maintenance and “loss leader” PMs
• Why $55 tune-ups are hurting the HVAC industry
• Private equity in home services — and what it means for technicians and customers
• Educating customers instead of pushing sales
• Building trust in commercial kitchens and light commercial HVAC
• Word-of-mouth growth vs paid marketing
• What facilities managers actually look for in service providers
• Why integrity and craftsmanship still win

If you’re a technician, service manager, business owner, or facilities professional, this episode hits on something bigger than just fixing equipment. It’s about protecting the reputation of the trades, raising the next generation of techs, and making sure the industry is left better than we found it.

Dominic also shares insights from launching the Elite Service Group Unfiltered Podcast, where he focuses on customer education in HVAC, refrigeration service, and commercial maintenance strategy.

This is an honest, no-fluff conversation about:

Commercial HVAC
Rack refrigeration
Residential vs commercial service
Preventative maintenance pricing
Facilities management
Private equity in HVAC
Service integrity
Building an HVAC company from scratch
Technician development and leadership

If you believe in doing the job right the first time…
If you’re tired of sales-first service models…
If you want to build something that lasts…

This one’s for you.

And as always — if you’re working in commercial kitchens, grease is everywhere, especially in coils. That’s where Viper Coil Cleaner from Refrigeration Technologies comes in. Non-corrosive, technician-safe formulas that cut through buildup without destroying the equipment you’re trying to protect. No harsh acids. No unnecessary risk. Just systems that run the way they should. Make sure Viper is on your truck.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

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Let’s keep elevating the trades.

Dominic Furnback and Elite Service Group

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

https://www.facebook.com/eliteservicegroupnj/

https://www.instagram.com/elite_service_group?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://www.tiktok.com/@elite.service.group?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZMNu_gIf9CGLZVrcS_2RG7Kb4uSo0tefOcAqT9JXuqDKbidljDtprlwHG_s_aem_AppEqpjPUOtlDFbKJyYI-Q

Check out the website to stay up to date on everything going on with Commercial kitchen Chronicles.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we’re coming to you live from the AHR Expo Podcast Pavilion with a deep dive into one of the most talked-about topics in HVAC and refrigeration right now — ACR press fittings.

I sat down with Jessica Slaughter from RLS Rapid Locking Systems to talk about how copper press technology is changing the way contractors approach commercial HVAC installs, refrigeration repairs, VRF systems, and even foodservice equipment work. From hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities to stadium projects and walk-in coolers, flame-free connections are quickly becoming a competitive advantage.

We break down the real-world differences between brazing and pressing, why proper pipe prep matters, and how installer error — not the fitting — is usually the root cause of leaks. We also talk about A2L refrigerants, labor shortages in the skilled trades, insurance savings tied to flame-free installs, and how press tools can help contractors complete jobs faster without sacrificing reliability.

Jessica shares insight into how RLS manufactures their ACR press fittings in St. Louis, Missouri, the engineering behind their 700 PSI listings (and burst tests well beyond that), and how the company has grown globally with over 20 million fittings in the field. We also discuss close-quarter press jaws for tight equipment rooms, tool compatibility with major press platforms, and how press technology continues gaining momentum across residential, commercial, and industrial HVACR applications.

If you’ve ever asked:
• Is press as strong as brazing?
• Can press fittings handle refrigeration pressures?
• Is flame-free HVAC installation worth the investment?
• How does press impact labor time and safety?

This conversation answers those questions from both the manufacturer side and the technician side.

A huge thank you to RLS Rapid Locking Systems for supporting Commercial Kitchen Chronicles over the years. Their belief in technicians, training, and the skilled trades has meant a lot to this channel, and it’s been incredible watching their continued investment in innovation, education, and the HVACR community.

Whether you’re a contractor, service tech, business owner, apprentice, or just curious about where HVAC and refrigeration installation methods are heading, this episode will give you practical insight into the future of ACR press technology.

If you’re enjoying the show, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another tech who’s still dragging a nitrogen tank up three flights of stairs.

To learn more about RLS and their braze free options, check out the link below.

https://rapidlockingsystem.com/

Check out Commercial Kitchen Chronicles website to stay up to date with everything.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

If you’re in the foodservice equipment repair, HVACR, refrigeration, any skilled trades, or commercial kitchen world and you’ve got a story to tell, this is your invitation. Commercial Kitchen Chronicles was built to spotlight real technicians, trainers, manufacturers, and industry leaders who are out there turning wrenches, building companies, launching products, and making this trade better than they found it. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a rising young gun, or someone who took a leap to start your own shop, your story could be exactly what another tech needs to hear.

Know someone who deserves the spotlight? Nominate them. We’re always looking for technicians who go the extra mile, trainers shaping the next generation, and innovators pushing the industry forward. If that’s you—or someone in your circle—reach out and let’s make it happen. This platform is about growing the trade, increasing visibility for our industry, and building something bigger than any one of us. Let’s tell the stories that matter. 🔥🔧