The Refrigeration Mentor Podcast

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor Podcast, host Trevor Matthews discusses the need to balance both technical skills with personal and professional development, in order to be best prepared for the future of refrigeration (and all trades). From mental health, to mentorship, understanding finances and the value of setting clear objectives, Trevor has some actionable tips and practices that are vital for a thriving career, life and retirement as a refrigeration technician, that you won’t learn in school.  In this episode, Trevor talks about: -Building good habits -The need for more (and better) mentors for young people -Not getting discouraged by mistakes or negative events -Generational changes in attitudes -The importance of being around the right people -Why mindset shifts take time and practice -Taking an assessment of where you are now and where you want to be -Importance of working with a coach -Financial responsibility -Career potential in the refrigeration industry Helpful links & resources: BOOK A CALL with Trevor to learn more about coaching & mentorship programs Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel

In this episode of The Refrigeration Mentor Podcast, host Trevor Matthews dives into the journey of Patrick Connelly, Owner of Climarite in England, from starting out as a refrigeration technician (somewhat incidentally following a fishing trip mishap) to becoming a business owner. Patrick talks about key things to learn early on in your refrigeration career, with plenty of advice and tips for apprentices and first-generation technicians. He also dives into his transition into entrepreneurship and the challenges and lessons from starting a small business.  In this episode, Trevor and Patrick discuss: -Key things to learn early in your refrigeration career -Importance of learning both the service and installation sides -Advice for refrigeration apprentices -International trade recognition and working abroad in refrigeration -Improving your skills early on by taking on-calls -The benefits of formal training vs. learning on the job -Training for CO2 refrigeration -Advice for launching your own refrigeration business -Why small companies need to invest in apprentices -Tips for starting out as a refrigeration technician -Patrick’s 2 biggest tips for new refrigeration technicians Helpful links & resources: Learn more about Climarite Follow Climarite on LinkedIn Connect with Partick Connolly on LinkedIn Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks with Jim Pape, CEO of The Arcticom Group, a team of companies that specializes in high-complexity commercial and industrial HVACR services across North America, about growing and scaling a company around great leadership. Jim talks about how they invest heavily in great management - a key to recruiting and retaining great employees, particularly in acquisitions where multiple companies are brought together. They also dive into the future of the trades, the need for increased awareness and entry points into the refrigeration and HVAC field, and the tremendous career and income opportunities in the trades.  In this episode, Trevor and Jim discuss: -Employee retention strategies -Investing in middle management for better retention -Building a strong company culture for retention -The future of recruitment and expansion -Engaging the next generation in refrigeration -How to consolidate companies effectively -The future of CO2 refrigeration -3 keys of building a business: profit, culture and retention -How to retain good employees -The unique and highly coveted skills of HVACR technicians -The massive opportunities and career potential in the trades -Continuing education and going to school later in life -Re-emphasizing skilled work in high school Helpful links and resources: Learn more about The Arcticom Group Email: hello@arcticomgroup.com   Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks with Andrew Freeburg of Refrigeration Unlimited about the importance of understanding refrigeration electronics. With so many different makes and models controllers in the field, it can be overwhelming. But Trevor and Andrew offer practical tips and advice for getting comfortable with electronics, which will help you identify problems faster, make service calls easier and become a better refrigeration technician. In this episode, Trevor and Andrew discuss: -Understanding supermarket refrigeration electronics -Knowing what controllers are commonly found in your area -Importance of logging and tracking work -How to best use a controller to initially diagnose a problem -Importance of verifying the input readings on a controller -Correctly setting up your set points -Regularly using the controller manual -Using your smartphone to make service calls easier -How to override properly -Reading trend graphs -Learning independently 15 minutes a day Helpful resources & links: Andrew Freeburg on LinkedIn Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here  

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor Podcast, host Trevor Matthews is joined by Andrew Freeburg of Refrigeration Unlimited to share 10 tips for better, more confident communication with customers on service calls. Better communication not only helps build relationships with your customers, but also helps make diagnosing issues much simpler, helps you learn faster, and makes your working environment much more enjoyable. Above all, great communication with customers helps build confidence in yourself as a refrigeration technician, especially early in your career, and helps your customer develop confidence in you. In this episode, Trevor and Andrew discuss: -Building confidence through effective communication -Understanding order of operations -Initial questions to ask a customer at a service call -Active listening -Role playing -Tips for dealing with angry customers -Positive language -Staying calm and being patient with customers -Accepting feedback -Maintaining professional appearance -Building rapport with customers -Celebrating small wins -Continually updating your skills Helpful resources & links: Andrew Freeburg on LinkedIn Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024). In this episode of The Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews is joined by Andrew Freeburg of Refrigeration Unlimited with some tips and step-by-step walkthroughs to help supermarket refrigeration technicians - new and experienced - master your own process on any service call. These tips will help you troubleshoot more easily, problem-solve faster and greatly reduce your time on service calls. All of this, of course, will further your career as a supermarket refrigeration technician, meaning greater advancement, better customer relationships and much higher income potential. In this episode, Trevor and Andrew discuss: -A step-by-step walkthrough of an efficient service call -Importance of good communication with a customer -Questions to ask a customer to assess a service call -How to do an effective visual inspection -Why to divide your tools into different sets -Importance of understanding electrical circuits -Providing highly detailed invoices to customers -Understanding controls -Not just repairing problems, but determining why the problem occurred -Finding a mentor in the refrigeration trade -Creating a service call checklist Helpful resources & links: Andrew Freeburg on LinkedIn Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks with Jesse Stewart, National Training Manager at NAVAC, about the importance of self-investment and continuous learning for HVAC technicians to improve efficiency and skill in the trade. Jesse is incredibly passionate about helping HVAC technicians become more efficient and advanced at their trade. Here, he talks in depth about techniques for improving refrigeration system evacuation processes, the new generational attitude around training, proficiency and safety, and even debunks some common myths surrounding A2L refrigerants.  In this episode, Trevor and Jesse are talking about: -The generational shift in attitude toward work, safety and training -Career and financial returns from investing in training -Free resources for training: podcasts, books etc. -Importance of mindset in career advancement -Tips for pulling a better evacuation -Importance of regular performance checks -How to perform a faster evacuation -Bad practices for pulling an evacuation -Dispelling myths and fears about A2L refrigerants -Misinformation on social media about A2L’s -Tips for being a better refrigeration technician Helpful links & references: Email Jesse: training@navacglobal.com Learn more about NAVAC: https://navacglobal.com/  Learn more about ESCO Group: https://www.escogroup.org/  REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024). Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here  

REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024). In this episode of The Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews is joined by Andrew Freeburg of Refrigeration Unlimited to talk about the perceived fears and apprehensions around CO2 refrigeration and working with high pressures. But as you’ll hear, there’s parallels between working with CO2 and other familiar high-pressure systems (think hydraulics, nitrogen etc.) and also a tremendous amount of safety measures in place in CO2 systems. With CO2 refrigeration becoming more prevalent around the world, learning and getting comfortable with these systems will help propel your career as a refrigeration technician and give you a major advantage as CO2 implementations continue. -Debunking Myths and Facts about CO2 refrigeration -Understanding CO2 Safety and Pressure Comparisons -High Pressure Concerns in CO2 Systems -Embracing Change and the Future of Refrigeration -The Future of Industrial Chillers and Natural Refrigerants -The Importance of Proper Welding and System Maintenance Helpful resources & links: Andrew Freeburg on LinkedIn Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks with Jamie McMillan of Made in the Trades about empowering and inspiring youth to pursue a career in the skilled trades. Jamie is a longtime ironworker, boilermaker, educator and speaker passionate about motivating youth towards skilled trades - even as young as elementary school (she even has a line of trade-themed colouring books). Jamie is a major advocate for a paradigm shift in how trades are perceived and taught, emphasizing the need for government support, school curriculum changes and more quality co-op and apprenticeship opportunities with existing tradespeople. On a special note: thanks so much for helping the Refrigeration Mentor podcast reach 200 episodes!  In this episode, Trevor and Jamie discuss: -The importance of early childhood education about skilled trades -The role of government in promoting skilled trades -Changing generational attitudes about the trades -Addressing mental health in the trades -Promoting the trades to at-risk youth and those with ADHD -Why trades often pay more than academia -Advocating for teaching more practical skills in school -Finding trained people to teach the trades in high school -Attracting women to the trades -Promoting inclusive and healthy work environments -Offering better co-op and apprenticeship opportunities -Identifying trade school candidates in high school -Common misconceptions about the trades -How innovation is attracting new people to the trades Resources & helpful links: Jamie’s website: madeinthetrade.com/  Follow Jamie on Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | YouTube REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024).  Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024). In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks with longtime refrigeration professional Floyd Sparks of Performance Refrigeration in Georgia about installing and understanding CO2 transcritical refrigeration systems, specifically in agriculture. This episode was recorded on location at a Vidalia onion storage facility where Floyd has installed, tested and maintained a CO2 system - a method Floyd hopes will soon become universal in the world of refrigeration. Floyd emphasizes the importance of quality installation, ongoing learning, and safety, especially when dealing with the high pressures involved with CO2 systems, and offers tips for apprentices and those looking to better understand and be more comfortable with CO2 refrigeration. In this episode, Trevor and Floyd discuss: -Transitioning to CO2 refrigeration systems -Innovative Designs for Agricultural Refrigeration -The Future of CO2 in Refrigeration -The Importance of Proper Installation and Quality Workmanship -Navigating the Business Side of Refrigeration -What Floyd has learned doing 3 CO2 installs -The focus on safety in CO2 systems -Details of a CO2 system installed on an agricultural operation -What Floyd is excited about when it comes to CO2 refrigeration -How CO2 contributes to longer shelf life for products -Data collection and testing with a CO2 system -Best practices for CO2 refrigeration installation -Why Floyd hopes CO2 becomes the new standard for refrigeration References & helpful links: Floyd’s Company Performance Refrigeration Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks with Mark Parliament, Fire College Instructor with the Office of the Fire Marshal in Ontario and longtime HVAC technician and teacher, about mentorship and proper training in the trades. Mark shares his thoughts on the challenges facing apprentices today, including lack of proper mentorship, inadequate training, and the need for a cultural shift in the industry towards embracing and investing in the education of newcomers. This episode also debunks myths about the skills required for trades and potential for lucrative careers within the trades. Mark also talks about skills competitions and his efforts to promote learning and excellence among students. This episode was recorded at the 2024 Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Expo (CMPX). In this episode, Trevor and Mark discuss: Addressing the challenges in trade education and skills development The need to promote trades in high school Boosting confidence and skills for apprentices Accelerating timelines for Red Seal accreditation The challenges with modern apprenticeship programs The impact of age and experience on learning and career transition Improving training quality and the importance of mentorship Skills competitions and elevating trade education The impact of technology on the trades Getting into HVAC as a second career Advice for technicians and business owners Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Expo (CMPX) Skills Ontario Competition  Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) Mark Parliament on LinkedIn REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024). Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks with “The HVAC Doctor” Matt Waxer about using social media to help educate people. From programming boards, to understanding filters and explaining all of the parts of a compressor, Matt’s highly engaging social media videos offer free education and information for followers, fellow mechanics, cohorts, apprentices and business owners - something he believes elevates the HVAC industry collectively. And Matt doesn’t come by the title “Doctor” loosely - he’s a 313A Red Seal Refrigeration and Air Conditioning System Mechanic, Gas Fitter, and holds a Ph.D in Psychology/Neuroscience. In this episode, Trevor and Matt discuss: Getting into education so you  don’t get stuck in the field Sharing free information to empower people in the industry vs holding onto knowledge for the sake of job security Getting over the fear of putting yourself out there The formula for an engaging social media video Dealing with negativity on social media Incorporating confidentiality on the job site Benefits of doing educational videos on social media Tips for shooting good videos on the job site How to get better engagement on your social media posts Being your authentic self on social media Different platforms for different audiences Tip for getting started making social media content Useful tools and apps for creating social media content Helpful links and contacts: Follow Matt Waxer “The HVAC Doctor” on Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Social Media Tools: Veed.io | BigVU REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024). Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here  

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks about the ways refrigeration technicians are maximizing their earning potential, outside of just working more regular hours or asking for a raise. The key to making more money: bring more value to your company and your customers. It takes work, training and planning, but here, Trevor details the ways technicians (including unionized) are earning more money by designing revenue-generating and cost-saving solutions for both their company and customers, showcasing problem-solving skills, specializing in specific skills, networking, building relationships, and learning how to be a better salesperson. This episode was taken from a recent North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) Training Summit presentation. References and helpful links: Chillventa AHR Expo International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR) ATMO Events North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC)  Copeland Product Selection Software REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024). Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024). This is the fifth of a 5-part series on “Designing CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems” where host Trevor Matthews talks with Nabil Cook, Technical Director for Omega Solutions, about projecting annual energy consumption for refrigeration systems. With decarbonization and constantly evolving global warming standards, many refrigeration system designers now need to factor in electricity consumption, energy efficiency and long-term sustainability into their designs. In this episode, Nabil explains how to calculate refrigeration system energy consumption, direct vs indirect emissions, and how to calculate total emissions of a system. This entire 5-part series is for you if you’re looking to learn how to design a CO2 supermarket refrigeration system - a method that’s becoming more prevalent in supermarkets around the world. This was recorded as part of “CO2 Mondays” - which you can check out more episodes of on The Refrigeration Mentor YouTube channel. Follow The Refrigeration Mentor podcast for this entire series: Part 1: Selecting Compressors and Gas Coolers (listen here) Part 2: Understanding Heat Loads (listen here) Part 3: Applying Heat Recovery (listen here) Part 4: Sizing Pipework (listen here) Part 5: Projecting Annual Energy Consumption Episode 114: Energy Consumption Breakdown of CO2 Transcritical Systems with Nabil Cook Learn more about Omega Solutions   Follow Omega Solutions on LinkedIn Connect with Nabil on LinkedIn Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/ Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here  

REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024). This is the fourth of a 5-part series on “Designing CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems” where host Trevor Matthews talks with James Bailey, Operations Director for Omega Solutions, about sizing pipework. In this episode, James explains how to properly size CO2 refrigeration piping - one of the most important things when designing a CO2 refrigeration system. Here, James talks about the principles of good piping design, pressure drop, velocities, energy efficiency, design parameters and metrics, and tips for how to balance capital costs vs lifetime efficiency when working with a customer. This entire 5-part series is for you if you’re looking to learn how to design a CO2 supermarket refrigeration system - a method that’s becoming more prevalent in supermarkets around the world. This was recorded as part of “CO2 Mondays” - which you can check out more episodes of on The Refrigeration Mentor YouTube channel. Follow The Refrigeration Mentor podcast for this entire series: Part 1: Selecting Compressors and Gas Coolers (listen here) Part 2: Understanding Heat Loads (listen here) Part 3: Applying Heat Recovery (listen here) Part 4: Sizing Pipework Part 5: Projecting Annual Energy Consumption REFERENCE: MicroPipe - White Rose Software: Refrigeration System Pipe Network Analysis and Sizing Learn more about Omega Solutions   Follow Omega Solutions on LinkedIn Connect with James on LinkedIn Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here  Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/  Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here