How Being a Problem Solver Transformed Me from Receptionist to Director of Operations in Three Years In June 2012 I found myself staring longingly at a lakeside cabin for rent hoping to convince my dad to help me make this desire a reality. I was a jobless art school graduate with …

AFSA Virginia Chapter Supports Central Virginia Burn Camp It is summer and it is time for the kids to have some fun. The Central Virginia Burn Camp just had their 22nd year of camp. Camp was the week of June 14-20 with the theme “Cruising Around the World.” The Virginia …

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to announce the addition of the Arkansas chapter to its network of nationwide chapters. As the newest chapter to join the family, the Arkansas chapter will serve AFSA members as the Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association. The chapter held their first meeting at the …

AFSA Member Partners With Texas Construction Career Academy In March of this year, as an enrichment opportunity through the San Antonio, Texas Northside Independent School District (NSISD) Construction Career Academy (CCA) program, Jim Cantilli and I of AFSA member American Automatic Sprinkler had the opportunity to be the guests of Mr. …

The 2015 AFSA convention theme, “Rising to Excellence,” is an appropriate theme for the times we face. In these competitive times, growth and success for many companies will hinge on their ability to improve quality, expand training and provide better management. Over the years a number of studies comparing quality …

Honoring a Contractor Who Helped Educate the Industry Becoming a leader doesn’t happen overnight. Leaders work their way through the ranks and rise to the top thanks to a combination of hard work, perseverance, and traits and qualities that make them a true trailblazer. In recognition of his dedication and …

When does fire prevention end and fire suppression begin? The flippant answer is: when someone calls 911 reporting a fire. The fire has occurred. Prevention implies that it wouldn’t happen. But, it did. Now, someone has to go put it out. And now, the outcome may well be determined by …

Different Construction Materials Create Different Issues I may be aging myself, but do you remember the days of using the maximum spacing for hangers and the 40, 80 rule? There was no concern that the building structure would not support the sprinkler pipe, and we spaced lateral braces 40 ft …