Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
AFSA44 was an unbelievable event. What a wonderful time we all had, and, if you missed it, hopefully you can join us in San Antonio at AFSA45 September 27-30, 2026. The training opportunities and networking were vast. The list of presenters throughout the event was the Who’s Who of the industry. The “Ask the Experts” panels were packed with experts from all areas of the field. In fact, we were limited to 10 seats on the panel and, looking around the audience, many other experts were in the room. The call for presentations for AFSA45 has been issued with a deadline of January 9, 2026. Based on the number and quality of submissions we received for AFSA44, we expect the submissions for AFSA45 to be top-notch once again.
The end of the calendar year is the perfect time to look back while also looking forward to the future. Why do this? It helps you identify what you did well, what you did not do so well, and what needs to be continued, changed, or dropped. In my role at AFSA, I need to be honest with my team to see what needs to happen. The great news for me is that my technical team is hitting it out of the park. For this column, I reviewed my November/December 2024 Flashpoint column. We have accomplished everything I set out for 2025 and then some. For 2026, most of my goals have been set for me. Our leaders, Bob Caputo and Matt Klaus, along with the AFSA’s Board of Directors, want the technical team to keep the pedal to the floor with our current items, and they want us to add related training. The addition of inspection and testing of fire alarm systems, releasing systems, fire extinguishers, clean agent systems, kitchen extinguishing systems, exit and emergency lights, fire dampers, and fire doors are all being considered. These additions will happen, but it will take time and effort. The Board of Directors has committed the financial resources to this goal. Our current training facility in Richardson, Texas, is nearing full capacity, with the 2026 calendar filling up quickly. Our contractor, manufacturers, suppliers, associates, AHJs, designers, and engineering members are flocking to our classroom and lab for training. The attendees complete a course evaluation after each program, which I personally review. The goal of these evaluations is to identify areas for improvement and recognize our strengths. The great news for me is the overwhelming positive comments we receive. Although I receive only a few negative comments, I take each one to heart. However, I occasionally come across a humorous review. I wanted to share two of the ones I reviewed. “During break, you only had Diet Coke for me to drink. I prefer Coke Zero.” My favorite, “The t-shirt you gave me was only available in red. I prefer blue t-shirts.” We are doing well if these are the type of negative comments I am reading!
Now that my goals are set, what about your team and your personal goals? If you lead a team, are your fellow employees properly trained? I hear all the time from contractors, “We need more designers.” Well, that might be a difficult task, but what about investing in the designers you currently have on your team? Are they certified? NICET’s Level III in Water-Based System Layout or NFPA’s Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP) should be the minimum goal for all designers. ITM technicians should also strive to be certified. NICET’s Level III in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems (ITWBS) or NFPA’s Certified Water-Based Systems Inspection, Testing, and Maintence (WBITM) System Professional should be the minimum goal for all ITM technicians. Additionally, field installers should strive to complete an apprenticeship program. AFSA has programs designed to provide the necessary education for your people.
For seasoned employees, what about continuing education? Even if your local AHJ does not require continuing education, it is the right thing to do. Failing to train employees on the latest changes in installation standards or available products can compromise quality and have severe financial consequences. Liability for inferior designs, installations, or inspections can lead to legal action. Training is an opportunity, not an expense. Again, AFSA has programs designed to provide the necessary continuing education for your people. Set goals for both your employees and yourself, and follow up on their progress.
As I complete my fifth year of employment with AFSA, we have changed and moved forward in a positive way. I am proud to lead the most technically competent team in the industry. Kevin, Josh, Eric, Hayden, and Victoria all bring their specific strengths to my team. I always like to remind my team about the AFSA mission statement—“AFSA is the voice of the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor. We educate and train the industry while promoting fire protection systems to save lives and property.” My take on this statement is to train, train, train, and train some more. No one has ever claimed they are too educated in their chosen profession. Hell, I am still learning every day.
Having two grandchildren, I can only pray that I will be able to train them to be the best they can be. God, please help me!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bob Caputo, CFPS, is president of AFSA. He has been an important part of the fire sprinkler industry for over 41 years and is a long-time member of AFSA and promoter of merit shop contracting. He has chaired and served on many NFPA committees. Caputo has written and presented seminars throughout the world on fire protection and life-safety systems and is a regular speaker at AFSA and NFPA conventions. He has developed AFSA education and training materials, and chaired two chapters of AFSA—Arizona and Southern California. Caputo is the recipient of numerous awards, including Fire Protection Contractor magazine’s “Industry person of the Year,” San Diego County Fire Chief’s Association’s “Fire Prevention Officer of the Year,” and AFSA’s highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee Award.