Techtown Service Calls

Without Them, There’s Nothing

Techtown — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

The new year is nearly here, and for New Jersey’s Malachy Parts & Service that means a renewed focus on taking care of technicians and their families, plus working to stay ahead of the competition on training and tech.

Find out why CEO Rich Malachy calls 2021 “a year for the books,” and how he’ll keep the momentum in 2022. Also joining us is Smart Care’s Matt Homberger with the story of a brand-new grab-and-go merchandiser that couldn’t keep its cool. Plus, hear 2022 wish lists from staff at Refrigerated Specialist Inc., Gary’s East Coast Service and EMR.

You Live and You Learn

Techtown — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 14:31:44 +0000

Gary Schermann, president of General Parts Group, walks Service Calls through his company’s approach to technician training. Continuing education is “critical,” he says, especially now as manufacturers release new equipment technologies. Next, Dan Reese, director of training at CFESA, shares the costly training error that ruined a resort’s buffet warmers. Finally, we check in with technicians from EMR, Goodwin Tucker Group and Vanco on how to reset customers’ expectations as we emerge from the pandemic.

Halloween Edition - Answering a Call at a Haunted Kitchen

Techtown — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:31:25 +0000

In the spirit of Halloween, Jason Quinones, regional supervisor at Clark Service Group, talks about the time he answered a service call at a Pennsylvania nursing home. To his surprise, employees pointed to a ghost as the reason for an oven’s faulty pilot light. But first, Clint Wilson, technician support supervisor with Smart Care Equipment Solutions, brings service technicians up to speed on winterizing an outdoor kitchen. And technicians from Gary’s East Coast Service, Duffy’s AIS, EMR and Hawkins Commercial Appliance Service share possible solutions to industry issues.

Preparing for a Disaster

Techtown — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

The Best Ways To Service High-Tech Equipment

Techtown — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

From touch-screens to Wi-Fi capabilities, foodservice equipment continues to evolve. Paul Pumputis, service manager at Duffy's AIS, gives a couple tips for techs when it comes to keeping up with smart equipment. Next up, Scott Hester, president of RSI, recalls a service visit involving a neglected margarita machine at a Mexican family-dining restaurant. Then techs from Gary's East Coast Service, General Parts and EMR give advice on keeping a service truck in top condition.

Keeping Up Beverage Equipment

Techtown — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000

EMR Technician Craig Anderson shares what he knows about cleaning soda and beer lines, the challenges of running bundle tubing, and what’s really going on in those touch-screen soda fountains. Then John Schwindt of Hawkins Commercial Appliance Service explains what happens when unqualified installers hook the fryer oil supply to a nearby gas manifold by accident. (Hint: Things get messy.) CFESA’s annual conference is coming up, and pros from Gary’s East Coast Service, Elmer Schultz Services, Pine Tree Food Equipment and CFESA itself share what they’re looking forward to the most.

The Case of the Fried Fryer

Techtown — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:05:23 +0000

Bringing Kitchens Back Online

Techtown — Wed, 19 May 2021 14:37:52 +0000

With the Restaurant Revitalization Fund in full swing, more restaurants are coming back online following pandemic-related shutdowns. Elmer Schultz Services Owner and President Kirby Mallon, based in Philadelphia, shares advice on powering up equipment that sat dormant. Mallon, who also serves as CFESA president, adds a few thoughts on bringing more techs into the service field. Chris Evans, service manager for Gary’s East Coast Service, delivers a story on how cold hand-washing water helped pinpoint dishmachine issues on a service call. And techs from Commercial Kitchen Parts & Service, Smart Care Equipment Solutions and EMR offer ways to deal with stressed out operators during these pandemic times.

What You Need to Know About Dishmachines

Techtown — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Eric Luna, field service supervisor at Commercial Kitchen Parts & Service, answers questions from the community about dishmachines. Hear what he has to say about dealing with what some call biohazards, along with temperature readings, low voltage shorts, safety circuits and more. Next, Paul Pumputis, service manager at Duffy's AIS, talks about how a low-pressure reading led to a high-pressure situation. And technicians with Gary's East Coast Service, Heritage Service Group and EMR help you ready kitchens for the summer months.

Leading Women in the Equipment Service Industry

Techtown — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000

State of the Service Industry

Techtown — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Service Calls checks in with Duffy’s AIS CEO Wayne Stoutner for advice on how techs in the field can overcome COVID fatigue, and how to best prepare to bring equipment online—whether it sat as a result of pandemic-imposed closures or is a new installation. Next, Gary Petitti, president of Gary’s East Coast Service, solves an issue with a dishmachine pump that runs backward. And techs with EMR, Smart Care Equipment Solutions and Malachy Parts & Service point to the silver lining of the pandemic for the service industry.

Hot-Side Equipment Best Practices

Techtown — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000

What’s to Come in 2021

Techtown — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000

John Schwindt of Hawkins Commercial Appliance Service shares what challenges, changes and hope he sees in the year ahead. Dan Cone of Dan Cone Group explains how the service company helped a relief organization feed thousands of people affected by a natural disaster. And service technicians with General Parts, Clark Service Group and EMR reveal what’s on their wish list in 2021.

Making Remote Training Work

Techtown — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Many service technicians have switched from in-person to remote training as a result of the pandemic. But remote training can have its challenges, including limited hands-on experiences and a lack of face-to-face interactions.

Dan Reese, director of training for CFESA, arms techs with the tools they need to succeed in remote training. Rich Bunt of Clark Service Group shares how a little communication goes a long what when it comes to bringing a combi oven back online, and EMR, Hagar Restaurant Service and Joe Warren & Sons Co. dish on how they encourage up-and-coming technicians in the field.

Cold-Side Equipment Tips from Scott Hester

Techtown — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Refrigerated Specialist’s President Scott Hester answers questions about cold-side equipment from the Techtown community. Learn how blast chillers work, how to properly service R290 refrigerant and what to do if you see dry ice in a walk-in.

Up next, techs from General Parts and Service, Gary's East Coast Service and Hawkins Commercial Appliance Service talk about the craziest, funniest issue they’ve seen in a kitchen that’s prompted an operator to make a service call.

You don’t want to miss it!

How to Ensure a First-Time Fix

Techtown — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 08:00:00 +0000

It’s even more crucial to deliver a first-time fix during the pandemic. It helps minimize calls to a foodservice facility and keeps costs down for the operator. But it’s not always easy.

EMR Parts and Distribution Manager Bill Boling lists how techs can best set themselves up for a first-time fix. Garrett Warren of Joe Warren & Sons finds an operator who takes cabinet cleaning to a new level. And techs from Clark Service Group, Duffy’s AIS, Pine Tree Food Equipment and American Kitchen Machinery & Repair share what they like most about virtual training versus in-person training.

Be Part of a Community

Techtown — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Warranty Best Practices

Techtown — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Overcoming Challenges

Techtown — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

It’s a new world for service techs, and the COVID-19 pandemic is still very real.

In this episode of Service Calls, Kirby Mallon, owner and president of Elmer Schultz Services, shares what he sees as the top challenges for techs in the field right now, and how they can overcome them. Pat Finley, lead master certified technician at General Parts, discovers a bakery’s mistake has turned dough batter into charcoal inside its dishmachine. Then techs from Gary’s East Coast Service, Choquette CKS, Duffy’s AIS and EMR explain how they’ve used some recent downtime to propel their career forward.

Tech Training for Today and for a Career

Techtown — Mon, 18 May 2020 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Choquette CKS Vice President Jennifer Linton talks about supporting techs, even during these strange times. She also offers advice on how techs can get the most out of mentoring. Next, Tammy Blon of American Kitchen Machinery and Repair recalls a story of an operator who tried to take shortcuts with a self-cleaning combi oven. Then techs from Clark Service Group, Joe Warren and Sons Co., and EMR share tips on maintaining a social distance in the field.

Impact of COVID-19

Techtown — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

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Master Customer Service

Techtown — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Setting Up Planned Maintenance Programs

Techtown — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0000

JR Weber, director of sales at General Parts, gives his top tips on working with clients to set up effective planned maintenance programs. Greg Smith, training and safety manager for EMR, finds an operator has unsuccessfully altered a slicer to match the electrical. And techs from Clark Service Group, Gary’s East Coast Service, Smart Care Equipment Solutions and CFESA reveal their best customer service advice.

What to Know About Today's Cook-Chill Solutions

Techtown — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 09:00:00 +0000

What’s Ahead for 2020?

Techtown — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:39:17 +0000

How to Execute a Smooth Installation

Techtown — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Joe Pierce, owner and CEO of Pierce Parts & Service, shares his top tips for a successful install, from what a contract should address to steps to take after the big day. Duffy’s AIS CEO Wayne Stoutner joins next to talk about a short-sighted operator who refused to invest in a conditioned makeup air system. (Yes, things turned cold.) Plus, service techs from Smart Care Equipment Solutions, Refrigerated Specialist Inc. and EMR give advice on how to balance work and home life.

Failure Isn’t an Option

Techtown — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Stuart Schwadron, RATIONAL USA’s manager of consultant services, talks about the latest features on combi ovens and how to service them in episode three of Service Calls. (Hint: Redesigned touchscreens come with a front membrane that techs can replace if damaged instead of the entire component.) Next, Roy Cagle, install manager for Hagar Restaurant Service, proves perseverance pays off when he answers the call of a beer cooler with a condenser leak. And Jeff Boakes, manager of technical service for Delfield/Welbilt, fields questions from service techs on R290 refrigerant.

Under Pressure: From Solving a Fryer Mystery to Keeping Up with Training and Dealing with Stressed Operators

Techtown — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 04:30:00 +0000

In episode two of Service Calls, Jay Sanderson, senior technician with Gary’s East Coast Service, explains how he solved the mystery of a malfunctioning thermostat on a countertop fryer.

Next, John Schwindt, general manager and vice president of Hawkins Commercial Appliance Service and president of CFESA, talks about the importance of service tech training—from starting with a solid foundation to participating in ongoing courses.

In Nuts & Bolts, service techs sound off about how to professionally handle stressed operators.

#1 Back to School: Servicing Equipment After Summer

Techtown — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 16:51:42 +0000

In the inaugural episode of Service Calls, a podcast by Heritage Parts in partnership with Foodservice Equipment Reports, hear how the team at University of Michigan prepares equipment that’s been sitting idle all summer to feed hungry students in the fall. Plus CFESA’s Dan Reese recounts how an eagle-eyed tech, responding to a customer’s report of smelling gas coming from a boiler-based steamer, caught and corrected a careless installer’s shortsighted move. Plus service techs reveal the surprising things they always carry on their trucks to help service calls go smoothly.