In this icy-cool episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Stephanie Wall from True Refrigerationto dive into the cutting-edge world of True Ice Machines. From R290 refrigerant and antimicrobial plastics to advanced Time-of-Flight sensors and near-instant harvest cycles, Stephanie reveals how True has engineered a smarter, more efficient, and technician-friendly ice machine that’s ready to dominate the market.

We cover:
🧊 Why ice is food — and how True keeps it clean
⚙️ Service-friendly features that techs will love
🌡️ Performance in extreme ambient temps (35°F–110°F)
⚡ Up to 37% better than Energy Star standards
📉 How some chains could save $2.3M/year in energy bills
🔧 Real-world install results — including surviving 118°F Vegas heat!

Plus, we talk TrueZone ozone sanitation, built-in filtration tracking, warranty coverage, and how True is investing in hands-on technician training across the country.

🎧 Whether you’re in service, sales, or just an ice nerd like Pat, this episode delivers.

Huge shout out to https://trutechtools.com/ for partnering with us.

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://www.truemfg.com/true-ice/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#TrueIce #TrueRefrigeration #CommercialIceMachine #CommercialKitchenRepair #IceMachineTech #FoodserviceEquipment #R290Refrigerant #HVACRPodcast #KitchenInnovation #TechnicianTools #SmartIceMachine #IceIsFood #CommercialKitchenChronicles

🎙️ Episode Title: "20 Years, 2 Countries, 1 Tech: Aidan Lucey's Journey Through the Trades"

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with refrigeration pro Aidan Lucey, whose 20-year journey in the trade spans two continents. From humble beginnings in Ireland installing 80 mini splits, to chasing down leaks in Canadian grocery stores, Aidan shares how a twist of fate steered him into the trades—and how that decision shaped his life and career.

We talk shop on everything from chillers, beer lines, and Taylor ice cream machines to CO₂ rack systems and critical grocery store service calls in -55°C temps (yes, you read that right ❄️). Aidan opens up about the challenges of immigrating and recertifying as a tech in Canada, his passion for the trade, and even how a frozen yogurt machine led him to his future wife.

Whether you're a seasoned tech or just considering the trades, Aidan’s story is a reminder that opportunity is everywhere—and that sometimes the best careers start by accident.

🛠️ Tune in for:

• Racking systems and CO₂ insights

• Field stories from rural service calls

• Advice for aspiring techs and international workers

• A whole lot of laughs and real-world wisdom

🚨 Don’t miss this one—hit play and let’s get into it!

🎙️ This episode is powered by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies! 🐍

Here’s a pro tip from our friends at Viper:
In commercial kitchens, clean coils and evaporators aren’t optional — they’re essential. That’s why the pros reach for Viper’s NSF-registered cleaners. 💪

✅ Safe
✅ Effective
✅ Formulated specifically for foodservice environments

Keep your systems running cool, clean, and compliant — Viper’s got your back!

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Find out more from Aidan Lucey here.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-l-7ba6b1275/

Commercial kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

https://linktr.ee/commercialkitchenchronicles?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #FoodserviceRepair #RefrigerationTechnician #HVACRLife #SkilledTradesPodcast #BlueCollarTalk #TechTales #SkilledTradesMatter #TradeLife #FromIrelandToCanada #ImmigrantSuccessStory #GlobalTradesman #JourneymanLife #RedSealCertified #ApprenticeshipJourney #CareerInTrades #RackRefrigeration #CO2Refrigeration #TaylorIceCreamMachine #CommercialRefrigeration #ColdStorageTech #GroceryStoreMaintenance #TrainTheNextGen #TechInTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #TradesEducation #MentorInTrades

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Seth Hiler, Technical Trainer at Viega, to explore how Viega is reshaping plumbing and mechanical training across North America.

From the oilfield and coal mines to Colorado State University and now the classroom, Seth brings real-world experience into Viega’s hands-on, technician-driven programs.

🎯 What we cover:

• The evolution and impact of Viega’s press technology

• Viega's national training centers and upcoming Ohio facility

• How Viega supports plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC pros, and apprentices

• The role of V-TEN (Viega Trades Education Network) in workforce development

• Press fitting do’s and don’ts for safe, reliable installs

• Virtual training, code compliance, and industry outreach

If you're passionate about training, tools, and building up the next generation of skilled trades, this one’s for you. This conversation is only available in podcast format — don’t miss it!

Check out Viega

https://www.viega.us/en/homepage.html

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!

📲 Subscribe and follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on your favorite platform. 🌐 https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#Viega #SkilledTrades #PlumbingTraining #MechanicalTrades #PressFittings #HVACR #ViegaTraining #TradeSchool #Apprenticeship #CommercialKitchenChronicles #ToolTalk #BlueCollarCareers