What does it take to build a 27-year career in HVAC while overcoming addiction, traveling the country as a startup and commissioning technician, and becoming one of the most recognizable personalities in the skilled trades?

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Bobby Armstrong, better known as Blue Collar Code, for an honest, hilarious, and inspiring conversation about life in the HVAC industry.

From residential installations in Florida to commercial service in Arizona and now traveling nationwide commissioning equipment, Bobby shares the lessons he's learned from nearly three decades in the trade. He also opens up about his journey to 12 years of sobriety, proving that your past doesn't have to define your future.

The conversation covers everything from technical growth and industry changes to social media, Construction Confessions, and why having fun on the job doesn't mean sacrificing professionalism.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Bobby's 27-year HVAC career
• Life as a traveling startup and commissioning technician
• Residential vs. commercial HVAC
• The story behind Blue Collar Code
• The success of Construction Confessions
• Addiction recovery and 12 years of sobriety
• Mental health in the skilled trades
• Social media and content creation for technicians
• Lessons learned from decades in the field
• The future of the HVAC industry
• Favorite tools, guns, and a few laughs along the way

https://www.tiktok.com/@blue_collar_code

https://www.instagram.com/blue_collar_code/?hl=en

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

Whether you're an HVAC technician, refrigeration mechanic, foodservice equipment technician, contractor, apprentice, or simply passionate about the skilled trades, this episode delivers real conversations, real experiences, and plenty of laughs.

This episode is brought to you by Viper Refrigeration Technologies.

When the job demands products you can trust, reach for Viper. Whether it's Nylog White Gasket & Thread Sealant for leak-free threaded connections, WetRag Heat Blocking Putty to protect valves and components while brazing, or Viper's industry-leading coil cleaners that keep systems running efficiently, Viper has products built by technicians, for technicians. Learn more at https://www.refrigtech.com/

If you enjoyed this episode:
• Subscribe to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
• Leave a 5-star review to help more technicians discover the show.
• Share this episode with a coworker, apprentice, or friend in the trades.
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Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—bringing together the technicians, manufacturers, trainers, and industry leaders who keep commercial kitchens running every day.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future | Lessons on Trades, Business & Wealth Building

Can your past become your greatest strength?

In this inspiring episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, host Pat Finley and co-host Rich Ortega are joined by Michael Hess and Darin Branch for a powerful conversation about overcoming adversity, finding purpose, building a successful career in the skilled trades, and creating long-term financial freedom.

Michael shares his remarkable journey from growing up in poverty and carrying tools at just 14 years old to overcoming decades of poor decisions, discovering his purpose, and building a life he can be proud of. His story is a reminder that your circumstances don't define your future—your decisions do.

Darin Branch, founder of Whitewood Tax Solutions, brings a different perspective by explaining how blue-collar entrepreneurs and tradespeople can stop simply earning a paycheck and start building real wealth. From tax strategy and business growth to creating generational wealth, Darin shares practical advice that every technician, contractor, and business owner can apply.

https://www.taxproblemsgone.com

Whether you're an HVAC technician, commercial kitchen equipment technician, refrigeration mechanic, electrician, plumber, contractor, or anyone working in the skilled trades, this episode is packed with motivation, business insight, and real-world lessons that can help you grow both personally and professionally.

In this episode we discuss:
• Overcoming adversity and difficult beginnings
• Finding purpose through the skilled trades
• Lessons learned from failure and success
• Building a profitable service business
• Tax strategies for small business owners
• Financial planning for tradespeople
• Entrepreneurship and business growth
• Creating generational wealth
• Developing discipline and the right mindset
• Why your decisions—not your past—determine your future

A special thanks to our episode sponsor, Ambro Controls.

When you're working with nitrogen, you want gear that just makes sense. Ambro Controls has expanded their Nitrogen Purge Kit by adding a new Blowout Gun and Flow Regulator to go along with the Extended Refillable Cylinder Adaptor—all at no additional cost. Whether you're flowing nitrogen during brazing, flushing drain lines, or pressure testing small systems, you've got everything you need in one kit. Available in 200, 400, and 870 PSI options. Ask for it at your local supplier and check out what's new from Ambro Controls.

https://ambrocontrols.com/

If this episode encouraged you or taught you something new, please help support the show by:
• Following Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on your favorite podcast platform
• Leaving a 5-star rating and review
• Sharing this episode with another technician, business owner, or entrepreneur
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https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—built by technicians, for technicians—bringing you real conversations, expert insights, and inspiring stories from across the skilled trades.

#CommercialKitchenChronicles #SkilledTrades #FoodserviceEquipment #CommercialKitchen #HVACR #Refrigeration #RestaurantEquipment #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Motivation #BlueCollar #SmallBusiness #TaxStrategy #GenerationalWealth

From Navy Veteran to HVACR Technician: David Weeks (HVACR Panda) Shares His Story

What happens when military service doesn't translate into the skilled trades the way everyone says it will?

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with David Weeks, better known online as HVACR Panda, for an honest conversation about life after the Navy, entering the HVACR industry, and building a career in commercial refrigeration and foodservice equipment repair.

David served six years in the U.S. Navy as a Fire Controlman specializing in ballistic missile defense systems before transitioning into civilian life. Like many veterans, he was told his military experience would prepare him for success in the trades. The reality? It wasn't quite that simple.

Now, just three and a half years into the industry, David has already worked on walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, reach-in refrigerators, ice machines, rooftop units (RTUs), exhaust systems, commercial kitchen equipment, dishwashers, mixers, and more while working alongside his father in the family business.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Military life and service in the U.S. Navy
• Transitioning from military service to HVACR
• Why military experience doesn't always directly translate to the trades
• Commercial HVACR and refrigeration careers
• Working in a family-owned service company
• Ice machine training and factory education
• Learning commercial kitchen equipment repair
• Challenges facing new technicians
• The future of the skilled trades
• Social media and the HVACR Panda journey
• Advice for veterans considering HVAC, refrigeration, or foodservice equipment repair

Whether you're a veteran, apprentice, service technician, HVAC contractor, refrigeration mechanic, foodservice equipment technician, or business owner, this episode offers valuable insight into what it really takes to build a successful career in the skilled trades.

Find David here

https://linktr.ee/hvacrpanda

A huge thank you to our episode partner, Viper Products from Refrigeration Technologies.

If you're working on commercial kitchens, refrigeration systems, or HVAC equipment, you already know grease, dirt, and buildup can destroy system performance. Viper Coil Cleaners are designed to cut through heavy buildup while remaining technician-safe and non-corrosive. From coil cleaners and leak detectors to industry favorites like Nylog Blue, Nylog White, WetRag Heat Shield, and Big Blu Leak Detector, Viper continues to provide products trusted by technicians across the industry.

https://www.refrigtech.com/

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✅ Leave a review to help more technicians find the show
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Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast, bringing together technicians, manufacturers, trainers, and industry leaders to share real-world experiences from the field.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/

#HVACR #CommercialRefrigeration #FoodserviceEquipmentRepair #CommercialKitchenEquipment #WalkInCooler #WalkInFreezer #IceMachines #HVACTechnician #SkilledTrades #VeteransInTrades #NavyVeteran #RestaurantEquipmentRepair #CommercialHVAC #HVACLife #HVACTraining #RefrigerationTechnician #ServiceTechnician #TradesLife #HVACRPanda #CommercialKitchenChronicles