WHO ARE WE?
OUR MISSION
We believe that the Ammonia Refrigeration industry has been hidden in the shadows for FAR TOO LONG! All of the other trades and professions offer copious options when it comes to expressing their love for their occupation. There is merch all over the internet for electricians, welders, plumbers, etc. Unfortunately, there is not much for us in the ammonia refrigeration industry. UNTIL NOW!
So look no further, your representation SWAG is here! It is high time that our industry gets the recognition and respect we have earned for the important role that we play in the lives of others. It is nearly impossible to not consume something that wasn’t produced using ammonia refrigeration at some point in the food chain. Farmers may feed the world, but they couldn’t get it from the field to the world without us. (Even they have swag.)
We are looking forward to using our creative sides and offer affordable products that you can proudly wear and use. Mech that strikes up friendly conversations and spreads awareness of the important jobs we do and the careers that we have. So let’s get the word out and look very cool/cold doing it!
-Ammonia Guru team
The Ammonia Gurus
Jeremy Murfin
Founder/Owner
I got my ammonia refrigeration start in 1997 when the owner of the company that I was working for thought I had the potential to be more than just a production mechanic and electrician. (and yes, it was a raise!) From the first sniff I was hooked. I worked for 2 different end users until 2006 when I joined a design/build and service contractor. I have commissioned over 50 new facilities and multiple additions and as a result have met and trained hundreds of technicians I have serviced and repaired local Mom and Pop locker plants to working for some of the largest cold storage and food producers in the world.
Currently I am the Industrial Refrigeration Service Manager at AC & R Specialists. I am proudly serving my 4th year as a RETA National Board of Director. (you can find me in the Breeze) I also serve as the Executive Director for the Iowa RETA chapter.
In my free time I enjoy golfing, although I am not very good at it, music from the late 60’s to very early 90’s and spending time with family and friends.
I became an Ammonia Guru when I realized that if I order an Old Fashioned after work to relax…. my relaxation includes a discussion about an ammonia refrigeration system somewhere and helping others out with their problems or training. Refrigeration is never really off of my mind. Someone once said that if you enjoy what you do for work, that you will never work a day in your life. I just happen to love what I do for work. My greatest focus now is to help others find their success like so many helped me along the way.
Layne Stewart
Founder/Owner
I started my ammonia refrigeration journey fresh out of high school, in 2014. I grew up learning to become mechanically inclined. I found a love for turning wrenches on anything with a motor and building anything my mind could imagine early on. My love for building and design initially put me on a path for college to do architectural design. In 2014 this took a turn when Jeremy Murfin came to me with and opportunity just a month before my high school graduation. He had been offered the opportunity to take on an ammonia service apprentice, and knowing my mechanical aptitude and determination to solve puzzles and problems, he thought I would be a great fist. He gave me the opportunity to think on it and took me along on a trip to do a small plant pump down and recip compressor tie in. I dove right in helping with the job and even got my first good sniff. After the trip I was hooked. In the fall of 2014 I joined a design, build, and service contractor as an ammonia service technician. Over the past ten years I have been a part of commissioning over 20 new facilities, learned to service many manufactures equipment, and become proficient in refrigeration controls. Currently I am a Head Industrial Refrigeration Technician at AC&R Specialists. Along with being in the industry with an industrial contractor, I have also began getting involved with RETA. I have earned my CIRO and going for my CRST next. I am also a board member with the RETA Iowa chapter.
I am a down to earth blue collar guy that enjoys turning wrenches on “toys” when I’m not wrenching on ammonia. I like golfing, riding my Harley, and relaxing with my friends by my side and a cold one in hand. However, even when I’m not on sight or helping with over the phone trouble shooting, I still find ammonia finding is way into my mind and conversations. Ammonia refrigeration has become a great part of me and I look forward to sharing all the knowledge and love to those who follow behind me.