DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL, MULTIGENERATIONAL COMPANY Today’s workforce is diverse both in background and age. For business leaders, knowing how to build an effective team of people who hail from different generations can contribute greatly to the success and profitability of a firm. Unfortunately, generational language and communication styles can sometimes …

Happy New Year! 2025 will be an exciting and busy year as it kicks off the revision cycles for the 2028 editions of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, NFPA 13D, Standard for the …

Jean and I recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. We met on the second day of our first year of college and exchanged vows three years later. Some of you know the story where I was late for our wedding because I got caught up at my part-time job and …

THE K-FACTOR PODCAST DEBUTS When we first started The K-Factor Podcast, my co-hosts AFSA Director of Training & Operations Josh McDonald, MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM; AFSA Technical Training Specialist Eric Andresen, WBITM; and I had one simple goal: to create a space where everyone in the fire protection industry could …

Presenting at the International Fire Operations Conference and Expo in Saudi Arabia The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was founded in 1981 for the purpose of educating and training the U.S.-based merit shop fire sprinkler industry. As its current president, I had the honor of being invited to participate in …

A good friend asked me the other day if I liked my position with AFSA. I thought about it for a minute or so before responding, “Absolutely, I’m living my dream job!” I started as an employee with AFSA in 2020. However, I started as a volunteer with AFSA in …

APPRENTICES, INSPECTORS, FACILITY MANAGERS, AND DESIGNERSCAN ELEVATE THEIR SKILLS The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has released its 2025 course offerings and schedules. Are you looking to grow your fire sprinkler business or opportunities to advance your career? AFSA will have the right option for you! With its popular educational …

Optimism Continues for a Third Year As the sprinkler industry heads into 2025, expectations appear to be positive. Dodge Construction and FMI Corp. both predict another year of growth in construction starts and construction put-in-place. Members of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) also report feeling optimistic. Read member reports …