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."
Category: Podcast
“Solder & Soot” Podcast Episode 24: Joel Block
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Solder & Soot” Podcast Episode 20: L&M Radiator
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.
“Solder & Soot” Podcast Episode 19: Roppel Industries
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.
“Solder & Soot” Podcast Episode 18: Luis Duran
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.
“Solder & Soot” Podcast Episode 17: BGR Radiator
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.
“Solder & Soot” Podcast Episode 16: West End Radiators
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.