Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this conversation, we're joined by Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador Andrew Freeberg to discuss why we entered the refrigeration trade. On top of the strong pay potential, we uncover what we truly enjoy about the industry, including the daily variety, challenges, problem solving, helping customers and common misconceptions about on-call and working conditions. We also break down why many supermarket refrigeration technicians feel stuck second-guessing on jobs, which drives callbacks, stress, and constant support calls. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone considering getting into supermarket refrigeration or new techs looking to explore the sky high potential of the refrigeration industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

(03:14) Realities of On-Calls as a Tradesperson

(04:43) Payoff and Lifestyle of a Refrigeration Technician

(05:15) Why the Work Stays Fun

(06:29) Top Advantages of the Refrigeration Trade

(07:19) Advice for New Students

(08:16) Refrigeration Wages and Career Math

(10:33) Overtime

(12:12) Travel Anywhere With Skills

(15:47) Skills That Will Change Your Life

(19:24) Recruiting the Next Generation of Tradespeople

(21:34) Second Career Ageism

(25:03) Why Refrigeration Matters

(29:30) Trade School vs College

(30:56) Different Career Avenues in Refrigeration

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 333. Training and Troubleshooting Tips to Level Up Your Career

Episode 274. The Biggest Key To Career Success in Refrigeration

Episode 256. Career Tips for New Technicians

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this episode, we're joined by Refrigeration Mentor Community Ambassador Andrew Freeburg to discuss how technicians can approach CO2 refrigeration with more confidence, reduce callbacks, and cut troubleshooting time with the right training and mentors. Andrew shares his journey in the trade, including push into CO2, emphasizing persistence, ongoing training, and being vocal with management about career goals. We also cover practical startup and commissioning fundamentals, including using P&IDs, wiring diagrams, I/O schedules, and checklists to identify components.

In this episode, we discuss:

(01:51) Andrew's CO2 Journey

(03:5)1 Learning CO2 Refrigeration Faster

(05:13) Refrigeration Startup Checklists

(05:44) Sensor Install Best Practices

(07:29) Advice for New Techs on CO2

(12:53) Commissioning and VFD Tuning

(15:32) Why Ongoing Commissioning Matters

(18:13) CO2 Monitoring and Troubleshooting

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 243. Step-By-Step Walkthrough of a CO2 Service Call with Patrick Gregory

Episode 227. Getting to Know Transcritical CO2 Supermarket Refrigeration Systems with Kevin Mullis

Episode 180: Developing your CO2 Knowledge into Experience

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses

Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here

In this episode, we're discussing why capable technicians often freeze when they walk into a supermarket rack room and how that hesitation drives long troubleshooting times, constant support calls, and callbacks. We'll talk about what causes overwhelm from complex rack systems, controls, and newer technologies like CO2, and the important fundamentals that are too often missed. Apprenticeships cover only a fraction of what techs need and that one-off training days aren't enough - the key is consistent, repeatable development paths and training to help technicians build rack specialist skills, reduce callbacks, and improve profitability.

In this episode, we cover:

(00:48) Why Techs Get Stumped on Service Calls

(01:48) Complexity Overload

(02:38) Apprenticeship Gaps for Tradespeople

(06:39) Refrigeration Glide

(07:17) Hot Gas Defrost

(13:32) Tips for Hiring New Refrigeration Techs

(16:22) CO2 Trend Graphs

(20:23) How to Build and Train Refrigeration Rack Specialists

Helpful Links & Resources:

Episode 299. Basic Refrigeration 101

Episode 251. Supermarket Refrigeration Service and Troubleshooting Tips

Episode 215. Understanding Refrigeration System Controls with Larry Herman of Redline Control Design