“Solder & Soot” Podcast Episode 23: Dolphin

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.

Adapting in 2023

In the early 80s, copper and brass automotive radiators were still dominating the majority of work in radiator shops. This trend started to shift by the mid to late 80s as plastic and aluminum radiators became original equipment for the majority of the automotive market. Also diverting business from the radiator shops was inexpensive complete radiators from overseas which were being sold by every type of auto parts outlet. Within 10 years, the automotive radiator aftermarket had been transformed from being predominantly a radiator shop function to the radiator shops having a small piece of the new automotive complete radiator sales market.

The Link Between the Manufacturer & the Repair Shop

Starting off a new calendar year gives us a chance to do some cleaning up, and for many businesses such as ours, it gives us a chance to reflect on what things went right and those which could stand improvement. With 2023 underway, we started to see a changing of the guard with supply chains slowly starting to recover, shipping and freight cost starting to come back to reality, as well as some semblance of a COVID-free work environment.

January/February 2023 Cooling Journal

We ring in 2023 with the January/February issue of the Cooling Journal. This month, we feature the talented team at South Texas Radiator. See how two cooling systems experts have branched out on their own in our Member Spotlight. Plus, learn what NARSA/IDEA's Board of Directors look forward to in 2023.

Another meeting season completed

This year, we had a renewed excitement in the beginning of the year by being able to plan and facilitate in-person events. This year has renewed the enthusiasm of members, the Board of Directors, and the home office. We have had three hugely successful meetings this year. We started off at Don Hartโ€™s Radiator in Waller, Texas for our 2022 Spring Conference. Then we had a hugely successful International Tour in the United Kingdom where we visited G&M Radiator and Advanced Radiators. Finally, we had a great AAPEX convention the first week of November.

“Solder & Soot” Podcast Episode 22: “A Cooling Systems Christmas Carol”

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.

November/December 2022 Cooling Journal

The final issue of the Cooling Journal of 2022 is here! This month, we learn all about Chesapeake Cooling Solutions of Maryland, a new business that's growing in success in part thanks to NARSA/IDEA. We also see highlights from 2022's AAPEX Show and our Member Appreciation Reception.

“Solder & Soot” Podcast Episode 21: Pat O’Connor

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.

Hello from Scotland!

No matter the level of sophistication of yours or someone elseโ€™s business, I can assure you there is always something to learn that will make a difference in your business. New ideas are created by exposing yourself to the ideas of others. The greatest compliment to another individual or company is when you take an idea that has been shared and make it your own. Just like all of your relationships in life, they are only as good as the effort that you put into them.ย