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/

Subscribe. Share. Leave a review.
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. 🔥🔧

In this episode, Pat Finley sits down with Olivia Smith, Jimmy Miller, and Ben Neal for a deep dive into the Young Professionals Committee (YPC) of CFESA and the upcoming YPC Symposium.

Together, the group breaks down what the YPC is, who it’s for, and why it has become one of the most impactful ways for young professionals in the commercial foodservice equipment industry to grow, connect, and give back. The conversation covers how the committee brings together professionals under 40 from all corners of the industry including technicians, managers, manufacturers, service companies, and office staff to collaborate, learn, and help shape the future of the trade.

They also unpack what makes the YPC Symposium different from a typical industry conference. Topics include leadership development, emotional intelligence, mentorship, financial literacy, AI in the workplace, and peer to peer learning. The panel shares real world takeaways from past symposiums, explains how sessions are selected based on feedback from both young professionals and industry leaders, and highlights the strong emphasis on engagement, interaction, and practical growth.

Another major focus of the discussion is community service and giving back through CFESA Cares, including hands on service projects tied to the symposium that support local communities and industry scholarships. The group explains why service and purpose matter so much to the next generation of professionals and how companies benefit by investing in their people.

Whether you are a technician just starting out, a young leader looking to grow, or a company searching for ways to develop and retain talent, this episode provides a clear look at how CFESA and the YPC are building pathways for long term success in the industry.

Learn more about the YPC Symposium and how to get involved at
https://cfesa.com/young-professional-symposium/

Recorded live from AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, this episode brings you inside the Viper booth with special guests Becca Stamey and Ashley Lynds from Refrigeration Technologies.

We talk all things Viper and Refrigeration Technologies, including the products technicians rely on every day in HVACR and commercial foodservice, new releases like EZ Dose created by Robert Kraft, and what the expanded booth layout means for hands on demos and better tech experiences on the show floor.

We also celebrate a huge industry moment with Jon taking home the Lifetime Achievement Award at the HVAC Tactical Awards and discuss how Refrigeration Technologies continues to show up for technicians through innovation, education, and real world support.

If you’re a working tech who cares about staying efficient, keeping systems clean, and using products designed for the field, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

🐍
This episode is brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies. When it comes to cleaning, maintaining, and protecting HVACR and refrigeration systems, Viper delivers technician trusted solutions built for real world conditions. From coil cleaners and drain treatment to specialty products like EZ Dose, Viper helps you work faster, cleaner, and smarter on every call. Backed by Refrigeration Technologies, these are field tested chemicals you can rely on day in and day out. Ask for Viper at your local supply house and keep your truck stocked with products that work as hard as you do.

Thanks for listening to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow tech. Drop your favorite Viper products or questions in the comments and let us know what you thought of this live AHR Expo conversation 👊🔥

https://www.refrigtech.com/

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley welcomes the one and only Louise Kellar from UEi Test Instruments for a jam packed conversation covering technician safety, new diagnostic tools, real world kitchen scenarios, and what to expect at AHR Expo in Las Vegas.

Louise introduces UEi’s newest product, the UEiClip personal CO detector, and explains why every technician working in commercial kitchens, mechanical rooms, food trucks, and confined spaces should consider wearing personal carbon monoxide protection. We break down how the UEiClip works, alarm thresholds, battery life, and why it’s truly a set it and forget it safety tool for techs in the field.

We also dive into:

⚠️ Carbon monoxide risks in commercial kitchens
🔥 Makeup air and hood operation (and why so many kitchens get this wrong)
🍟 Propane equipment, fryers, food trucks, and poor ventilation
🧪 Combustion analysis basics and why it matters on cooking equipment
🛠️ Entry level vs full featured combustion analyzers
🔁 Annual calibration and UEi’s service programs

Pat shares real jobsite stories from restaurants where hoods weren’t running, appliances were overgassing, and CO risks were flying under the radar. Louise adds insight from the manufacturer side on how techs can better protect themselves while delivering safer installs and repairs.

You’ll also hear a great breakdown on ghost voltage and induced voltage, including how the Low Z meter featurehelps eliminate phantom readings. Pat walks through a recent microwave troubleshooting call, and Louise explains how this often overlooked meter function can save techs time and frustration in electrical diagnostics.

The conversation wraps up with:

🎰 AHR Expo booth talk and product previews
🏆 HVAC Tactical Awards excitement
✈️ Travel stories and cold weather jobsite realities
📍 What to expect when you stop by the UEi booth in Vegas

Huge thanks to Viper by Refrigeration Technologies for sponsoring this episode 🙌
Viper delivers NSF rated cleaners, chemicals, pipe dope, and heat blocking compounds built specifically for commercial kitchens. Whether you’re cleaning coils or servicing equipment in occupied spaces, Viper helps you get the job done without harsh odors or unnecessary mess. Check out their full lineup and see why techs everywhere trust Viper in the field.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

If you’re a commercial HVACR or foodservice equipment technician, this episode is packed with practical insight you can take straight back to the job — from CO safety and combustion testing to electrical troubleshooting and real world applications.

🎧 Tune in, share it with a fellow tech, and don’t forget to stop by UEi at AHR to check out the UEiClip and their latest test instruments.

👊 Stay safe out there.

Check out UEi online.

https://www.ueitest.com/ecommerce/default.aspx

Check out our website

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

In this episode of the Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Erick Kaseta from Ambro Controls for a wide-ranging, shop-talk-heavy conversation focused on real tools, real field experience, and doing the job the right way.

Pat and Erick kick things off by talking about how they first connected at AHR and why Ambro Controls has become such a go-to brand for technicians who value portability, safety, and efficiency. Erick breaks down Ambro’s mission of making the contractor’s life easier and explains how their mobile brazing systems deliver full oxy-acetylene performance in a lightweight, grab-and-go setup that saves time, space, and your shoulders.

The conversation dives deep into the Ambro product lineup, including the precision torch, standard torch, and power torch, and how each one fits different applications—from tight reach-ins and TXVs to larger commercial piping on rooftops. They also get into best practices for nitrogen purging, pressure testing, drain clearing, and working safely with flammable refrigerants like R290 and R600. Erick shares why purging isn’t just a “nice to have,” but a critical step in preventing call-backs and protecting components like TXVs.

Pat and Erick also talk refrigerants, thread sealants, and why Ambro’s AS-58 sealant stands out for vibration resistance, heat cycling, and cleaner application compared to traditional pipe dope. Education plays a big role in this episode, with discussion around contractor training, counter days, in-field demos, and why continuous learning is one of the biggest value-adds a technician can bring to customers.

The episode wraps with plenty of banter about the upcoming AHR Expo in Las Vegas—what makes it the Super Bowl of the trades, what Ambro has planned at the booth, giveaways, live demos, brazing challenges, and why techs should stop by, ask questions, and put tools in their hands. If you’re heading to AHR, this is a must-listen to get you fired up.

This episode is brought to you by Ambro Controls. If you’re tired of dragging heavy tanks across rooftops, through kitchens, or into tight mechanical rooms, it’s time to check out Ambro’s mobile brazing, purging, and gas solutions. From their lightweight oxy brazing systems and precision torches to nitrogen purging kits, R290 and R600 refrigerants, and AS-58 thread sealant, Ambro Controls is focused on making your job safer, easier, and more efficient. Built for contractors, tested in the field, and designed to save you time and wear and tear. Learn more and find a distributor near you at https://ambrocontrols.com/

Stay up to date with everything on the website

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

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What do you do when you open a panel and roaches start crawling out like they pay rent?

Or when grease has literally vacuum-sealed a fryer to the wall?

Or when you realize the ice machine you’re working on should probably be condemned… and set on fire?

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat and Rich sit down together in person from South Carolina ahead of the CFESA Region 4 meeting to talk about the nasty side of the trade that nobody warns you about — but every technician eventually faces.

We’re talking real-world, in-the-trenches stories:
• Roaches living inside contactors and controllers
• Ice cream machines so bad they get declared “throw it away” on the spot
• Grease so thick it explodes wiring
• Dish machines full of yeast, flour, and nightmares
• Dead rats preserved in fryer grease (yes, really)
• Ice machines that should absolutely never be used again
• And installs so bad they make you question humanity

Beyond the horror stories, we also break down the important stuff:
How do you professionally address disgusting working conditions?
When do you walk away — and when do you push through?
How do you talk to customers without losing your mind (or your job)?
At what point do you say “this isn’t safe”?
And how do you keep roaches, grease, and filth from following you home in your tool bag?

If you’re a commercial kitchen equipment technician, HVAC tech, refrigeration tech, service manager, or anyone who’s ever worked behind the scenes in a restaurant — this episode will feel painfully familiar.

It’s gross.
It’s funny.
And it’s 100% real life in the field.

Sponsor Spotlight – Viper from Refrigeration Technologies

While Viper can’t get rid of roaches (and honestly… some of these stories might be beyond saving), they do help tackle one of the biggest contributors to nasty kitchen conditions: grease, grime, and buildup.

Viper from Refrigeration Technologies makes professional-grade cleaners and chemicals designed specifically for HVAC, refrigeration, and commercial kitchen environments. From heavy-duty degreasers to coil cleaners and specialty chemicals, Viper helps techs clean equipment properly, restore efficiency, and leave things better than they found them — even when the surroundings are less than ideal.

Because while you can’t always control how nasty a kitchen gets, you can control how well you clean and service the equipment you’re responsible for.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in:
commercial kitchen equipment repair
restaurant service and maintenance
HVAC and refrigeration
foodservice equipment technicians
CFESA-certified technicians
service managers and trainers

Subscribe, follow, and drop your own horror stories in the comments — because if you’ve been in the trade long enough, you’ve definitely got one.

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — the stories they don’t teach in training.

https://www.commercialkitchenchronicles.com/