🎙️ 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

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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

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat sits down with Bryan O’Hern, owner/operator of Coyle Appliance Repair based in the South Metro area of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Bryan shares his incredible path from aviation mechanic to commercial kitchen lone wolf. After starting in aircraft maintenance, 9/11 changed everything—forcing a pivot that eventually led him into the foodservice repair world. From a stint at Hobart to owning and growing his own shop, Bryan unpacks the highs and lows of building a business, the power of knowing when to scale back, and what it's like working side-by-side with his wife. He also shares his thoughts on refrigeration, the new tech True ice machines, solo operations, burnout, managing people, and why schools, churches, and nursing homes are his ideal customers.

👉 Whether you're a tech looking to go out on your own or a shop owner contemplating growth vs. simplicity, this episode is packed with real talk, lessons learned, and a few good laughs.

🎧 Tune in for insights on:

• Transitioning from hot-side to refrigeration

• The grind and freedom of self-employment

• Customer filtering and knowing your worth

• Working with your spouse (yes, really!)

• Ice machine madness, warranty wars, and keeping your sanity

  
  

  This episode 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!

  
  

  Check out Bryan on Reddit

  https://www.reddit.com/r/RestEquipmentRepair/

  
  

  Check out

  https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

  
  

  Huge shout out to the crew at CFESA. You all came in clutch this week. To find out all about what CFESA has to offer for the Foodservice Repair Industry, visit https://cfesa.com

  
  

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