In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, we sit down with Michael Plezia to explore his unconventional journey into the trades. From dropping out of high school and working in retail and foodservice, to discovering a passion for HVAC, plumbing, and commercial kitchen equipment repair, Mike opens up about what led him to his current role as a Hobart Service technician.
🛠️ We talk career pivots in your 30s, the challenges of starting over, and how hands-on training, mentorship, and curiosity fueled his success. Now working on everything from flight dish machines to rack ovens and mixers, Mike shares what makes the foodservice repair industry such a hidden gem.
💡 Whether you're a tech in training, someone looking to switch careers, or a fan of real stories from the field, this episode is full of hard-won lessons and encouragement to keep pushing forward.
🎯 Topics Covered:
âś… How Mike found purpose in the trades
âś… Hobart training, support, and career growth
âś… Diagnosing commercial appliances (mixers, dish machines, ovens)
✅ Why water quality matters in foodservice repair
âś… How the trades provide direction, community, and a career to be proud of
🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by a story of resilience, reinvention, and real-world repair.
This episode is brought to you by TruTech Tools
Looking for top-quality HVAC/R tools? TruTech Tools is here to help! From instruments to hand tools, in-stock and shipped fast, they have you covered to get the job done right. Visit https://trutechtools.com - Quality Tools - Essential Support!
Mike Plaza on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@Hvacmike
Commercial kitchen Chronicles
https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com
#CommercialKitchenRepair
#FoodserviceEquipment
#HVACR
#SkilledTrades
#TradeCareers
#CommercialAppliances
#DishMachineRepair
#HobartTech
#BlueCollarLife
#FixItRight
#ServiceTechnician
#TradespersonJourney
#KitchenEquipmentTech
#HandsOnCareer
#TechInTraining
#HVACTech
#FieldServiceLife
#CommercialOvenRepair
#FlightDishwasher
#MixerRepair
#WaterQualityMatters
#LearnTheTrades
#TradeMentorship
#RealWorldSkills
#DontQuit
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