What does it take to build a 27-year career in HVAC while overcoming addiction, traveling the country as a startup and commissioning technician, and becoming one of the most recognizable personalities in the skilled trades?

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Bobby Armstrong, better known as Blue Collar Code, for an honest, hilarious, and inspiring conversation about life in the HVAC industry.

From residential installations in Florida to commercial service in Arizona and now traveling nationwide commissioning equipment, Bobby shares the lessons he's learned from nearly three decades in the trade. He also opens up about his journey to 12 years of sobriety, proving that your past doesn't have to define your future.

The conversation covers everything from technical growth and industry changes to social media, Construction Confessions, and why having fun on the job doesn't mean sacrificing professionalism.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Bobby's 27-year HVAC career
• Life as a traveling startup and commissioning technician
• Residential vs. commercial HVAC
• The story behind Blue Collar Code
• The success of Construction Confessions
• Addiction recovery and 12 years of sobriety
• Mental health in the skilled trades
• Social media and content creation for technicians
• Lessons learned from decades in the field
• The future of the HVAC industry
• Favorite tools, guns, and a few laughs along the way

https://www.tiktok.com/@blue_collar_code

https://www.instagram.com/blue_collar_code/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollarcodeuncut

Whether you're an HVAC technician, refrigeration mechanic, foodservice equipment technician, contractor, apprentice, or simply passionate about the skilled trades, this episode delivers real conversations, real experiences, and plenty of laughs.

This episode is brought to you by Viper Refrigeration Technologies.

When the job demands products you can trust, reach for Viper. Whether it's Nylog White Gasket & Thread Sealant for leak-free threaded connections, WetRag Heat Blocking Putty to protect valves and components while brazing, or Viper's industry-leading coil cleaners that keep systems running efficiently, Viper has products built by technicians, for technicians. Learn more at https://www.refrigtech.com/

If you enjoyed this episode:
• Subscribe to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.
• Leave a 5-star review to help more technicians discover the show.
• Share this episode with a coworker, apprentice, or friend in the trades.
• Follow Commercial Kitchen Chronicles on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X for more interviews, training content, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Commercial Kitchen Chronicles is the original foodservice equipment repair podcast—bringing together the technicians, manufacturers, trainers, and industry leaders who keep commercial kitchens running every day.

https://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/