Christos “Chris” Daskalakis — Founder & CEO of MFS Trade School

35+ Years of Industry Experience | 2,000+ Students Trained | Entrepreneur | Former New Jersey Fire Inspector

Christos “Chris” Daskalakis is the Founder and CEO of MFS Trade School, a professional training and certification school based in Sanford, Florida, specializing in commercial kitchen exhaust hood cleaning.

With more than 35 years of hands-on industry experience, Chris has dedicated his career to commercial kitchen fire safety, professional training, and helping aspiring entrepreneurs build businesses in the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.

His mission goes beyond teaching a technical skill. Chris believes that specialized trade education should provide students with practical knowledge and business fundamentals to pursue sustainable entrepreneurship.

Chris Daskalakis at a Glance

Achievement	Professional Background
35+ years	Commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry experience
2,000+ students	Trained and mentored across the United States and Canada
12+ years	Leading MFS Trade School
Founder & CEO	MFS Trade School
Founder	National Hood Cleaners Association
Former Fire Inspector	Licensed in the State of New Jersey

Professional Background: From Fire Safety to Industry Education

Before establishing MFS Trade School, Chris developed extensive hands-on experience in the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.

He also previously served as a licensed Fire Inspector in New Jersey, developing knowledge of fire prevention, inspection procedures, and commercial kitchen safety requirements.

His combined experience in technical cleaning and fire safety helped shape his approach to professional education.

Chris emphasizes that successful kitchen exhaust cleaning contractors must understand more than grease removal. They need to recognize the importance of exhaust system components, safe cleaning procedures, accurate documentation, and applicable industry requirements.

Why Chris Founded MFS Trade School

More than 12 years ago, Chris founded MFS Trade School to help individuals learn a specialized trade and develop the knowledge needed to pursue business ownership.

He recognized that aspiring entrepreneurs often faced challenges entering the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry without practical training, equipment knowledge, or guidance on operating a business.

MFS Trade School was developed to help address those challenges.

Its educational approach combines hands-on technical instruction with business fundamentals, including:

• Commercial kitchen exhaust systems and cleaning procedures

• NFPA 96 and applicable fire safety requirements

• Professional cleaning equipment and safety practices

• Job estimating and service pricing

• Customer acquisition and business development

• Operational planning and business growth

MFS Trade School reports having trained and mentored more than 2,000 students across the United States and Canada.

Helping Entrepreneurs Build Businesses of Their Own

Chris believes skilled trades can provide meaningful opportunities for individuals seeking professional independence and business ownership.

MFS Trade School serves students from a wide range of backgrounds, including aspiring entrepreneurs, pressure washing contractors, commercial cleaning business owners, restaurant service providers, and facility maintenance professionals.

Some students are entering the industry for the first time. Others want to expand existing service businesses into commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning.

Chris's goal is to help students develop the technical knowledge, business skills, and practical understanding needed to evaluate and pursue these opportunities.

He also recognizes the importance of guidance after training, as graduates navigate equipment purchases, estimating, customer acquisition, and business operations.

Professional Standards, NFPA 96, and Commercial Kitchen Fire Safety

Commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning plays an important role in managing grease accumulation within restaurant ventilation systems.

NFPA 96 establishes fire safety requirements relating to commercial cooking ventilation, including inspection and cleaning provisions.

Throughout his career, Chris has emphasized the importance of understanding these requirements and performing specialized cleaning work professionally.

His approach to training focuses on:

• Understanding commercial exhaust system components

• Following appropriate cleaning and safety procedures

• Recognizing grease accumulation and service limitations

• Documenting completed work

• Understanding applicable fire safety requirements

• Maintaining professional customer relationships

NFPA 96 is a fire safety standard, not an individual contractor certification.

This distinction is important for students entering the industry.

Founder of the National Hood Cleaners Association

Chris is also the founder of the National Hood Cleaners Association (NHCA).

NHCA was established to support the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry through educational resources, professional connections, and industry information.

Through MFS Trade School and NHCA, Chris works to encourage professionalism, strengthen industry relationships, and support contractors pursuing long-term business development.

Learn More About the National Hood Cleaners Association

The Impact of MFS Trade School

MFS Trade School has developed a community of students, graduates, and entrepreneurs interested in commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning.

The school reports hundreds of five-star reviews and student video testimonials describing their training experiences.

For Chris, an important measure of success is seeing graduates apply their knowledge, pursue customers, and work toward building businesses of their own.

His focus remains on practical education, professional standards, and preparing students for real-world industry challenges.

Chris Daskalakis's Vision for the Future

Chris's long-term vision is to expand access to professional training while helping strengthen standards within the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.

His priorities include improving educational programs, supporting graduates, developing contractor relationships, and creating additional resources for entrepreneurs.

His approach is centered on five principles:

Practical Training. Professional Standards. Fire Safety. Entrepreneurship. Long-Term Business Growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chris Daskalakis

Who is Christos “Chris” Daskalakis?

Christos “Chris” Daskalakis is the Founder and CEO of MFS Trade School in Sanford, Florida, and the founder of the National Hood Cleaners Association. He has more than 35 years of experience in the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.

What is Chris Daskalakis's professional background?

Chris has extensive hands-on experience in kitchen exhaust cleaning and previously served as a licensed Fire Inspector in New Jersey. His background combines fire safety, technical cleaning, entrepreneurship, and professional education.

Why did Chris Daskalakis start MFS Trade School?

Chris founded MFS Trade School to provide practical kitchen exhaust cleaning training and business education for individuals interested in entering the industry or expanding existing service businesses.

How many students has MFS Trade School trained?

According to the school's reported figures, MFS Trade School has trained and mentored more than 2,000 students across the United States and Canada.

What organizations has Chris Daskalakis founded?

Chris founded MFS Trade School and the National Hood Cleaners Association, two organizations focused on education, professional development, and the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.

Where is MFS Trade School located?

MFS Trade School is based in Sanford, Florida, United States.

Learn From Chris Daskalakis and the MFS Trade School Team

Interested in starting or expanding a commercial kitchen exhaust hood cleaning business?

MFS Trade School provides hands-on training and certification designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing service-business owners.

Explore the Kitchen Exhaust Hood Cleaning Certification Program

Develop the technical skills and business fundamentals needed to pursue opportunities in the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry.