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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Dominic Furnback and Elite Service Group

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

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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/