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Commercial Kitchen ChroniclesAuthor: Commercial Kitchen Chronicles
A look at what it takes to keep a commercial kitchen running. We are going to highlight all of the skilled trades it takes to keep them running. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 175:Betting on Yourself: Starting a Commercial HVAC & Refrigeration Business from Scratch
Friday, 13 February, 2026
Betting on Yourself: Kenny Postlewait on Building Postlewait Refrigeration & HVACIn this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley and Rich Ortega sit down with Kenny Postlewait, also known as RefrigerationMan1988 on TikTok, to talk about what it really takes to leave a steady job and launch your own HVAC and refrigeration business.Kenny shares the raw, unfiltered truth about starting Postlewait Refrigeration & HVAC from scratch. From saving startup capital and buying his first service vehicle with cash, to knocking on restaurant doors and building relationships with property management companies, this episode breaks down real-world strategies for launching a commercial HVAC and foodservice equipment repair company.We dive into:• Starting an HVAC business during the slow season• Transitioning from employee to business owner• Building commercial refrigeration clients without undercutting your former employer• Leveraging TikTok and social media marketing to generate service calls• Getting into hot side repair including fryers, ovens, and commercial cooking equipment• Working manufacturer warranty calls and navigating labor rates• The importance of preventive maintenance contracts for steady revenue• One stop shop service for refrigeration, HVAC, and hot side equipment• Setting proper labor rates as a small HVAC business• Mindset shifts from technician to entrepreneur• Why maintenance calls are the foundation of long-term customer relationshipsKenny also shares powerful insight into integrity in business, treating customers and competitors with respect, and how communication builds long-term commercial service relationships.But this episode goes deeper than business.Kenny opens up about his past, overcoming addiction, and his long-term vision to launch Prison to Refrigeration, a nonprofit focused on helping formerly incarcerated individuals enter the skilled trades. His mission is to create second chances through refrigeration and HVAC careers, proving that trades can truly change lives.If you are:• Thinking about starting your own HVAC company• A refrigeration technician wanting to go independent• A commercial service tech expanding into hot side equipment• Frustrated with residential sales driven HVAC• Interested in building maintenance contracts• Curious about technician entrepreneurship• Passionate about workforce development in the tradesThis episode is for you.We also want to thank Viper from Refrigeration Technologies for sponsoring the show. From ice machine cleaner and refrigeration coil cleaner to NSF rated kitchen safe chemicals, Viper helps technicians protect equipment and keep commercial kitchens running safely and efficiently.https://www.refrigtech.com/Follow Kenny:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@refrigerationman1988?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcFollow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles for more real conversations about refrigeration repair, commercial kitchen equipment service, technician training, and building a legacy in the skilled trades.https://www.facebook.com/people/Postlewait-Refrigeration-HVAC/61584630347196/Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles for more real conversations about refrigeration repair, commercial kitchen equipment service, technician training, and building a legacy in the skilled trades.Never stop learning. Never stop building. Bet on yourself.https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/
