Featured Articles

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Unless you’ve been living off the grid these past few months, we have all seen the news reports related to the California wildfires, along with the horrific videos and photos related to the devastation they have caused. We’ve seen multiple stories and opinions on every television news outlet about the …

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CHAIR’S MESSAGE

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

AFSA’s 44-year history is a testament to the importance of having a mother ship to turn to for all the latest industry news. Our new podcast, “The K-Factor,” is a new way for everyone in the fire protection industry to feel connected and represented. Where do you turn for training …

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Matthew Klaus Named AFSA Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Matthew Klaus Named AFSA Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Association Welcomes Industry Expert DALLAS – The Board of Directors of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has announced the unanimous selection of Matthew (Matt) Klaus as the association’s executive vice president/chief operating officer (COO). Established in 1981, AFSA serves as North America’s largest fire sprinkler industry organization. Klaus’ tenure began on …

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EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP ACROSS GENERATIONS

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP ACROSS GENERATIONS

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 …

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HIGHER STANDARDS

HIGHER STANDARDS

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 …

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UNCLE RUSS

UNCLE RUSS

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 …

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SPARKING CONVERSATIONS; IGNITING INSIGHTS

SPARKING CONVERSATIONS; IGNITING INSIGHTS

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 …

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SHARING AFSA’S MISSION GLOBALLY

SHARING AFSA’S MISSION GLOBALLY

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 …

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FLASHPOINT

FLASHPOINT

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 …

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KICK START 2025 WITH TOP-TIER TRAINING

KICK START 2025 WITH TOP-TIER TRAINING

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 …

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