Ahead of IDEA’s first ever DPF Training event, we sat down with Jim Drespling of Jim D’s DPF Cleaning Service, who is hosting the meeting coming up on April 9. From bung removal to various cleaning procedures to ultrasonic testing, hear from Mark, Bobby, and Jim D about what members can expect at our upcoming meeting in Pennsylvania. This episode is sponsored by ⁠http://www.johnsonmfg.com/⁠

Solder & Soot is back in 2024! In our first episode of season 3, we sit down with DRC Heat Transfer's President/CEO Brian Cahill. From locomotives to modern day cooling systems, we learn all about the company's history in Illinois. You'll also get a sneak peek of the upcoming 2024 Spring Conference, which is hosted by DRC Heat Transfer. This episode is sponsored by ⁠http://www.johnsonmfg.com/⁠ To learn more about NARSA/IDEA, visit ⁠http://narsa-idea.org

In this episode of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with Mark Arbeau of Hunter Radiators based out of Edmonton, Alberta in Canada. As Mark explains, his family wasn't involved in the radiator business, but he came into the industry thanks to a unique opportunity. We also learn what challenges Canadian radiator shops deal with and what it means to "take things to a level 11." This episode is sponsored by http://www.johnsonmfg.com/ To learn more about NARSA/IDEA, visit http://narsa-idea.org

What do a successful business owner and an expert Black Jack player have in common? According to futurist and longtime venture capitalist Joel Block, both are Advantage Players™. In this episode of "Solder & Soot," hosts Mark Taylor and Bobby Duran sit down with Joel about what it means to be an Advantage Player™ and how that relates to the cooling systems industry. Joel will be the keynote speaker at NARSA/IDEA's 2023 Spring Conference at Empire Radiator in Rochester, New York. To...

If you're involved in the cooling systems industry, you likely know the name Dolphin. Ahead of NARSA's 2023 International Tour in the Middle East, we sit down with Riddhish Kapadia of the Dolphin Group to learn more about the manufacturer's history and its extensive footprint across the world. In this episode, we also learn about the key decisions that are helping Dolphin achieve its dream goal: to become a $25 million company in the next 7 years.  --- This episode is sponsored by ·...

To wrap up 2022, Solder & Soot's Mark Taylor and Bobby Duran have curated a Cooling Systems Christmas Carol. In this special episode, our hosts reflect on the past, present, and future of NARSA/IDEA and what big events impacted our members.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with cooling systems industry expert Pat O'Connor, Vice President of Sales at Johnson Manufacturing. Pat will  be inducted into NARSA's Cooling Systems Hall of Fame in 2023. Without a doubt, NARSA would not be what it is today without Pat's influence. In addition to hearing about his successful career, we learn how Pat was instrumental within our association in bridging the gap between manufacturers and service shops.  --- This episode...

Minnesota-based L&M Radiator is well known in the cooling systems industry, but our listeners may not know the company's origins and how it can be traced back to WWII. In this episode of Solder & Soot, we sit down with David "Sully" Sullender to learn what sets MESABI® products apart. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In the cooling systems industry, the Roppel family of Kentucky is well known. In this episode of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with father and son Tom and Corey Roppel to learn about the early days of the family business and how Roppel Industries has transformed over the past 75 years. This episode isn't strictly all business, though. We also talk about Kentucky bourbon, learn about Tom's best pranks, and hear why the Roppels refuse to wear socks.  --- This episode is sponsored by ·...

We dive into the dynamics of running a family business with Bobby’s father Luis Duran in this episode of “Solder & Soot.” Learn how Luis first got involved in the cooling systems industry, his service in the Air Force, and how he ran two companies in New Jersey and Puerto Rico. You’ll also hear from Luis about how vital NARSA was to his success. This episode is sponsored by Johnson Manufacturing. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. ...

On this episode of “Solder & Soot,” we learn the ins and outs of on-site generator service with the Davis brothers of BGR Radiator in Connecticut. Hear how the business has changed over the years, where BGR really shines, and what Jamie and Nick Davis say is one of their biggest challenges in the cooling systems industry. This episode is sponsored by Johnson Manufacturing. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We learn all about Canada’s West End Radiators and the Feeleus family in this episode of “Solder & Soot.” Wayne Feeleus walks us through the company’s 60+ years of history as a cooling systems service shop and growth as a manufacturer. Hear what Feeleus says drives his success. Plus, we also find out more about West End Radiator’s most recent venture, the launching of its new aluminum manufacturing plant. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. ...

In this episode of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with Joel Christianson of American Radiator which is based in Iowa. As we all know, the only constant thing in life is change. And Joel's story is a great example of learning how to adapt in this industry and how to diversify. In addition to learning more about the history of American Radiator, we also discuss what makes business partnerships successful and what opportunities lie in DPF cleaning. This episode is sponsored by Johnson...

“Fortunes aren't made by the meek. It’s made by the brave.” - Frank Finger We couldn’t fit all of Frank Finger’s wisdom into one episode, so we continue the conversation with the legend himself in Part 2. Expanding your business can be tricky, and you need the right strategy. In this episode, we hear from Frank about his move into distribution and how he developed the sales business. Frank also talks about his own exit strategy when he sold his company. Plus, hear why Frank Finger says...

We are kicking off Season 2 of "Solder & Soot: A NARSA/IDEA Podcast" with a pioneer in the cooling systems world: Frank Finger, whose career spans nearly 80 years. Mr. Frank is not only a dear friend to both Bobby Duran and Mark Taylor, but he's also a wealth of information to everyone in NARSA/IDEA. In Part 1 of this interview, we learn about the early days of NARSA/IDEA in the 1950s, how the radiator industry has changed over time, and the piece of business advice that Frank's father...

In this latest episode of "Solder & Soot," we sit down with three generations of Schelkuns (Mike, Jim, and Andrew) who run Empire Radiator Service. We dive into the past, present, and future plans of the Rochester, New York-based company and dig into what it's really like working with your family.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We learn all about life in Zimbabwe with Mike Marques and Darren Maboreke of Mike's Radiators in this episode of "Solder & Soot." They are new members to NARSA/IDEA, but they're both experienced in the world of cooling systems. From recruiting employees to finding materials, we discuss the challenges of operating a radiator shop in Africa. Plus, have you heard of the African tiger fish? We learn more about this monster of a fish, and why it's especially tough to catch.  --- This...

This episode we jump across the pond to speak with Jeff Thorpe of G & M Radiator based in Scotland. G & M’s roots go back all the way to 1919. Not only do we find out about cooling systems industry history overseas, but we learn more about the skilled labor shortage challenges the UK is dealing with. A member of NARSA/IDEA for many years, G & M also shares some exciting breaking news with us about the company’s future plans! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The...

Did you know that 40% of engine downtime is coolant-related? This month on “Solder & Soot,” we dive into the science of coolants with Joe Long of Old World Industries. Joe has more than 40 years of experience in the trucking industry and is definitely an expert in his field. Not only does Joe answer our top questions, but he also explains the most common mistakes technicians make when it comes to coolants, cleaners, and other chemicals in this latest episode. --- This episode is...

We discuss current industry trends with Jamie Irvine of The Heavy-Duty Parts Report podcast. Jamie has worked in the heavy-duty parts industry since 1998 and is currently a Sales and Marketing Consultant. Why should businesses focus on service? How can companies eliminate waste and inefficiency? Jamie breaks down how you can succeed against your competition in the latest episode of "Solder & Soot: a NARSA/IDEA Podcast." --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to...

This week, we chat with cooling systems veteran David Bienvenu of Radiator Service Co., who is based in Houma, Louisiana. He's the go-to guy many of our NARSA/IDEA members call when they have a question. But unlike some, David didn't grow up in the radiator business. Learn how he got into the industry, the most costly mistake he ever made, and how NARSA helped him overcome challenges in this special episode.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. ...

Chuck and Bryan Braswell join us from North Carolina at Rocky Mount Radiator & A/C, which is a fourth-generation family-owned business, and their involvement with NARSA/IDEA runs deep as well. Chuck is a former NARSA/IDEA President and Bryan currently serves as a Board member. Learn how NARSA/IDEA has contributed to their success, about their future goals to expand the business, and what it’s really like working closely with your parents in this latest episode. --- This episode is...

How has COVID-19 impacted the global supply chain? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mary Kelly, a renowned economist, author, public speaker, and professor. Dr. Kelly will also be among the speakers at NARSA/IDEA's 2021 Spring Virtual Conference May 20-21. Hear how Dr. Kelly describes the current state of the economy and what business owners need to know about what could happen next.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 4, we talk with Steve Hoke of Diesel Emissions Service. After California established new regulations regarding heavy duty trucks and emissions, Hoke seized the opportunity to start his own business. In addition to service shops, Hoke’s empire has grown to include manufacturing and distributing diesel particulate filter accessories and parts. Hear from Hoke about how his business philosophy focuses on relationships and how he’s helping educate other members within our...