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/

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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