In this special Commercial Kitchen Chronicles Live Hangout, Pat Finley is back with Jason Latimer and Rich Ortega for a no-filter, laid-back conversation straight from the heart of the foodservice repair industry. 🍳🔧

This episode isn’t your typical interview—it’s an open mic where we shoot the breeze, talk about the ups and downs of being technicians, running businesses, and balancing the chaos of service calls with real life. From lighting up a cigar after a brutal day to joking about who’s “actually working” when the cameras are off, it’s all about community, camaraderie, and keeping it real.

Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories from the world of commercial kitchen equipment repair, HVAC, and refrigeration, plus plenty of laughs, friendly banter, and even some unexpected drop-ins from the audience. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hang out with the techs after hours—or if you just need a break from your own hectic service schedule—this is the episode for you.

Why tune in?

• Get an inside look at the daily grind of commercial kitchen technicians.

• Hear unfiltered conversations about the realities of the trade.

• Learn how community and connection help keep techs motivated.

• Discover why these hangouts have become a fan-favorite “chill spot” in the industry.

So grab a drink, kick back, and join us as we bring the foodservice repair community together in true CKC fashion. Whether you’re a seasoned HVACR pro, an up-and-coming kitchen cowboy, or just curious about the world that keeps restaurants cooking—this hangout will leave you laughing, nodding, and feeling like part of the crew.

🚀 Quick Kitchen Tip from our friends at Viper! 🚀
If you work in commercial kitchens, you already know — dirty coils and evaporators are the silent killers of performance. Grease, grime, and buildup mean higher energy costs, shorter equipment life, and costly breakdowns.

That’s why the pros trust Viper’s NSF-registered coil and evaporator cleaners. 🧼
Formulated for foodservice environments, they’re safe, powerful, and proven to keep refrigeration and HVAC systems running at peak efficiency. Less downtime, better airflow, and equipment that lasts.

👉 Keep your kitchen running smooth — go with Viper, the industry leader in commercial kitchen coil cleaning and maintenance solutions.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Check out our website!

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

From starting out in a warehouse at just 18 years old to building a career that’s left a lasting mark on the HVACR and foodservice repair industry, Chris Nixon has seen it all. In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley and co-host Jason Latimer sit down with Chris to unpack his incredible journey—from humble beginnings, learning the ropes in residential, to becoming a leader in commercial refrigeration and HVAC.

Chris shares the real-life challenges of finding his path, the lessons learned while running his own company, and the transition into larger teams like Tech 24. With more than two decades of experience, multiple mechanical licenses, and a relentless drive to keep learning, Chris opens up about how to build a career in the trades that stands the test of time.

Whether you’re a seasoned technician, a business owner, or just getting started in HVACR, this episode is packed with inspiration, industry insight, and the kind of stories that remind us why the foodservice repair trade is such a rewarding path.

And don’t miss the laughs along the way—we get into the early days, the obstacles, and what it really takes to succeed in a world that’s always short on techs but big on opportunity.

Here’s a quick tip from our friends at Viper and Refrigeration Technologies: In commercial kitchens, clean coils and evaporators are essential—and Viper’s NSF-registered products are the best choice. Safe, effective, and formulated to keep your kitchen systems running smoothly. Trust Viper to keep you efficient on every job.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Chris Nixon

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-nixon-6511a91a8/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#HVACR #FoodserviceRepair #CommercialKitchen #TradesLife #SkilledTrades #HVACTechnician #RefrigerationTech #FoodEquipmentRepair #HVACLife #CommercialHVAC #RestaurantEquipment #TechLife #HVACTools #TradeTalks #RepairLife #HVACCommunity #KitchenEquipment #ServiceTechnician #HVACCareer #FutureInTrades #BlueCollarPride #HVACPodcast #HVACTechTalk

On this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Scott Kline — a seasoned HVACR professional with 18 years under his belt in residential installs, commercial HVAC, and refrigeration. Texas HVACR licensed since 2013, Scott now runs his own company, Authentic HVAC, where he blends hands-on skill with the freedom of self-employment.

Scott’s journey takes us from his early days in Snydertown, Pennsylvania, through years of learning the ropes in the field, to eventually taking the leap into running his own shop. Along the way, he’s seen the industry evolve, tackled the challenges of both hot and cold-side work, and built a reputation on doing the job right the first time.

This episode isn’t just for techs — it’s for anyone curious about where a skilled trade can take you. Scott shares insights on what it’s really like to make a living in HVACR, how to keep growing your skills, and why the trades are still one of the most rewarding career choices out there. If you’ve ever thought about getting into the field or know someone who’s on the fence, this conversation could be the push they need.

Scott Kline

https://www.instagram.com/ayetchvacker/

https://www.instagram.com/authentic_hvac/

💡 Pro Tip from our friends at Viper: In commercial kitchens, clean coils and evaporators are non-negotiable if you want your equipment to run at peak performance. That’s where Viper’s NSF-registered cleaning products shine. They’re safe, powerful, and engineered to blast through the grease and grime found in busy foodservice environments. Keep your refrigeration and HVAC systems efficient, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime. Trust Viper — the name pros rely on for professional-grade kitchen system maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Want to be a guest?

Pat@commercialkitchenchronicles.com

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #HVACR #TradesLife #HVACTech #RefrigerationLife #CareerInTrades #ViperProducts