Eighteen years old, outdoorsy, and already wrenching on commercial kitchen gear like a pro — meet James McCanless. In this Young Gun Spotlight, James shares how he went from mowing grass and slinging lattes to climbing McDonald’s rooftops and fixing fryers. From being laid off by the city at 15, to landing an apprenticeship through Austin & Loretta Mealer’s program at Dyersburg State, James proves you don’t need a college degree to find a rewarding, hands-on career.
We talk hunting season, getting smacked by a bowstring (ouch), coil cleaner horror stories, airport pat-downs, and what it really feels like to walk into a restaurant knowing the whole place is counting on you. James also lays out why TikTok may be the secret to attracting the next generation of techs (sorry, Loretta — looks like he just volunteered).
👉 He may be young, but James has big goals: become a master tech, keep learning every day, and eventually be one of Austin Miller’s top technicians. With mentors like Corey Miller and Zach Hampton in his corner, and a genuine love for the trade, he’s well on his way.
💡 Pro Tip Break – Brought to You by Viper
This episode is powered by our friends at Viper HVACR cleaners from Refrigeration Technologies. Grease, grime, and coil gunk don’t stand a chance. NSF-certified, safe, and strong — Viper keeps your equipment efficient, reliable, and service-ready. 🐍 Because clean coils = happy techs (and happy restaurants).
If you’re a young gun thinking about jumping into the trades, or a seasoned tech who wants a reminder of why you fell in love with the work in the first place, this episode’s got it all.
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