Episode 195: How the Trades Changed My Life | Jameson Lolos | Commercial Kitchen Chronicles

<p><strong>How the Trades Changed My Life | Jameson Lolos | Commercial Kitchen Chronicles</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Sometimes the path to the skilled trades isn&#39;t a straight line.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <strong>Commercial Kitchen Chronicles</strong>, Pat sits down with <strong>Jameson Lolos</strong> to discuss a journey that started in a technical high school HVAC program, detoured through college and student debt, and ultimately led him back to the trades he was meant to be in.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jameson_jude/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.instagram.com/jameson_jude/?hl=en</a></p><p><br></p><p>Jameson shares how a temporary residential HVAC installation job turned into a rewarding career in commercial foodservice equipment repair. From surviving layoffs and navigating career changes during the pandemic to becoming a service manager helping build a brand-new service department at Gillette Restaurant Equipment, his story is one of resilience, growth, and finding purpose through hard work.</p><p><br></p><p>The conversation also dives into fatherhood, leadership, continuing education, technician development, and why the skilled trades continue to provide incredible opportunities for those willing to learn.</p><p><br></p><p>Whether you&#39;re an experienced commercial kitchen technician, HVACR professional, apprentice, service manager, or someone considering a career in the trades, this episode is packed with honest conversations, career advice, and motivation.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode you&#39;ll hear about:</strong></p><ul><li>Finding your way back to the skilled trades</li><li>Trade school vs. college and lessons learned</li><li>Residential HVAC compared to commercial kitchen equipment repair</li><li>Overcoming layoffs and career setbacks</li><li>Building a commercial foodservice service department</li><li>Leadership, technician growth, and continuous learning</li><li>Balancing family life with a demanding service career</li><li>Why commercial kitchen equipment repair is such a rewarding career</li><li><br></li></ul><p>A huge thank you to our episode sponsor, <strong>Viper by Refrigeration Technologies</strong>. From trusted coil cleaners and leak detection products to Nylog, WetRag heat-blocking gel, lubricants, and system protection solutions, Viper manufactures products designed by technicians for technicians. Learn why professionals across the HVACR and commer