Kings Of Cold Podcast

Camping with the crew!

From Industrial Plants to Mastering the Trade: Insights from the Kings of Cold. Get ready for an episode packed with raw, real talk from seasoned pros and eager newbies alike. Whether you're grinding in the trenches or just starting out, this episode is loaded with stories, lessons, and a whole lot of honesty straight from the tradesmen who live it every day.In this episode: * The journey of a young industrial refrigeration technician and what it takes to grow in the trade * Crazy stories from the field—liquid in the vessel, plant shutdowns, and freezer nightmares * Tips for rookies: patience, humility, and the importance of customer relationships * How technology is changing the game—computer controls and the evolution of HVAC and refrigeration * The importance of mentorship, respect, and a little tough love in climbing the ranks * OG wisdom—lessons from a 36-year veteran who’s seen it all and still keeps it real Remember, rookies—patience, humility, and a little hustle will take you far in this trade. * And for the love of all that’s holy, pick up your trash, leave the job better than you found it, and stay hungry. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to Kings of Cold: Campfire chat with old boys and young guns 02:52 - Justin Mix’s journey: From rookie to industrial refrigeration pro 17:41 - The value of seasoned mentorship and dropping the tough love 23:45 - Dane Wilcher’s advice for young bucks: start early, be patient, and stop leaving your trash behind 36:09 - Celebrating the OGs: Dennis Pyle’s 36 years of hard knocks and tough lessons 41:07 - The evolution of tech: from manual controls to computer-based systems 42:23 - Final words: Keep grinding, stay hungry, and respect the tradeResources & Links:Connect with our young pros:Special shoutout:This show is made by tradesmen, for tradesmen. No fluff, just real talk. Thanks for listening, and keep those beers cold and the refrigerants colder.

Rudy Vargas: Part 1. From Leap of Faith to Legendary.

(This episode was cut short by a glitch in my recording program, so we decided to post the short version and do a follow up with Rudy at the end of Summer to see how much has changed with him and his team.) In this episode, Rudy Vargas shares his journey from HVAC apprentice to business owner and social media influencer. He discusses building a community, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of sharing knowledge in the trades. HVAC, social media, entrepreneurship, HVAC education, trade community, business growth, HVACGoon, Legendary Air, HVAC tips Social media's impact on HVAC trades Building a trade community and recruiting platform Transition from technician to business owner The importance of education and sharing knowledge Overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship Rudy Vargas "Social media became a recruiting platform." "Word of mouth and online presence are key." "The sign was the sign I needed to leap." Legendary Air Heating and Air Conditioning - https://legendaryair.com HVACGoon TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hvacgoon Legendary Air Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legendaryair/

Queens of Cold: An Inside look at life behind the trade

In this heartfelt interview, Alexis Mix shares her experiences as a refrigeration wife, the challenges and rewards of supporting her husband's career, and insights into the industry’s dangers and camaraderie. Discover the realities behind the trade, the importance of strong partnerships, and the future of refrigeration careers. keywords refrigeration, refrigeration wife, industry safety, work-life balance, refrigeration careers, industry camaraderie key topics Life as a refrigeration wife Industry safety and emergencies Career growth and industry camaraderie guest name Alexis Mix sound bites "The work ethic in this trade is insane" "Mike's passion for refrigeration is what drives him" "Support your partner and stay strong in this trade" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Queens of Cold Podcast 01:08 The Journey of Refrigeration Wives 03:05 The Challenges of Being a Refrigeration Partner 05:57 Reflections on Growth and Change 07:43 Understanding the Trade: Knowledge and Safety 09:29 The Emotional Toll of the Trade 11:46 Pride in the Refrigeration Trade 15:17 The Benefits of Refrigeration Work 17:49 Family Dynamics in the Refrigeration Industry 19:11 Funny and Crazy Moments in Refrigeration 21:37 Transitioning Roles in Refrigeration 23:10 The Importance of Work Ethic 25:36 Building Relationships in the Trade 26:21 Support Systems Behind the Technicians 27:29 Social Life in the Refrigeration Community 28:19 Generational Changes in the Trade 29:53 Reflections on Career Choices 33:17 Challenges for Women in Refrigeration 34:54 Safety Concerns in the Field 36:58 Future Aspirations in Refrigeration

Andrew James: From 12-Year-Old Shop Helper to Million Dollar Jobs

Lessons from Andrew James of Cold War Refrigeration: Get ready to hear the real deal on what it takes to step up from technician to owner in the industrial refrigeration game. Andrew James, a seasoned pro with 22 years in the trenches, shares insights on leadership, industry mishaps, and why loving the trade beats chasing a paycheck. In this episode: * Andrew’s journey from a young shop helper to handling million-dollar jobs * The mindset shift needed to earn respect and build relationships in a competitive market * The value of hustle, humility, and knowing your ABCs in troubleshooting and business * Lessons learned from career DIY moments—no BS, just real stories * Common red flags in potential hires and what makes a tech instantly valuable * The importance of communication and going the extra mile for customer trust * How to keep your team engaged and aligned with your vision * Navigating the chaos of jobsite accidents—like crane mishaps—and turning setbacks into stepping stones * Surprising truths about what it really costs to run a business and how inflation impacts project bids * Andrew’s advice on starting, scaling, and avoiding pitfalls in your own company * Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to the Kings of Cold: Real Talk for Refrigeration Pros 02:10 - From Tech to Owner: Andrew’s experience and mindset shift 03:28 - Meeting tradespeople where they’re at, not where you wish they were 07:36 - Busting myths: What do owners think technicians misunderstand? 09:00 - Real stories of mistakes and mishaps—learning moments only 11:49 - Recognizing red flags in job interviews and on-site work 13:45 - The basics—ABCs of troubleshooting and maintaining standards 15:16 - What separates top technicians from the pack? 16:33 - The power of communication and transparency with clients 17:54 - Handling major jobsite setbacks: Cranes, water in systems, and more 21:01 - Money talk: How techs can climb the pay scale with hustle 23:41 - Building a team worth top pay: Personality and growth mindset 27:47 - Leadership lessons: Managing individuals and cultural fit 29:03 - The truth about owning a business: commitment, exit plans, and scaling 33:35 - Navigating new regulations: Title 20, 24, and staying compliant 36:46 - Inflating costs: How to bid smart in a crazy market 41:44 - Andrew’s parting words: Work hard, stay safe, and build community 44:46 - Connecting with Andrew: How to follow Cold War Refrigeration. Final thoughts: This episode is filled with straight-up truths, hard-earned lessons, and some good laughs, all made by tradesmen for tradesmen. If you’re thinking about making that leap into ownership or just want to sharpen your skills and mindset, you won’t want to miss this one.

Hector Vidales: From Fast Food To Rising Star

In this episode, HVAC technician Hector Vidalas, aka @BlueCollarHec, shares his journey from trade school to building a social media presence and running his own business. He discusses the importance of hands-on experience, the realities of the trade, and how to leverage social media for growth. In this episode, @BlueCollarHec shares his insights on the HVAC industry, ethics in sales, the importance of safety, and the value of trades for young people. He discusses his background, the significance of integrity, and tips for the next generation of tradespeople. Keywords HVAC, trade skills, social media, entrepreneurship, HVAC tips, HVAC trade, HVAC business, HVAC social media, HVAC technician, HVAC tools HVAC, trades, sales ethics, safety, blue collar, career advice, industry insights, entrepreneurship, work ethic Key Topics Trade school vs. hands-on experience Social media as a marketing tool for HVAC Building a valuable skill set in HVAC Challenges and rewards of HVAC trade Entrepreneurship and mentorship in HVAC Ethics in HVAC sales Importance of safety and OSHA standards Career growth in trades and HVAC Building trust and relationships with customers Guest Name Hector Vidalas @BlueCollarHec "Trade school helps you understand theory" "Old equipment is built to last decades" "Safety on job sites is no joke." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Kings of Cold Podcast 03:27 Hector's Journey into the Trades 11:24 Building a Business in HVAC 16:35 Challenges of Being Available in the Trade 20:52 Understanding the Importance of Licensing and Insurance 23:48 The Journey of HVAC Challenges 26:26 Navigating Manmade Problems in HVAC 29:07 Ethics and Morality in the HVAC Industry 31:42 Building Trust with Customers 34:40 The Meaning of Blue Collar Work 37:27 The Importance of Skills and Knowledge in HVAC 43:10 Growing Up in the Trade 45:43 The Importance of Learning Processes 50:08 Providing Value in Service 55:30 The Role of Integrity in Business 58:09 Advice for the Next Generation Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluecollarhec/