Performance Industrial Revolutionizing Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning with “Beyond the Sticker”

In the high-stakes world of commercial kitchen maintenance, Performance Industrial stands out with its “Beyond the Sticker” philosophy, a commitment that goes far beyond simply affixing an NFPA 96 compliance sticker to a hood.

Based in South Glens Falls, NY, and serving New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, this second-generation family business has earned a reputation for excellence in kitchen exhaust cleaning (KEC) services. A March 7, 2025 interview with team members Chris and Tom, hosted by Michael Nelson, reveals how they redefine safety and service for restaurants, bakeries, and food production centers. Coupled with insights from their website, it’s clear that Performance Industrial’s approach is about more than compliance—it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods.

Defining “Beyond the Sticker” in Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning 

“Beyond the Sticker” encapsulates Performance Industrial’s mission to exceed industry norms. Chris explains, “We try to follow NFPA 96 code for cleaning systems… cleaning every aspect of the system—the hood, the ductwork, the fan.” The National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 96 sets minimum standards for maintaining kitchen exhaust systems to prevent grease fires, but Performance Industrial aims higher with bare metal cleaning. Tom notes, “If anything can’t be cleaned to NFPA 96 standard, or actually, even beyond that… we don’t sticker it.” This means no superficial cleanings or overlooked corners—only a thorough, grease-free result earns their certification.

Their website reinforces this ethos: “Go beyond the kitchen’s exhaust hood. A complete cleaning covers every inch of an exhaust system – from the hood to the roof fan.” Unlike some kitchen exhaust cleaning companies that cut corners, Performance Industrial’s certified team—holding credentials from the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA)—ensures every job meets and exceeds these rigorous standards. “It’s very important to us that we clean it right every single time,” Chris emphasizes, highlighting a dedication that prioritizes safety over shortcuts.

Bare Metal Cleaning: A Fire Safety Game-Changer

Bare metal cleaning is Performance Industrial’s hallmark, a process that strips systems down to their metal core to eliminate fire hazards. Tom illustrates the stakes: “Once a fire gets above the ceiling and gets into the upper horizontal ductwork… the only thing that’s going to put it out is when it runs out of fuel.” Their website echoes this, stating, “Only a bare metal cleaning can reduce the risk of fire,” a claim rooted in NFPA-96 standards. By removing the “fuel load”—grease that could ignite—they offer a level of fire hazard prevention unmatched by minimal cleanings.

This matters because, as Tom points out, “Ansel systems don’t spray into the horizontals themselves.” While suppression systems handle flames under the hood, upper ductwork remains vulnerable unless meticulously cleaned. “We take pride in doing good work… even if it takes us longer,” Chris says, a sentiment reflected in their website’s promise of “thorough and effective cleaning.” With over 10,000 restaurant fires annually linked to mismanaged exhaust systems, Performance Industrial’s bare metal cleaning isn’t just a service—it’s a lifeline.

Tackling Accessibility in Kitchen Exhaust Systems

Poor system design often hampers commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning, a challenge Performance Industrial meets head-on. Tom notes, “It happens very often that there’s either no access [doors] or they’ve wrapped the ductwork with no reporting… to where the accesses may be.” Competitors might bid low—”$600 to clean the hood”—and mark the rest “inaccessible,” but Performance Industrial refuses to settle. “We will do everything we can to get access,” Chris asserts, whether that means installing access doors or working with clients to clear obstructions like pipes or HVAC units.

Rooftop fans are another pain point. “It’s pretty common” to find fans without hinge kits, Chris says, a problem Tom expands on: “A lot of people have an undersized hinge… not up to code.” Their website highlights solutions like installing “grease containment systems, access doors, and hinge kits,” ensuring every component is cleanable. This proactive approach aligns with their “Beyond the Sticker” promise—fixing systemic flaws rather than papering over them with a sticker.

Partnership: The Heart of Kitchen Exhaust Maintenance

Performance Industrial isn’t just a vendor—they’re a partner. “We’re a full service… from education to keeping your employees safe, the tenants that are above your buildings,” Tom says. When they find ductwork in disrepair—held together with “self-tappers” instead of welds—they don’t just clean and leave. “I’ll work with you… to correct these issues,” Tom promises, detailing how they connect clients with duct repair experts and join walkthroughs, all at no extra cost.

Their website positions them as “a partner in our clients’ success,” a role they live out by educating clients with detailed reports and photos. “They never even saw a report to begin with,” Tom says of competitors’ practices, a gap Performance Industrial fills. For new systems, they offer water leak tests—”We’ll run water through them… so they have perfectly up to code work from the beginning,” Tom explains—ensuring code compliance from day one. This comprehensive support reflects their motto: “Whatever it takes.”

“Beyond the Sticker”: A Fire Prevention Imperative

Grease fires are a top threat to commercial kitchens, and Performance Industrial’s approach mitigates this risk. “The best way to put out a fire is to not have it in the first place,” Tom quips, a sentiment their website backs with, “Nothing is of higher priority than protecting your commercial kitchen business from the threat of fire.” By exceeding NFPA 96 with bare metal cleaning and ensuring accessibility, they prevent fires before they ignite, protecting clients from shutdowns by fire marshals or third-party inspectors.

Tom’s humor—“I don’t want to be explaining to News Channel 10… ‘Well, I just cleaned the hood’”—belies a serious commitment. “We’re not gonna be putting other people in jeopardy,” he insists, a stance their website reinforces: “When it comes to safety and cleanliness, we want it done right.” This accountability sets them apart as a trusted name across their service region.

Rising Above Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Competitors

The industry is rife with minimalists. “Some of these companies are just small… individuals,” Tom says, who might clean a foot of ductwork and call it compliant. Michael Nelson sums it up: “You’re seeing inspection stickers from companies that… did the bare minimum… but there’s potential for long-term fire hazards.” Performance Industrial rejects this. “We hold ourselves to a higher standard,” Chris says, even if it means losing bids to cheaper rivals.

Their website boasts a “track record of superior results that stands head and shoulders above the competition,” a claim borne out by their meticulous process. “We’re not gonna clean… write you up for deficiencies, and then submit that in [to compliance engines] and you get shut down anyways,” Tom says, emphasizing cost-efficient, transparent solutions that save clients from fines or worse.

Conclusion: Performance Industrial’s KEC Excellence

Performance Industrial’s “Beyond the Sticker” ethos transforms kitchen exhaust cleaning into a holistic safety strategy. With bare metal cleaning, proactive problem-solving, and a partnership mindset, they exceed NFPA 96 standards to safeguard commercial kitchens from Albany to Vermont. For businesses seeking reliable kitchen exhaust cleaning services, their number—518.793.9274—is a call to safety, compliance, and peace of mind, delivered one pristine system at a time.