Meet Blake Barkeloo, the man behind Icedburg Services in Jacksonville, Florida, and our November Tech of the Month!
Blake’s story is one filled with an unexpected career twist, a love-hate relationship with troubleshooting, and even a bit of ice cream tasting (for “quality control,” of course). Let’s dive into what makes Blake—and his one-man show—so respectable and inspiring.
From a Bit of Trouble to HVACR Triumph
Blake didn’t plan on a career in HVACR. In fact, he started off with a criminal justice degree and dreams of working with the DEA, and then ended up in the Navy. His path to HVACR began with little mishap overseas (involving a tractor, some snow, and maybe not the best judgment from a twenty-something year old on a flight line). That incident landed him in the ground support division, and what started as a punishment turned into a passion.
“They put me to work on these massive aircraft generators and air conditioners. At first, it was just something to do to pass the time, but eventually, I fell for it,” Blake admits. “Trouble led me to HVAC. Go figure!”
Once he was back in the states, he found a HVACR school in Jacksonville, where he got deep into the industrial refrigeration side of things; earning EPA certifications, mastering recovery systems, generators, and more.
The Birth of Icedburg Services
Fast forward to 2020, when the pandemic changed everything. Blake’s health unfortunately made it difficult to keep up with the physical demands of industrial refrigeration, and he found himself at a crossroads. A loyal customer nudged him toward starting his own business, and within a single week he had a truck ready to go and jobs lining up. Blake credits unlimited support from his wife, his passion for learning the ins and outs from different manufacturers, and divine timing in helping Icedburg Services get off the ground.
“It was terrifying,” Blake laughs. “Starting your own business is a huge leap, especially when you’re the entire company. But here we are, five years later, still kicking—and still out of one truck!”
Ice Cream Machines and “Quality Control”
Blake’s bread and butter—or maybe custard and sprinkles—is working on commercial refrigeration in restaurants. Focusing on walk-in and reach-in freezers, coolers, ice machines, and then a lot of specialty refrigeration, which is primarily custard, ice cream, and margarita machines.
Naturally, I had to ask: Does he get to eat all the ice cream once he fixes the machine?
“Not as much as people think,” Blake laughingly jokes. “I’ll taste-test the good stuff sometimes, but a lot of it? Nah. Let’s just say I’ve seen what goes into some of those machines, and it’s not all ice cream. But give me a good custard place? I’m there!”
Fun fact: Blake’s ice cream temperature checks double as photo ops and to confirm with the operating manager that it’s back to temp but that’s usually about it.
Why Troubleshooting is the Best (and Worst)
If you ask Blake what he loves most about his job, it’s troubleshooting—but don’t expect him to sugarcoat it. “It’s a love-hate thing,” he says. “Some days, you’re up against a problem that just won’t quit, and other days, you’re on top of the world because you nailed it. It’s never the same, and that’s what keeps me coming back.”
His specialty? Solving puzzles with intricate machines like custard equipment and ice cream makers. “There’s so much electrical and mechanical work involved. It’s a rabbit hole you can lose yourself in, but when you figure it out, it’s magic.”
Viper in the Veto Pack
Blake is a longtime fan of Viper products, and it all started with Big Blu back in 2017. “A Johnstone rep handed me a bottle and said, ‘This will find leaks like nothing else.’ I didn’t believe him at first, but then it worked, and I was hooked,” Blake says. “Now my truck is basically a Viper shrine. Big Blu, coil cleaners, drain pan treatments—you name it, I’ve got it.”
In commercial kitchens, where food safety is critical, Viper’s non-toxic and food-safe products are a no-brainer. “I don’t mess around with residential jobs, but when you’re spraying stuff in a kitchen with people cooking right next to you, you need products you can trust.”
When Blake Isn’t Fixing Freezers
Outside of work, Blake and his wife love cooking up Southwest-inspired dishes, thanks to her New Mexico roots. “We’re all about roasted green chili and anything with bold flavors,” he shares. And he loves coming home to his “cat-dog,” a rescue cat who’s now living the high life in his home.
Advice for New Techs
Blake has plenty of wisdom for those just starting out in HVACR. His top tip? “Listen to your mentors. Educate yourself whenever you can, and don’t focus too much on the money. The knowledge will take you farther in the long run.”
He also encourages techs to embrace technology. “You can do so much with today’s tools—wireless gauges, apps, you name it. I can be sitting in my truck, checking pressures on a system, writing an invoice, and still keeping an eye on the equipment. It’s wild!”
Looking Ahead
Blake is excited about the future of HVACR, especially seeing younger generations enter the field. He’s planning to attend the AHR Expo in 2025, where he’ll definitely be swinging by the Viper booth.
Blake’s humor, dedication, and passion for the trade make him a standout in the HVACR community. We’re proud to have him as our November Tech of the Month—cheers to Blake for keeping it cool and keeping us laughing along the way!