Welcome back to Commercial Kitchen Chronicles — The Original Foodservice Equipment Repair Podcast! Today’s guest is DJ Coblentz, the Lead Technical Trainer at Viega’s brand-new state-of-the-art Ohio facility. If you’ve ever pressed a fitting, installed MegaPress, fought with threaded gas pipe, or wondered what it’s like behind the scenes at Viega’s manufacturing and training center — THIS is the episode for you. DJ shares his journey from the field to the classroom, how Viega is reshaping the plumbing & mechanical trades, and why press technology continues taking over mechanical rooms and commercial jobsites everywhere. ⭐ What You’ll Learn in This Episode How DJ went from traditional plumbing work to becoming a lead trainer at Viega Behind-the-scenes insight on Viega’s new Ohio manufacturing + training hybrid facility Why press technology (Viega ProPress, MegaPress, copper press fittings) is dominating the industry How the trades provide financial freedom, career growth, and a lifelong skillset How training, apprenticeships, and vocational programs are reshaping the future of skilled trades Advice for young techs, plumbers, HVAC/R apprentices, and anyone entering the mechanical trades Why the branch connector, transition couplings, and MegaPress fittings are game-changing tools How Viega partners with contractors, students, supply houses, and trade schools 🏭 About Viega’s Brand-New Ohio Facility DJ walks us through: What Viega is now manufacturing in the U.S. (½”–1” copper 90s, couplings, repair couplings) Their upcoming MegaPress production line The unique catwalk tour that gives trainees a safe aerial view of real-time production Why U.S. manufacturing matters to the plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC/R trades How the facility is already impacting the local community and trade partners This is the only facility in the U.S. where manufacturing and training happen under one roof — and DJ gives us the inside scoop. DJ with Viega 🧰 DJ’s Favorite Viega Product You’ll love this part. DJ explains why the Viega Transition Coupling is one of the most underrated life-saving fittings in the industry — especially when dealing with old galvanized pipe, cast iron, copper, or PEX transitions in residential and commercial jobs. DJ with Viega 🧑🏫 Why Training Matters DJ breaks down: How Viega approaches modern technical training Why tradespeople benefit from both hands-on and virtual training (VTTs) Why humor, conversation, and real field talk create better learning environments How the trades can attract more young people and athletes with strong work ethics What keeps the trades fulfilling even when you leave fieldwork DJ with Viega 🚀 For Anyone Thinking About Joining the Trades DJ’s advice is clear: Try a ride-along Stay curious Invest in yourself The trades can change your life From buying a home to paying off college, raising a family, and building a meaningful career — DJ’s story is proof of the opportunity that lives in the plumbing & mechanical industries. DJ with Viega 📞 How to Sign Up for Viega Training You can learn more about in-person and virtual training by visiting: 👉 Viega.us (Find local reps, classes, and training centers) 👉 Ask your local supplier or Viega rep 👉 Join a Viega VTT (Virtual Tech Training) DJ with Viega ❓ Questions for the Audience Have you used Viega ProPress or MegaPress on gas lines, hydronics, refrigeration, or domestic water? What’s your favorite press-fitting time saver? Does your shop encourage training and apprenticeships? Have you visited a manufacturing facility like Viega’s before? What product or tool do you wish manufacturers would create next? Drop your answers in the comments — let’s talk shop.
Check out their website for all their upcoming trainings and more!
https://www.viega.us/en/homepage.html
Commercial Kitchen Chronicles
