Kings Of Cold Podcast

In this episode, Brad Gates sits down with a true industry leader: Mike Pastorello, President of Refrigeration Technologies. Mike shares his journey growing up as a second-generation tradesman, starting out sweeping floors and driving forklifts before eventually paving his own path as a master automotive mechanic. He eventually returned to the family business in 2003, taking over operations in 201...

Join us on the Kings of Cold Podcast as we dive into the world of HVAC with Savion Williams, also known as HVAC Savier! Discover how Savion transitioned from a young technician to a social media sensation, sharing his journey, challenges, and the importance of a positive mindset in the trade. Key takeaways: The value of learning from mistakes and embracing failure. How to effectively communicate w...

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...

(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 th...

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-...

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 ha...

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 importan...

Licensed Contractor at 23: The HVAC Journey of Mitch Noto. In this episode, we sit down with young HVAC pro Mitch Noto, who started his journey in the trades early and quickly learned that experience is the best teacher. Mitch shares insights on social media, the importance of experience, and how adversity (including a major accident) shaped his career and outlook. If you're looking for a no-B...

In this episode, HVAC technician Anthony Ulloa shares his journey from a young age in the trade, the importance of maintenance, content creation, and safety. He discusses industry changes, the value of continuous learning, and advice for aspiring technicians. HVAC, HVAC technician, industrial HVAC, maintenance, social media, trade career, HVAC tools, industry future, HVAC content creation, HVAC sa...

The conversation covers a range of topics including day-to-day operations, maintaining a tight culture, pre-refrigeration experience, transition to refrigeration, the importance of construction experience, and the significance of consistency and cleanliness in the trade. The conversation covers early challenges in industrial refrigeration, the evolution of the refrigeration industry, the impact of...

The conversation covers the guest's experience in fire protection, the challenges and responsibilities in fire protection, and the importance of life safety and fire protection systems. It also delves into the guest's transition from being a commercial fisherman to a career in fire protection, highlighting personal growth and work ethic. The discussion also touches on fire protection incid...

The conversation covers the journey of Bobby Armstrong, AKA Blue Collar Code, in the HVAC industry and his success on social media. It delves into the challenges and opportunities in the industry, the importance of character and relationship skills, and the impact of social media on trade professionals. The conversation covers the importance of building an online presence, the passion for the trad...

The conversation delves into the guest's early exposure to refrigeration, his transition to industrial refrigeration, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and training. It also covers his entrepreneurial journey, challenges, and growth of Chiller Services, as well as the future of the refrigeration trade. The guest shares insights on refrigerant reclamation, quality control, and safety in t...

In this episode of the Kings of Cold podcast, host Brad Gates interviews HVAC innovator Robert Kraft, who shares his journey from a high school dropout to a successful entrepreneur with 14 patents. Kraft discusses his early days in the HVAC industry, the challenges he faced, and the inventions he created, including the Jumper King tool. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, networking, and c...

In this episode of Kings of Cold, I sit down with Chris Austin, a refrigeration professional with 27 years of hands-on experience. We talk about what it really takes to last in this trade — from early lessons in the field, to innovation, problem-solving, and adapting as the industry evolves. This is a straight, honest conversation rooted in real-world experience and earned knowledge. Whether you’r...

In the bustling world of commercial refrigeration, there's a trade that quietly supports our daily lives yet often goes unnoticed. In the inaugural episode of the Kings of Cold podcast, Brad Gates takes listeners on a journey through the refrigeration industry, shedding light on its significance, challenges, and the passion that drives those who work in it. A Backbone of Society Refrigeration...

This is a quick intro to the Kings of Cold podcast. Full episodes with real tradesmen, experts, and no-nonsense conversations are coming soon, so stay tuned!