Invented For Techs, by Techs: Inside Refrigeration Technologies' "The Lab"

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Mike Passarello, owner of Refrigeration Technologies, and Ashley Lins, director of education and brand management for Viper, to talk about the company's roots, its newest product launches, and where the brand is headed next. Mike, a second-generation owner who took over from his father John Passarello in 2017, explains that the company was built on a "for techs by techs" philosophy after John, an HVAC technician with a chemistry background, began inventing products to solve his own field problems. Nearly 40 years later — with the company approaching its anniversary in 2027 — that same tech-first mentality still guides everything from Nylog to Heat Shield to the newly announced product lab.   Much of the conversation centers on Easy Dose, the first product to come out of Refrigeration Technologies' new "lab" initiative, which invites field technicians with promising ideas to bring them to the company for development and distribution. Easy Dose is a gravity-fed pan-and-drain maintenance system built around the company's existing Pan & Drain treatment, designed to deliver consistent dosing to multiple points in a condensate pan without relying on motors, apps, or other complexity. Ashley and Mike walk through the roughly year-long testing and development process behind the product, the dosing guidance contractors give homeowners, and a maintenance-tracking sticker included with each unit that keeps contractors engaged for ongoing service rather than a one-and-done install.   The discussion also digs into the science and safety philosophy behind the company's chemistry. Mike and Ashley explain why Pan & Drain treatment uses enzymes rather than bleach tablets or strips — enzymes break down biological buildup (zooglea) at the source instead of just killing it and leaving residue behind — and why the company has stayed committed to safer, properly diluted chemistries even when more aggressive competitors promise faster results. Bryan and the guests share candid stories about chemical injuries from overly corrosive products, the misconception that "non-acid" cleaners are automatically safe, and why matching dilution to soil level protects both technicians and equipment.   The episode closes with a deep dive into Nylog — what it actually is, why it doesn't cause the contamination or warranty issues some technicians believe, and the difference between Nylog Red (mineral oil systems) and Nylog Blue (POE, PVE, and A2L-compatible systems), with Blue recommended for most trucks today. Mike and Ashley also touch on the company's rapid growth, including four consecutive Inc. 5000 rankings, ongoing hiring across sales, marketing, and warehouse roles, and plans to formally launch the product-idea lab program by the end of the year. They close by inviting listeners to connect on social media and stop by the Refrigeration Technologies booth at the AHR Expo in Chicago.   ## Topics Covered •       Refrigeration Technologies' history and "for techs by techs" founding philosophy •       The new product "lab" program for bringing outside technician inventions to market •       Easy Dose: how the gravity-fed pan-and-drain dosing system works and why it was developed •       Product testing and development timeline for new launches •       Pan & Drain treatment's enzyme-based approach versus tablets and strips •       Chemical safety, corrosive cleaners, and the risks of "non-acid" products •       The importance of proper dilution ratios for safety, results, and truck space •       Copper and silver drain pan construction and biological growth (zooglea) •       Nylog: what it is, common misconceptions, and warranty myths •       Nylog Red vs. Nylog Blue vs. Nylog White and which to keep on the truck •       Company growth, four consecutive Inc. 5000 rankings, and current hiring •       Viper swag giveaways and how to get involved on social media •       Where to find Refrigeration Technologies at the upcoming AHR Expo in Chicago