Recorded live at the CFESA Annual Conference at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona, this episode features LeRoy Fearon and Eric Holder from UNOX.

We dive into their paths into the trades, the experiences that shaped their careers, and how they found their way to their current roles at UNOX. They share insights on what drives their passion for the foodservice industry, their commitment to innovation, and the importance of staying hands-on and connected to the field.

We also talk about the new UNOX ChefTop-X oven, exploring how this cutting-edge piece of equipment is pushing the boundaries of technology and performance in commercial kitchens.

Whether you’re an industry veteran, a technician, or just someone who loves seeing how innovation meets craftsmanship, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

🎙️ Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast
Stories from the people who keep the world cooking.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Want to be featured as a guest?

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/want-to-be-our-guest%3F

Eighteen years old, outdoorsy, and already wrenching on commercial kitchen gear like a pro — meet James McCanless. In this Young Gun Spotlight, James shares how he went from mowing grass and slinging lattes to climbing McDonald’s rooftops and fixing fryers. From being laid off by the city at 15, to landing an apprenticeship through Austin & Loretta Mealer’s program at Dyersburg State, James proves you don’t need a college degree to find a rewarding, hands-on career.

We talk hunting season, getting smacked by a bowstring (ouch), coil cleaner horror stories, airport pat-downs, and what it really feels like to walk into a restaurant knowing the whole place is counting on you. James also lays out why TikTok may be the secret to attracting the next generation of techs (sorry, Loretta — looks like he just volunteered).

👉 He may be young, but James has big goals: become a master tech, keep learning every day, and eventually be one of Austin Miller’s top technicians. With mentors like Corey Miller and Zach Hampton in his corner, and a genuine love for the trade, he’s well on his way.

💡 Pro Tip Break – Brought to You by Viper
This episode is powered by our friends at Viper HVACR cleaners from Refrigeration Technologies. Grease, grime, and coil gunk don’t stand a chance. NSF-certified, safe, and strong — Viper keeps your equipment efficient, reliable, and service-ready. 🐍 Because clean coils = happy techs (and happy restaurants).

https://www.refrigtech.com/

If you’re a young gun thinking about jumping into the trades, or a seasoned tech who wants a reminder of why you fell in love with the work in the first place, this episode’s got it all.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Jay Maiden, Director of Service at Kolpak/RDI and Retired Navy Chief, to cut through the noise surrounding A2L refrigerants in commercial refrigeration. With so much hype, fear, and misinformation out there—especially in the HVAC comfort cooling space—this conversation is all about facts, not scare tactics.

Jay explains Kolpak’s transition to R-454C for PolarPak self-contained units and the upcoming move to R-454A for split systems, breaking down what these changes mean for technicians, contractors, and end users. He shares candid insights into the supply chain struggles with A2L refrigerants, the challenges of getting parts approved, and the practical realities service companies face when refrigerant isn’t readily available.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Kolpak chose R-454C and R-454A for their walk-in refrigeration systems

• The impact of EPA and DOE mandates on manufacturers and technicians

• How refrigerant availability issues are already affecting service calls nationwide

• The role of refrigerant sensors in walk-in boxes and how Kolpak designs them for safety

• What A2L refrigerants really mean for service procedures, training, and safety

• The future of walk-in refrigeration installs, including outdoor-only condensing units and solenoid placement changes

• How service companies should prepare now by stocking refrigerants, updating tools, and training technicians

This episode is packed with insights for anyone in foodservice equipment repair, commercial refrigeration, or HVACR who wants to stay ahead of the A2L curve. Whether you’re worried about safety, curious about regulations, or just want to know how to prepare your service company for the refrigerant transition, Jay lays out exactly what you need to know.

Tune in for real talk, expert perspective, and no-nonsense advice from one of the most experienced voices in the industry.

Brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies

💡 Quick tip from our friends at Viper!
In commercial kitchens, dirty coils and evaporators mean higher costs and breakdowns. Viper’s NSF-registered cleaners are safe, tough on grease, and designed to keep refrigeration and HVAC systems running smooth.

👉 Trust Viper for professional-grade kitchen maintenance.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

Find Jay Maiden here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-maiden-13618510/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#Kolpak #A2L #Refrigeration #FoodserviceRepair #CommercialKitchenChronicles #WalkInCooler #HVACR