The Business of Subcontractors When it comes down to it, the primary business of subcontractors is service. Subcontractors are retained to provide services and products to prime contractors, owners or other subcontractors. In the monopsonistic (i.e., one buyer, many sellers) environment of the construction industry, companies hiring subcontractors can afford …
Read More »Foundation Research on ESFR Sprinklers and Obstructions
Multi-Phase Project From NFPA Research Affiliate Early suppression fast response sprinklers (ESFR) are high-volume, high-pressure sprinklers that are often used to protect combustible storage as an alternative to installing in-rack sprinklers. Compared to the standard spray sprinkler, ESFR sprinklers have a significantly different spray pattern and they apply much larger …
Read More »How to “Win a Bid”
Success = Details + Hard Work One of most important things a sprinkler contractor must do is to learn how to “win a bid.” In the sprinkler world, you must learn how to keep feeding the beast in order to stay in business and that means you have to get …
Read More »Fierce Competition National Craft Championships
Lee, Nelson Take Home Medals in Fire Sprinkler Competition In the first week of March, 11 fire sprinkler apprentices from all over the United States descended upon Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the 2016 National Craft Championships (NCC). Held during the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) Workforce Development Conference, the …
Read More »The 80/20 Rule
Balancing Ownership and Management Responsibilities Many business founders dream of the day that the next generation will join them in the business. While entry of the next generation can be a very exciting time, it also presents challenges. One of the many decisions the family must make at this point …
Read More »Members Benefit from Informal Interpretations
Utilize This Free Service to Save Time and Money Have you ever had a technical question that you just couldn’t seem to answer? Found yourself wondering who was in the right when you disagreed with an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or design team? As a member of the American Fire …
Read More »Productive Conflict
Take Your Organization to the Next Level Do you work in a harmonious business environment? If so, you could be mired in mediocrity or headed for extinction. While the thought of working in a “culture of conflict” sounds like a painful existence, it could be the differentiator that pushes your …
Read More »Early Suppression, Fast Response Sprinklers
Making Them Work for You Since the late 1980s, early suppression, fast response (ESFR) sprinklers have been viewed as one of the greatest innovations in fire protection since Henry Parmelee first introduced the automatic sprinkler in 1874. Since NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, indicates that you …
Read More »Rack Storage With Solid Shelving
Can ESFR Sprinklers Be Used? Historically if you wanted to use early suppression fast resonse (ESFR) sprinklers but had solid shelving, you were out of luck (go directly to jail – do not pass go – do not collect $200). Up until the 2010 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for …
Read More »Management and Training Seminars Shine
Seize the Opportunity at AFSA’s Annual Convention in Nashville Grow your business and set your sights on success by attending the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition “A Grand Ole Opportunity: AFSA in Nashville.” Offering 60 hours of technical and managerial seminars, this year’s event promises …
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